The Government of The Commonwealth of The Bahamas says that it is committed to building an economic environment in which free enterprise can flourish; where the Government assumes its proper role as regulator and facilitator of economic development; where the ideals of transparency, fair play and equality of treatment are paramount; and a policy that maintains a stable society in which all people are afforded the opportunity to realize their maximum potential.
While these words sound good; and while they look good on paper, the truth today is that many Bahamians are troubled by government policy in action. In this regard, we take note that Bahamians who live and work in Bimini are as mad as hell and are determined not to take it any longer. They are currently protesting against what they say is wide spread social discrimination against Bahamians in their own country.
While it is not vitally important for the argument we wish to make, we take note of the fact that some Bahamians living and working in Bimini are today adamantly opposed to what they say is a near total alienation of Crown Land. They are also very critical of the behavior of some expatriates who seem intent on setting up another exclusive gated community.
These complaints mirror similar complaints concerning the impacts –real and imagined- of some of the so-called anchor projects now taking shape throughout The Bahamas. Suffice it to say that while most right-thinking Bahamians are happy for the jobs generated by these initiatives, some are beginning to form the conclusion that the price they have to pay is just too much.
We are inclined to agree with some of the complaints. In many cases in the Family Islands there is no need for gated communities.
As we have previously suggested, there are times in life when bigger is evidently better. But yet again, there are occasions when bigger is harbinger to disaster. Put otherwise, there is a distinction to be made between economic growth and economic development.
Take for instance, current ‘debates’ concerning proposals for the redevelopment of the Cable Beach Strip. There practically everyone seemed to take it for granted that it was set to be built on the scale of operations in Las Vegas.
While we are at this business of reciting examples, the one concerning Guana Cay comes to mind. In both instances, Bahamian leaders were talking the talk in the amounts of hundreds of millions of U.S. dollars.
But now, as the drama involving Guana Cay unfolds; and as more and more Bahamians come face to face with some of the facts concerning this and any number of other large projects slated for ‘heads of agreement’ treatment, some voices are coming forward with the suggestion that more of the same might well be detrimental to the long-term development of The Commonwealth of The Bahamas.
We note too that Bahamians, who are thinking in this vein, and making any number of important points about scale, capacity and development, are suggesting that the government’s macro-economic strategy is seriously flawed in that it encourages growth for the sake of growth. These observers are on to something, which is dreadfully important for The Bahamas.
Caught up in this emerging debate are larger issues concerning the question as to how much is enough when it comes to economic growth. In addition, there are other vitally important issues bound up with the land question, community culture, identity and a host of related socio-cultural dynamics, these pivoting on related issues as they pertain to saturation, carrying capacity, sustainability, and stewardship.
When reference is made to matters such as these, attention must also be given to the views, values and concerns of the Bahamian people.
Of what use- the critics are asking- if so-called development in The Bahamas is smashingly successful in putting money in the hands of land dealers, accountants and other such professionals, but which at the same time leaves in its turbulent wake Bahamians who are more and more convinced that their birthright in the land is being sold out from under them.
Also, there is added insult to injury when the idea is trotted around that some of the so-called investors who are coming in are little more than clever land speculators out to make a quick buck in The Bahamas; and at the expense of Bahamians.
Editorial from The Bahama Journal
