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Last Updated: Feb 6, 2017 - 2:32:04 PM |
Joseph Darville feels that the fact that The Bahamas has remained a peaceful country over the past forty years should make us all feel proud.
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TheBahamasWeekly.com has randomly selected 10 Bahamians to canvas their opinions on highlights of The Bahamas over
the year 2012, as well as ask about the upcoming 40th year of independence for The Bahamas, and the direction of the country.
It is our way of highlighting Bahamians in our community, as well as
sharing a wide variety of opinions. Their comments will be shared over
the coming weeks.
Our third feature is with
Joseph Darville,
Co-Chairman, Bahamas National Drug Council:
1) What event do you feel was the most important for The Bahamas in 2012?
The general election, which returned the PLP to power: It again gave the populace the assurance that the power of governance is firmly in their hands and that they can change political leadership as often as they change underwear. This is significant for Bahamians, for up until recently, they were mesmerized by the experience that change of power was not their prerogative. Now they are becoming a bit more savvy in the political arena.
2) Who passed away this year that you feel will be 'most missed' and why?
Tommy Robinson: a man of culture, who in a very unselfish way laid the path for many Bahamians to succeed internationally in sports. His profound and humble spirit will abide with us for a very long time, and his physical presence will undoubtedly be missed nonetheless.
3) Who was the 'most inspirational / influential Bahamian' in 2012 and why?
Many Bahamians were inspirational during the year 2012; but I cannot think of any one single individual who was outstanding, inspirational and influential at the same time.
4) 2013 is the country's 40th anniversary of Independence. What should we be most proud of in the past 40 years ?
The fact that we have remained mainly a peaceful country over the past forty years, in spite of violent acts on an individual basis. This should make us feel very proud.
5) What/who do you feel is a Bahamian National Treasure and why?
In addition to its people, the Bahamian National Treasure is certainly our God-given heritage and stewardship of the lands and seas which grace our Bahamaland; they provide us with inestimable and yet untapped treasures of many sorts.
6) Looking forward, where do you feel the country still needs to improve and why?
The country has a long ways to go in many, many areas, however, the pressing issues must include the inappropriate manner in which we treat young people in this nation; so very many are abused, abandoned and neglected and, too often, the state stands by without the know-how or the political will to deal with this abysmal problem. Additionally, too many are left to their own devices after high school, the majority of them unemployed and without any guidance or direction to move them forward in a productive and creative way; consequently, they fall prey too easily to the most devastating tendencies in our communities.
7) Is there an 'unsung hero' you feel should be recognize? If so, who and why?
There are many unsung and silent heroes in our land, and it would be inappropriate to single out any one person for any special recognition; all unsung heroes abide within the beauty, light and grace of the joy in doing what their heart and earthly mission reveal to them daily.
8) Do you have a Personal Highlight for 2012?
Just the divine gift of arriving at the age of 71 on December 24th and still enjoying the unbounded beauty and joy of life.
ABOUT JOSEPH:
Joseph
Darville is a native of Long Island, Bahamas and a resident of
Freeport, Grand Bahama. He is the founding member and past president of
the Bahamas Counselor's Association; past president of the Bahamas
Mental Health Association and the Grand Bahama Mental Health
Association; founding member and past president of the Grand Bahama
Humane Rights Association;
co-chairman of the Bahamas National Drug Council;
a founding member of the Caribbean Human Rights Network;
past VP of the Caribbean Federation of Mental Health;
founding member and chairman of Operation Hope, [volunteer drug prevention, education & rehabilitation program];
and an administrative VP of the Freeport YMCA. Joseph is a past VP of
the Bahamas Union of Teachers and used to teach at the St. Augustine's
College in Nassau as well as at Queens' College, where he was also a
guidance counselor.
He
is an advanced master/teacher in Reiki training, a natural energy
healing method, as well as a teacher of Transcendental Meditation.
He is a columnist for TheBahamasWeekly.com and has received many awards for outstanding
service and achievement in teaching, communication, and citizenship.
Joseph has two children, and grand children.
Joseph can be reached at jdarville2002@yahoo.com
RELATED:
Bahamas 2012 in Review with Moya Thompson
Bahamas 2012 in Review with Youri Aramin Kemp
Bahamas 2012 in Review with Azaleta Ishmael-Newry
Bahamas 2012 in Review with Kedar Clarke
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