The Tribune

In the Bahamas, there are many who, with their means, quietly make contributions to various organisations. They insist on their names not being called, as they believe in the purity of their actions. For instance, they fund a local school’s scholarship program, help youth organisations and sports, donate to a community health clinic, or help those in need. Their selfless acts, devoid of any desire for recognition, serve as a beacon of hope and inspiration. These unsung heroes, through their selfless acts, inspire admiration and understanding of the true essence of giving.

On the other hand, some help get publicity so that they’re seen differently. These kinds of people mentioned are pure and unadulterated people with the lowest self-esteem and thrive from being in the limelight. So, being our brother’s keeper is only valid in the book. We pay lip service to giving, but our hearts are not pure and are not sensitive to the plight of our brothers and sisters. We would want to be seen as selfless when the truth is said we are selfish people who could care less about anyone, even blood relatives. Everything is cool as long as no one will be better off than us.

Like countless others, I am driven to help others. I can name a few Bahamians who go beyond to assist, but I want their names to remain anonymous. It is best not to be known because vultures that cannot be satisfied would come pouncing to attempt to meet their unquenchable greed. Let’s all strive to be selfless, which is the true mark of a generous society.

Greed has consumed far too many of us. We become successful, move away from our neighbourhoods, and disregard family and friends who have fallen on hard times. We move into gated communities and completely forget how we got there, yet we want more and stop at nothing to block our friends and family from having the same experiences.

There has been a new kind of greed in the last few years. Politically, an alarming crew found a way to fleece the country by acquiring influence and capitalising on it, but they could not get enough. So they go back to the well without conscience and then brag about it. Because they are not used to being successful, they set out to block any attempt by their friends or family to experience the same.

Seeing people bickering and complaining is disheartening because they cannot get “something for nothing”. The chorus of unsatisfied gluttons is sickening. Greed comes from those hell-bent on having it all, whether in political power, economic wealth, or social status. And if they do have their way, it comes through those who can make things happen or threaten everyone until they achieve it.

Societal greed leads to inequality and undermines trust and cooperation. We must critique this greed and strive for a more equitable and generous society. The detrimental impact of greed and arrogance is a cause for concern and should urgently motivate us to change.

The atmosphere is ripe for envy and jealousy. People who would not lift a finger to help themselves are angry with those who have applied themselves. The jealousy is so deep that there are many negative behaviours when the lazy parasite does not have their way. But getting something for nothing seems to be the new norm, or expecting to torment a politician long enough, they will succumb under the pressure and acquiesce.

Similarly, people experience annoying arrogance from rookie politicians who wake up on 17 September and realise they are now Members of Parliament. Few had the popularity or stock to be elected, but they rode on the popularity of others whose compassionate personalities paved the way.

This arrogance in leadership is not just distasteful; it’s a cause for concern. When leaders become arrogant, they often lose touch with the needs and concerns of the people they are supposed to serve, which can lead to decisions that benefit the few at the expense of the many. We need leaders who remember that they are not ‘too big for their bridges’ and hardly represent why they were elected, which is to serve.

Walking around with a puffed-up chest and displaying a superiority complex is not a good formula for service; it’s a turn-off. Leaders must experience an epiphany that the purpose for being elected is for service. The people are the employer, not the other way around. Humility, not arrogance, should be the hallmark of a good leader. They should remember that they are there to serve the people, not to be served by them, invoking a sense of accountability and responsibility in the audience.

We should not have to kiss the ring to get good representation, and no one is doing us the people a favour. Members of parliament are so arrogant that some walk in a crowded room and ‘not a dog say bow-wow.’ It is simply amazing how common courtesies have disappeared. Some act like gods. If you were not in their clique, then dog eat your lunch.

But the stark reality is that the only important thing is that people do not remember all of the rhetoric, the many social media posts, or the giveaways; people only remember how you make them feel. Disrespecting people for no reason other than being an MP still has not settled.

On another subject, hiring anyone to do a job and expecting subordinates to train them is not only foolish but degrading and counterproductive. A word to the wise is not to expect people on the ‘stinking end of the stick’ to cooperate favourably, thus creating a hostile atmosphere, expecting that to be a positive environment with positive outcomes.

I am generalising these scenarios without naming anyone so that those in authority who think about being inhumane remember that if you burn down the bridge, you may have to cross to the other side. Cruel and unusual punishment is terrible for a positive atmosphere, company or country.

Let’s face reality: Arrogance, greed, jealousy, and envy are part of our culture. We will not make much progress until we stop wasting energy and time tearing each other down. We must find ways to encourage each other and celebrate people’s achievements. When we progress, reach back and give a helping hand; that is the only way we can build a better Bahamas. This could mean supporting local businesses, volunteering in your community, or advocating for policy changes that promote equality and fairness.