A Vision for the New Bahamian

Beyond the rhetoric of who has a better plan, I feel it necessary to look further.  We cannot continue to look towards the next five years but to the future.  What the Bahamas needs is a VISION. With a national vision we can provide direction to our nation and grant hope for our future. 

With this vision we seek to DEVELOP a new Bahamas, and indeed ‘The New Bahamian’.

We are seeking to develop a people unimpeded by ignorance; a people known by their thirst for knowledge, by their desire for understanding and their ability to operate by a superior wisdom, wisdom that typifies them with distinction.

This aspect of our NATIONAL vision aspires to making the Bahamas, 

       1) A knowledge-based economy

       2) A hub for international research and development

We believe that these areas can be led by Bahamians in the fields of Biotechnology, Pharmaceuticals, Renewable Energy and Robotics.

Andreas Schleicher the Deputy Director for Education and Special Advisor on Education Policy to OECD’s Secretary-General was once quoted as saying:

 “Knowledge and skills have become the global currency of 21st-century economies, but there is no central bank that prints this currency. Everyone has to decide on their own how much they will print.”

Our current economic models are dependent on foreign direct investments in the field of tourism.  We are dependent on outside capital to identify suitable projects to ensure that we have continued employment.  In the knowledge based economy each developed mind becomes a source of prosperity.  Because of the unlimited creativity available to the technological mind we would no longer be dependent on outside suitors but we can build a vivacious economy that is valuable to the world from within our boarders.  WE, in effect, will become the exporters; not of gold or silver or diamonds but of creative concepts, patents, research initiatives and technological innovations.

We will develop a people that will not respect the valueless or honor the foolish, but hold to the morals and standards that build and advance the nation. 

Governments hold the greatest sway over the development of its people.  They have the power of legislation; a power not given to any other segment of society. We call on government to use this charge to ensure the dissemination of concepts values and practices that are geared towards shifting the paradigms that are hampering the development of our people.  We call on them to not shirk their responsibility and initiate programs that go to the heart of the problem.

We will develop a people socially conscious, possessing a propensity to generosity, and distinguished by noble deeds.

Average no more!

Together with this New Bahamian we will build a country wherein there will be no lack for what is good, where law and order is celebrated; a country where peace, stillness and confidence thrive.  A nation where we will live in peaceful dwelling places, in secure homes and in undisturbed places of rest.

Together, this productive and progressively minded people, will construct and OWN an economy that is resilient, vivacious and industrious.   

Countries that invest in and developed their people reap massive dividends.  The new Bahamian is not content with only regaining majority control in Batelco, but has a vision to take Batelco beyond the borders of the Bahamas.

Together we will make The Bahamas a model for leadership, a standard of social excellence and a pattern worthy of adoption.