It is a known fact that the majority of Bahamians have resorted to being parasites. We unfortunately would prefer to hustle rather than work; we would prefer to borrow and not pay back. We prefer to join an asue and disappear after we get our draw. We would literally “kiss up” to get money, including [doing] things rather than work and get what we want on our own. We unashamedly want something for nothing.
The government has built the much-awaited, much-talked about, much-dreamed about and much-anticipated Straw Market. This government venture is planned to be a cultural place where artists and artisans can not only sell, but display their treasured work showing tourists what Bahamians are capable of and what rich culture we have.
Since the fire that destroyed the market vendors, some of whom claim that they love the Bahamas and are patriotic, have strayed away from the original intent of having a straw market. They have disgraced the idea by turning it into a dump; selling just about anything that comes to their mind. The much publicized embarrassment experienced when some vendors were caught in the United States’ crosshairs, did precious little in deterring vendors from going down the road of counterfeit products. This singularly proves that they are defiant in bucking authority and order. They are self-centred and selfish to put it mildly.
A recent newspaper article said: “In the new market, officials, advised that only Bahamian goods will be sold, counterfeit products will be completely prohibited, vendor, licenses will be restricted to Bahamian citizens, and rental charges will range from $200 to $250 per month, $46 to $58 per week or $6.50 to $8.20 per day.
Now this has brought me to my real point of offering this opinion: Are these vendors serious about having to pay for the rental of their stalls/booth? Do these vendors expect the government to splurge $10 million plus of our money just because they believe that they are so much more special than other Bahamians, many whom are not working at all?
Do vendors expect to pay nothing, even though they brag about how good the market is to them and their entire family? How many business persons can operate in their respective venues without expecting to pay their way? Only parasites think like that. Come on, the high daily asue conducted every day is proof that business is not bad. The market belongs to all of us and no one should be exempted from paying. Those who refuse to pay should be immediately evicted and the stalls given to others who are willing to pay.
I know several vendors who have a conscience would welcome this wonderful opportunity to not only make money, but to be a part of showcasing our beautiful country through arts and craft, would not mind “giving back” so that something could be in the treasury for our children and generations yet unborn.
Let us put our selfishness and pettiness aside and work together, all of us, toward building a better Bahamas that we all can be proud of. Our children yet unborn would thank us later for being wise.
Ivoine W. Ingraham
Nassau, The Bahamas
April, 2011