(EDITOR’S NOTE: I am sharing this well-written “Letter to the Editor” by Ivoine W. Ingraham that as published in The Tribune on Friday, July 14, as a Guest Commentary with readers of BAHAMAS CHROICLE, which has a huge following among Bahamians in the diaspora across the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom as well as in The Bahamas and the wider Caribbean. The issue Ivoine addresses also disturbed me greatly. What many Bahamians may not be aware of is that Ivoine developed the foundation for his writing skills as one of the young “interns” at Bahamian Times in the 1960s when Arthur A. Foulkes was the newspaper’s editor.)
GUEST COMMENTARY: BY IVOINE W. INGRAHM
NASSAU, Bahamas, July 18, 2023 — At a time when the consensus is that we unite as a people, the Free National Movement, under the pettiness and political naivety of Duane Sands, decides to waste time on trivialities. He cannot help himself after seeing the outpouring of patriotism and fellowship shown at the well-received presentations and participation of the Bahamian people at the Independence Celebration at Clifford Park.
Ironically though, at the same time of the event, Sands’ brother said that the occupancy rate at Baha Mar was very high, which proves that the overall impact on the economy is good.
The expressions of approval and flag waving of thousands showed that Bahamians are happy about the wisdom in giving thanks for the past fifty years. We should make no apologies to remind us that God has brought us a mighty long way.
Sands should apologise that the FNM seems not involved in anything Bahamian. They do not participate in Majority Rule Day, celebrating all Bahamians finally seizing control from the white elite. He did not say why there is no participation in anything cultural, no sporting event, junkanoo, or national event.
Outside observers would conclude that there are one hundred percent black in The Bahamas.
We remember that most white Bahamians disagreed with the Bahamas becoming independent. Some even were planning to take up arms to prevent independence. Sadly, scores of white Bahamians moved abroad in protest.
Finally, Bahamians are honoured internationally; many have Keys to the City of large States. So, Sands, with little time remaining, the FNM should work assiduously to create a party that will attract Bahamians. As it stands now, the badly wounded party he is chairing has lost all credibility to comment and even present themselves as an alternative.
Since 2021 Bahamians have become much wiser and will not be distracted by childish rhetoric. The FNM does not have a foot to stand on.
