By: Andrew Edwards

When faced with certain challenges and problems in life we are often advised to simply ignore it and it will go away.  If only this were true of everything in this world, then life would be so simple.  Nonetheless it appears that it is a tactic that we as a people have applied to the menace of racism that once dominated the social, economic and political reality of The Bahamas.

If one were to be fair, admittedly this seemingly flawed approach has proven considerably successful in masking the issue the issue of race in our country.  However, as shown in Part 1 of this series there is a view and perception by many of our nation’s youth that although perhaps wounded, the issue of race remains very alive and real in The Bahamas.

When asked whether he had ever been a victim of racism in The Bahamas, a twenty-five year old Bahamian of African descent stated, “Once when I was eight or nine years old I attended the party of a white friend and was the only black boy there.  The other boys then picked on me and called me names like 'blackey' and dumped me in the pool.”  Although perhaps a rare display of racial tension, this account which took place only some fifteen years ago brings to light the realities still faced by some of our young people.

However, institutional racism which is not so overt and easily recognisable has undoubtedly become the most common form of this menace that still plagues our country. Institutional racism refers to those silent rules and practices that we as a people have accepted and adapted to in one way or the other and which are so enshrined in our society that they literally govern our social interactions and societal structures. One interviewee provided examples of institutional racism in these words: “Racism is still a big deal in that it still impedes upward mobility and access to capital via banks and other lending institutions.  Average black Bahamians are still discriminated against in applying for business loans and that sort of thing; also, black Bahamians (generally) are still not allowed to hold top posts in many private offshore firms.”

This is indeed evident in the views expressed by several young Bahamians interviewed who were indeed certain that they had been the victims of racial discrimination but were unable to give an account or identify a specific instance.    According to a twenty-six year old female Bahamian young professional she is certain that she has at some point be racially discriminated against , “In ways that I'm sure I may not even know about.”  This view was shared by several other young Bahamians.  However it is arguable whether such responses are due to psychological remnants of our racially-divisive history or evidence of institutional racism in today’s Bahamas.

Perhaps a more telling view can be summed by the reality of a nineteen year old Bahamian female of mixed racial parentage, who proclaimed, “I have not been discriminated against in the sense that I have been denied any opportunities, but there were always those smart remarks in school stating that I was favoured because I have bright skin.”

These views and the racial realities of our nation’s youth are indeed incredulous and eye-opening some thirty-nine years since the attainment of Majority Rule in The Bahamas.   Despite the experiences of the young persons interviewed on the topic of Race in The Bahamas, there was an overwhelming view that the social, psychological and political victory of 10 January, 1967, has gone a considerable ways in terms of bridging the racial divide.

Yet there is a real sense amongst many young Bahamians that Majority Rule has proven more symbolic than real or that we have yet to fully realize the fullness of this significant national achievement in all strata of the Bahamian society.   As eloquently stated by a twenty-four year old nationalist and patriot, “Majority Rule has impacted The Bahamas in that black Bahamians and Bahamians of all strata and hue can now have political power but foolishly, since obtaining power we have followed the same structure and systems (economically) that were designed to hold us captive, so a new oligarchy based on class and money has emerged and the majority is still ruled by the few.”

Building on this theme, in the eyes of a young Bahamian compatriot Majority Rule has created its own socio-economic nightmares.  In her own words she admonished those that would be reading this article to “just look at some of our most successful Black men. Majority Rule gave them a roof behind the big Lyford Cay gate and a chauffeured limousine as a means of daily transportation. It also gave them the right to set up further discriminatory divides like Black University-Educated v. Black High School-Educated and Black- lives-in- Bain Town v. Black lives-in-Cable Beach and Black-Income of $100,00 annually v. Black-Income of $12,000 annually.”   Indeed she provides much food for thought.

For years now, those who have dared to publicly admit that race remains an issue in The Bahamas have called for open and frank discussions of the matter and educational campaigns to put this ghost to rest for good.

From our nation’s youth the call  also goes out to have that much needed open dialogue on the topic of race.  Indeed this is viewed as the most logical and pragmatic way forward.   According to one young lady, “(Race) cannot and will not be dealt with until it is admitted and exposed by all groups in The Bahamas.”

Other young Bahamians like a 32 year old resident of Golden Gates are calling upon a more proactive position by our black majority to put an end to “race” as an issue in our country: “Whether we have dealt with race effectively remains to be seen, however we are not as social as we could be with one another; for example one can look no further than Junkanoo, our white Bahamians have not been made to feel accepted and some of us have not opened the door to allow them in.”

Still yet, there are those who because of their own unique circumstances have taken it upon themselves to commence the discussion process. A 19 year old interviewee said, “Being the result of an interracial marriage I have had to deal with issues of race on both ends. I try to combat the issue on a small scale with my peers whenever I feel as if there are thoughts and views to be alarmed about, so in exchange I share my views.”

Whether we as a people wish to admit it ore not, as evidenced through the views and responses shared by the various young Bahamians, race remains a serious issue in the Bahamas; albeit perhaps not as serious as in years gone by.  Turning a blind eye though has failed to rid our country of this evil.

A major part of nation building is the promotion of a unified people.  It is hoped that the views expressed have shed some light as to the minds and hearts of those who comprise our nation’s future.  It is also hoped that this Two Part series has been a first step towards frank and open discussions on the topic of race in order that it may be properly addressed once and for all.

Just imagine how much further we as a people could truly be if freed of the bondage of racial tensions, bigotry and institutionalism ceilings.  Let us all ( Red, Yellow. Black or White) work towards a better Bahamas!

Comments on this article can be sent to: Proud_to_be_Bahamian@yahoo.com