Someone commented the other day that politicians are the rock stars of The Bahamas and I tend to agree with this statement after watching the grand entrances Messrs Christie and Ingraham received at political rallies held at various locations throughout the country. The entourages and music that accompanied them to their respective podiums during the weeks leading up to the general elections was nothing short of spectacular.

During a rally on RM Bailey Park in Nassau about two weeks before Election Day, it took Mr. Hubert Ingraham, leader of the Free National Party, almost 30 minutes to get behind the podium once he was called to the stage. This is the scene that one would usually witness when watching a celebrity like Michael Jackson, or Madonna try to make their way through a throng of adoring fans.

Further evidence of the rock star status to which these men are held can be witnessed once they would have come to the stage they would bend forward to shake the hands of the loud and animated supporters at the front of the stage. When Prime Minister Perry Christie bent forward to greet the frenzy of supporters at one of the rallies in the capital, it looked like a scene from a rock concert that I had only witnessed via the television. Women were shouting and teary eyed at his mere presence and touch.

What makes all of this so odd is that Bahamians are not traditionally known to fawn over people. Many celebrities from around the world have commented how relaxed and at home they feel when they visit this country.  Some of these movie stars and sports stars have said that they have been able to walk down public streets like Bay Street without anyone bothering them for an autograph or a photo opportunity.

No, the behaviour I saw at these political rallies was all rather strange to me.   The Bahamians I know and love are really very "sometimey.” This is a Bahamian coined word that refers to individuals who don’t pay much attention to one person or something for any substantial period.  

Subsequently, one can’t help but wonder what kinds of cheers these respective leaders will receive after the ballots have been tallied on Wednesday and one of them will be the Prime Minister of this country, while the other will be the leader of the Official Opposition.

If the leader of your political party does not assume the office of Prime Minister after May 2nd, will you still be willing to shout his name and vigorously wave your hands in front of him when he stands in front of you as leader of the Opposition?

This wave of excitement that has been building for about four weeks will reach its crescendo in two days then the people of this nation will return to “normal.”   It is only during the time when a general election will take place that our people become almost rabid in their actions and speech.

Yes, normalcy is sadly needed at this time. The regular nonchalant, laid-back attitudes of many Bahamians needs to be returned. I suggest we do not turn back but keep going forward with our personal plans for self-actualization. I suggest that we keep the fire burning in our souls as we continue to journey towards fulfilling our purpose.

Yes, it is all a matter of us trusting in ourselves rather than the overzealous screaming supporters who want to suck up the energy of the leader whom they adore.   Yes, we must make a stand and be purposeful in all that we do.  

This is not the time to allow yourself to be taken on a “magic carpet ride” into a land of dreams and fantasies. I challenge you this week to be true to who you are and who you are called to be as you exercise your democratic right to vote.