EDITOR, The Tribune.
THE troubling cycle of poverty in The Bahamas calls for more than momentary solutions, it demands a shift in mindset and structure. For generations, too many Bahamians have faced a system that appears to domesticate them into a life of limited opportunities, where poverty is not just a financial state but an inherited mindset. This domestication, while subtle, is reinforced by a lack of inclusive economic opportunities, which effectively stifles entrepreneurial spirit, erodes confidence, and traps potential in a cycle of dependency and resignation.
Breaking this cycle requires a bold and unified effort to create an “Opportunity and Ownership Economy” in the Bahamas. To reverse this cycle of learned helplessness, Bahamians need more than jobs; they need a stake in the economy and equal access to ownership. A thriving ownership economy would foster local businesses, incentivize Bahamian-led innovations, and allow individuals and families to build wealth that benefits entire communities, rather than perpetuating the disproportionate growth of outside interests.
Such an approach would require policies that focus on inclusive access to capital, fairer tax structures, and broader support for cottage, micro, small, and medium enterprises (CMSMEs). A modern Bahamian economy that prioritizes entrepreneurship and citizen ownership would catalyse job creation, narrow socioeconomic disparities, and elevate living standards across the nation. By fostering a business-friendly environment that empowers citizens to build and own enterprises, the Bahamas can establish a more effectual business ecosystem that embraces the 21st century.
Empowering Bahamians in this way is not just about economic statistics - it’s about restoring pride, resilience, and independence to the Bahamian people. It is time to work collectively to build an inclusive economy where every Bahamian has a chance to prosper.
Let me hasten to add, that I sincerely believe that the leadership of Michael C Pintard, MP for Marco City, Leader of the Free National Movement (FNM) presents the most promising path toward establishing an “Inclusive Opportunity & Ownership Economy” in the Bahamas. Pintard has already demonstrated this commitment through his actions, not just in Marco City but throughout Grand Bahama. His vision extends to embracing all Bahamians, both within the archipelago and across the diaspora, fostering a more dynamic and inclusive economic foundational framework that would benefit the entire nation.
C ALLEN JOHNSON
Freeport, Grand Bahama
October 28, 2024.
Comments
Porcupine 1 month, 3 weeks ago
Very good letter and suggestions Mr. Johnson. First however, we must break the chains of continuing to elect ignorant, uneducated, dishonest and greedy politicians who have no vision for this country.. I think this is what you were alluding to by endorsing Pintard in light of the horrible excuse for leadership that is called the PLP under this failed Davis administration and the ignorant lackeys he surrounds himself with. This present PLP administration has set this country back by decades at a time when we desperately need to be moving forward, onward and upward.
ScubaSteve 1 month, 2 weeks ago
Yes, voting out horrible politicians is a element of the solution to a better future for our country!
JohnQ 1 month, 3 weeks ago
While I agree with aspects of this article, I think it all starts in the home. When the family structure is neglected and children are raised without the benefit of both parents being in the home, the cycle of poverty becomes harder to break. There is overwhelming evidence that a two parent family leads to more successful and productive children.
It starts in the home.
ScubaSteve 1 month, 2 weeks ago
Yes, improving the home/family environment is a element of the solution to a better future for our country!
sheeprunner12 1 month, 3 weeks ago
I agree with both comments above.
We must look a little deeper at this, as the system of slavery & indentured labour after slavery placed poor blacks & whites at a serious disadvantage.
Unfortunately, the PLP elite have gobbled up the remainder of the Bahamian economy that was not controlled by the Bay Street Boys and pushed the poor masses (mostly blacks) even deeper into poverty.
Porcupine 1 month, 3 weeks ago
Yes. Agreed. It is a conversation and dialog we need. The first step to this is a true emphasis on education. This is sorely lacking here. We push our kids to become obedient, and silent, "good" students who take these slimy politicians, pastors and police at their word and pretend that they know best. When one does break free from the chains of oppression by these same people, they are victimized. This is not a theory. It is real on a day to day basis. Speak up for the betterment of your community and you are ostracized by those in power. A power, I might add, that very very few here deserve. The D- educational system is what allows this situation to persist. And, exactly why the educated kids flee this country each and every day.
ScubaSteve 1 month, 2 weeks ago
Yes, improving the education system is a element of the solution to a better future for our country!
Porcupine 1 month, 3 weeks ago
But, are you suggesting this legacy of oppression cannot be understood, countered, and corrected in a reasonable period of time? I say given the will, and resources we have at our fingertips it could be. Well within one generation. Yes, starts at home. Then, to society at large. Haven't we failed on both accounts?
moncurcool 1 month, 3 weeks ago
Agree with the letter writer. Only as we push for an economy that makes ownership a leading push for our people will it be done.
Sad though, our politicians and those in the labour department see jobs as just signing the back of the check, rather than advocating for means for our people to sign the front of the check.
ScubaSteve 1 month, 2 weeks ago
Yes, allowing employees and citizens have more say and ownership in the economy is a element of the solution to a better future for our country!
DWW 1 month, 3 weeks ago
Education. Education has a long term delay in returns to society/community/cuntree. Therefore education will not get the politrickshun re-elected, the shirts, hams and marlins get him re-elected and that is where he places his emphasis. Democracy is the worst form of government but we haven't found anything better. In the late 70's early 80's the Bahamas kicked out all the foreign teachers and replaced them with Bahamian who were maybe not well trained for the job. Fast forward 40 years and we are reaping the benefits (or detriments) of that situation. History is not there to be changed it is there to remind us of our failings and successes. Since that time education in the cuntree has been abysmal but no one will admit the failure...
DWW 1 month, 3 weeks ago
its cool to be dumb - fix that one first and all else will follow.
sheeprunner12 1 month, 3 weeks ago
The so-called dumb Bahamians and Haitians and "others" are the ones getting rich in The Bahamas ...... They are "street smart" not "book smart".
Porcupine 1 month, 3 weeks ago
Excellent point. This is correct.
GodSpeed 1 month, 3 weeks ago
Stop having children you can't provide for.
ScubaSteve 1 month, 2 weeks ago
A very inexpensive, fast, and easy solution that may help what you are suggesting is -- FREE birth control, FREE condoms, FREE morning after pill, etc, etc, etc!!!
hrysippus 1 month, 3 weeks ago
The simple answer is to heavily tax inherited wealth with Estate taxes. This will not happen as wealthy politicians who determine such legislation do not want people to know how wealthy they end up being and certainly do not want to pay any taxes to the government on that accumulated wealth that they bequest to their children.
sheeprunner12 1 month, 3 weeks ago
Those who control the laws, set the rules.
Most MPs and national leaders (UBP, PLP & FNM) were either rich or they got rich while in Office.
Check the records of the 39 MPs ....... The majority are millionaires. So, why would they pass laws to tax themselves or their elite friends and PEPs????
Every new tax or "rate" is designed to take more money out of the pockets of the average and below average wealth earner. The rich Bahamian is living off the backs of the poor masses.
ScubaSteve 1 month, 2 weeks ago
There simply isn't "one" solution to this problem. Instead, there are multiple solutions (look at the 2nd paragraph in Mr. Johnson's letter, better education, more stability within the home/family, and voting out inept, selfish, corrupt politicians, etc) many of which have been mentioned in the comments above & in Mr. Johnson's letter. The best part is that we don't need to pick just one solution to pursue -- we can select all of them and pursue all of them at the same time. A multi-front attack or approach to help change the course of our countries youth and future!!!
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