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Last Updated: Feb 13, 2017 - 1:45:37 AM |
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Recently, we have seen members of the clergy not merely suggesting, but ordering the Prime Minister and the government to take certain actions. This is not the first time such a thing has happened, and if history teaches us anything, it’s that this will not be the last time either. As a young person, I envision a country where the separation of church and state exists not only on paper, but also in practice. The Church – defining who makes up and speaks for “The Church” is an issue for another day – has a responsibility to weigh in on and to address national issues, but must remember that its say is not final; many of us individual Christians should take note of this as well. Decision-making that affects the country is ultimately solely the responsibility of the government – the group of people Bahamians elected to run the country and their appointees.
Governments are meant to govern, and to do so for the protection of its citizens, all regardless of their religious beliefs or other differences. Therefore, government should then govern based on Bahamians being human beings and protect their basic human rights. Bahamians are of various religions or religious beliefs, including non-Christians. The government’s focus should then be in the interest of all Bahamians and not only some; for their national security, social protection, health care, education and more.
The Bahamas is a country that has, for far too long lived within the realms of conservatism and this is based on our false perception of living as a ‘Christian Nation’ and not ‘Christian Principles’ as our constitution states. Some may think this is fine, but we must ensure that the matters we are too reserved and traditional about do not hinder our economic and social growth as a nation. Is it not true that, according to Christian principles, it is right to respect individuals and their human right to existence in a safe society, which includes their right to have an opinion?
We are no longer living in an era where tradition is more important than anything else. There is a new world order, and the way our government operates must embrace change in theory and in practice. Yet, how are we to grow as a nation if our minds are not growing and welcoming the changes in the world that surrounds us? I am not saying that we should give up, or throw away our tradition in its entirety, but we must consider the sum of the changes that occur in the world that surround us. At the drop of a dime, developed countries can form alliances/agreements that are mutually beneficial for the protection and enhancement of their citizens; if The Bahamas continues to be inflexible with global human rights premises, what could that mean for the Country?
The Bahamas has never been a country that can live and survive on its own. We cannot even feed ourselves, and our two primary industries are totally dependent on outsiders for their success. Why do we shy away from being a part of international negotiations? Because we believe that our country has it all? Here’s a reality check: we do not have it all and we must embrace globalization. Yes, the government has made progress to ensure that we do, but we as a people must open our minds to embrace international policies and basic human rights, to ensure that our country is continuously viewed as a modern country with respect for all people.
Modernization does not only include technology, but it also includes the advancement of our ways and means of governance. The longer we pretend to believe that we’re living in a society that is fine on its own, the more we stagnate our growth and throw away opportunities for further advancement. Therefore, embracing human rights will not only entice international investors but also allow the opportunity for building up of Bahamian businesses and society as well.
Moreover, investors want to devote their money into our economy, yes, but there are many others who want to invest their resources into the people of our country. However, if the minds of our people are closed and archaic, how are we then to receive what can be blessings to advance the people of our nation? When foreigners invest, their major concern isn’t just to seek a good return on their investment but they also want to ensure their money is pumped into a nation with people that respect each other as individuals, especially their basic human rights.
As an individual who sees the commonality of humanity and the human experience, over and above individual differences, I believe that the intersections where individual preferences diverge should not overshadow the need and importance of good and fair governance. The content of a politician’s character matters, and once he or she is a law abiding citizen who respects the law and ways of governance of our country, and means the best for all Bahamians and not some, then that person is free to govern. I strongly believe that we are not freed from slavery, as our minds are still enslaved by the social norms and orders of the past. We must make a more assertive effort to emancipate our minds from mental slavery, as a great regional artist once said. If this is not done, we will continue to live in a society that is trying to govern with policies that do not reflect and respect the diversity in this great country.
Tyson McKenzie is currently a senior student, completing his Bachelor of Arts Degree in Public Administration from the College of The Bahamas. He has had extensive exposure to government officials of different Caribbean countries, China, Europe and United States of America, discussing issues concerning good governance and globalization of The Bahamian economy and young people. He anticipates continuing his graduate studies at the University of the West Indies Cavehill Campus in 2015; pursuing a Master’s of Science in International Trade Policy. Tyson is a US Department of State IVLP Alumni. His aspiration is to be a Foreign Affairs Analyst and increase The Bahamas’ profile on the global scale working with CARICOM, the Commonwealth and the United Nations among others. Tyson has also held numerous national leadership positions, most recently being the founding and former President of The Bahamas National Youth Council.
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