I write to join in and add my voice to the cries against institutionalised discrimination and bigotry against Bahamians.
The banning of Brokeback Mountain is a joke compared to the other types of discrimination that we endure. As long as we are silent the authorities will continue to think that they can dictate, to us the views of a few narrow-mlinded, hateful, bigoted people.
These same bigots, most of whom are waiting for the return of the Christ will be surprised when he asks; “Why didn’t you love them as I loved them?” Or, “Why do you think I made all people different, only to have you try to make them the same?”
Consider the following:
1) Here we are, 35 years after independence and we are still – second class citizens to tourists, as we cannot gamble in our own casinos. Is this not discrimination? I may not wish to gamble, but don’t deny me the right in my country which is reserved only for tourists.
2) How it is the female police officers are still referred to as Woman Police Constable/Sgt/ Inspector but the males are not referred to as man Police Constable, etc? Is this not discrimination? We can see who is a man officer and we can see who is a woman officer. This may be minor, but it is discrimination nonetheless.
3) How is it that (foreign) male spouses of a Bahamian female don’t have the same rights as a (foreign) female spouse of a Bahamian male? Is this not discrimination?
4) How is it that the child born to a Bahamian mother and foreign spouse doesn’t have the same rights of the child born in the Bahamas to a Bahamian man and his foreign spouse? Is this not discrimination?
5) How is it that two well qualified Bahamians are not considered for the post of President of the College of the Bahamas? If they were why was a less academically qualified person thrust upon the college community, so late in the game, for consideration? This may not be the case, but I beg to be enlightened.
6) How is it that in the 21st century, Bahamian businesspeople are still asking for the same considerations/exemptions offered to non-Bahamians?
7) How is it that migrants can come to the Bahamas, build shacks on any land that is not theirs and nothing or very little is done? However, if a Bahamian puts up a wall without the proper permits (which I don’t condone) it is taken down, while the substandard shack of the migrant is allowed to remain.
There are bigger fish to fry in this country than which movie is censored or not. Think about it.
By: JASON CARROLL, Nassau
