News headlines on
Monday were dominated by the tragic passing of a young mother and her two
daughters who, according to media reports, drowned after becoming trapped in
their vehicle which was seen careening off the Montague Beach ramp on Sunday
night. Though not yet confirmed by local authorities, media reports have
suggested the possibility of a murder suicide which saw the lives of 2 innocent
children snuffed out far too soon.
The Democratic
National Alliance joins the rest of the nation in mourning the loss of this
family. Our condolences go out to the surviving family and friends of the
victims. It is our hope that the peace of God enables them to cope through this
very difficult time in their lives.
This tragedy,
unfortunately, is a reflection of the level of hopelessness which hundreds of
Bahamians now feel. In recent years, hardworking and qualified Bahamians like
Shemicka McKinney – a college graduate – have struggled to find employment and
maintain their homes, pushing thousands below the poverty line. Meanwhile, the
high cost of electricity and more recently Value Added Tax have only added to
the country’s misery index while crime and the fear of crime continue to wreak havoc
on our lives.
Those problems have
only further been compounded by a lack of real leadership in governance where
for decades now, the political directorate in this country has been plagued by
corruption, cronyism and an overall lack of transparency.
Thankfully, all is not
lost. Our beautiful Bahamaland is not without options, there is hope. It will
undoubtedly require any and all future governments to TRULY believe in the
ability of our people and make the necessary investment in our country’s greatest
resource. What this country needs is a government prepared to empower its
citizens in a tangible way; to introduce new industries, and diversify the
economy. In order to spur long term economic growth this country must find a
balanced approach to immigration, one which is mutually beneficial for
generations of born and unborn Bahamians as well as those with a legal right to
be here. The time has come for domestic investors to reap the benefits of
concessions which have long been afforded to foreigners; to eliminate the red
tape which stifles entrepreneurism and ensure that a world class education is a
right available to ALL BAHAMIANS and not just for a privileged few.
No matter how dismal
the outlook though, this hopeful future I have described is closer than we all
think, and we as a people must remain strong and persevere so that we may live
to embrace it. As a country firmly rooted in Christian principles we must
always remember that God is indeed in control; and in his promises to sustain
us, we can place our faith.
As Robert Schuller so
aptly put it: “Tough times never last, but tough people do”. We must always remember our public and
private struggles will not last forever.
It will not come
easily though, we as a people, have a part to play. As the words of our
National Anthem instruct, we must lift up our heads to the rising sun and march
on to glory. We must as a nation, commit ourselves to rebuilding the family
unit. We as a people must aspire to becoming stronger individuals and only then
will the collective become strong. We must aspire to become a nation dedicated
to the Rule of Law, only then will those we elect to power have the same
dedication.
I encourage all
Bahamians to hold on to hope. All is not lost, this too shall pass. We must use
this time of trial as an opportunity to grow and prepare ourselves for the
dawning of a new day and a Better, Brighter Bahamas!
Mr. Branville McCartney,
DNA Leader
