The Bahamas at 45: 5 Lessons We Should All Learn
On July 10, 1973, the Bahamian Islands became an independent nation, while they also remained part of the British Commonwealth. The nation started, with limited finances, etc., and little infrastructure. However, it also fortunately started with focus, vision, goals, priorities, and in a way visionary leadership. Sir Lynden Pindling was the George Washington, of this nation, and served as Prime Minister for the first 25 years of its existence. In the early 1980s, when I was involved in the management and operation of a tourism business, focused on the Bahamas, I had the pleasure of meeting, for the first time, this incredible person. We had several conversations over the next almost two decades, and I developed a better understanding of what our Founding Fathers, and those of most nations, must have gone through, to some extent. Certain decisions were made early on, which steered the Bahamas into the future. These included: 1) Limiting the Bahamian dollar to the United States dollar; 2) Compulsory education; 3) A democratic parliamentary government; 4) An infrastructure plan; 5) Commitment to employment; and, 6) a main emphasis on banking, tourism, etc. This article will attempt to apply some of the lessons learned in terms of what could benefit the rest of the world.
1. Mission and vision of the Founder: Since natural resources are limited and the ability to compete, in terms of exporting products, is limited. Mr. Pindling determined that the emphasis should be on education, employment, banking, currency / money linking, and tourism. This meant focusing on friendliness, service, and attracting tourists, to return, repeatedly. There were many challenges, but when you look at the number of hotels, restaurants, shops, etc. amazing, and the short life of this nation, it’s inspiring!
two. How errors / challenges are handled: Things did not always turn out as well as the government hoped. In the mid-1980s, the Cable Beach Hotel and later the Crystal Palace were built, as well as several other major projects, but many of them were adversely affected by the downturn in the world economy. Instead of giving up or proceeding negatively, they faced the challenges, admitted that there were problems and challenges, but continued, in a focused way, towards a better future. When the largest project, ever planned, for the Caribbean region was planned and started, about a decade ago, hopes were high, but the original developer faced financial problems, there were many legal battles, etc., but finally, the $ 4.5 billion, Baha Mar Resort opened, and after visiting last week, it exceeded everyone’s expectations! Persistence, etc. it mattered!
3. Encourages foreign investment: When the Bahamas became a nation, one of the main goals was to ensure that skilled Bahamian workers received most of the jobs, on any project, etc. That nation recognized the need to encourage investment and foreign investors, but also to protect citizens. Large projects like Atlantis, Towne, Baha Mar and others followed these principles. Many nations and banks have a significant economic presence on these islands, including: China; the United States; Canada; UK; etc.
Four. Infrastructure needs: Roads have been constantly designed and improved throughout the nation’s history. There is now an international airport (Sir Lynden Pindling International Airport), which is modern and quality. The pride of the Bahamas is real, and it has been, and its flag, as Pindling explained to me, included 3 colors: blue, for the color of the sky and the water; yellow, for the sun; and, black, to represent the color of the skin, of the great majority of its citizens. In a nation, representing various races and nationalities / ethnicities, there is a relatively low degree of racial prejudice, etc.
5. Overcome obstacles: This country has advanced, and overcame many obstacles, because it advances, with attitude and focus, or challenges, rather than problems!
If the Bahamas, in their short history, can be, where they are, and while they still have many future challenges to face, shouldn’t we all learn some lessons? I have witnessed many changes in the almost 40 years, I have visited them, and I must admit, I am inspired by the progress, to date!