Let me begin this way: In the instant, we celebrate our national anniversary as an independent nation. In this respect, we are an adult nation, and must take full responsibility for our decisions, and that responsibility must be reflected in our national institutions. I am known here and abroad for a unique form of defense of national sovereignty, which is really premised upon the legitimacy and credibility of national institutions. I have argued that nations are taken seriously, when their institutions provide guide-posts for social action, the validity of which become benchmark examples for communities at home and abroad.

    It is from this perspective that I shall like to express concern over recent remarks attributed to our own dear Bishop Samuel Greene. I have no quarrel with Bishop Greene’s views. In a democracy, a marketplace of opinions is the first sign of pluralism and that is turn is the first coin of freedom. However, I wondered at the threat to parliament in the tradition of Guy Fawkes; who on November 5, 1605 attempted to blow up the English parliament. Fawkes reason was an intolerance for Scotsmen. When question by the King how he could conspire such a hideous treason, Fawkes replied: "that a dangerous disease required a desperate remedy, and that his intentions were to blow the Scotsmen present back into Scotland." This brings me to certain intemperate remarks made about Haitian and Jamaicans, also attributed to our dear Bishop Greene.

    We live in a country festooned by varieties of violence: domestic violence, child abuse, volatile teacher student relations, and too great a number of acts of criminal violence for a nation of our size. Bishop Greene - and indeed none of us - ought not speak such intemperate things; certainly not as the leader of our Christian Council - a significant national institution; or as a clergyman; a station established through divine calling; or yet still a Bishop, which is a distinguished office placing him in its proper regard at the forefront of great matters of church and state.

    As a scholar and teacher, I had occasion to teach the history of Guy Fawkes. I fear his legacy was not ennobling, nor was his cause just or his actions inspiring. As such, I cannot think him a fitting model for Bishop Greene or any Bahamian to follow. But better examples beckon us from far and near of those who raised their voices in times of trouble: Rev. Martin Niemoeller. Remember him ? He was a monument to speaking out. Remember his words concerning resisting the Nazis: "First? they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out because I was not a Jew, Then they came for me, and there was no one left to speak out for me". Therefore let there be no doubt as to Bishop Greene’s right and welcome to speak his mind.

    In stations of high public office officials must always however speak with temperance, tolerance and wisdom. They must follow the example of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Gandhi or The Christ; each of whom, though he faced physical harm and death, spoke no ill of those who sought to harm him. Moreover, there is ever a danger in speaking from the podium - itself a sacred place - and from there to issue utterances which may place follow Bahamians harm’s way. Additionally, democracy never promised to be easy. One must be willing to protect the ideas and suggestions of those with whom one has profound disagreement, even whilst one organizes opposition to such ideas, whatever they are. At a time when the slightest public protest may be considered terrorism, I call upon leaders to help us define the boundaries right by adhering to and promoting the rule of law – even when it is uncomfortable.

    We all at times become consumed by passions. We are after all human. Sundays come and go. And leaders of our institutions must teach at moments of crisis, they must instruct at times of great national debate. In their disagreements with parliament or any other institution of state, they must teach us how to disagree with dignity. Sunday is soon upon us again, and I am sure Bishop Greene will agree with these sentiments, and as such, I am sure we can expect that he will be apologetic concerning the implications of his remarks concerning parliament and those concerning our Haitian and Jamaican brothers and sisters.
Cheers
Gilbert NMO Morris