Disruptive Culture: A National Disgrace

NASSAU, BAHAMAS – When I look back at 2020, just two years ago, when COVID raged around the world and racism reared its ugly head, I think of the Black Lives Matter movement – a movement of purpose. 

When people stage public demonstrations, their mission should be purposeful and the cause clear as crystal. Because the organizers of these demonstrations sometimes attract impressionable people who want to “belong”, it’s very important for the mission to be “pure”.

I cry shame on the grandstanders who prey on impressionable people longing to belong, or the simple minded who have the willpower of a fly against foolhardy activities which have no real purpose. Walk away!

The Haitian migrant problem in this country has been an issue since I was a child. Admittedly it has gotten worse, but someone, anyone, please tell me the importance of trying to stage a demonstration against it during the CARICOM heads of government meetings held here last week? What was the gratification sought?

I feel the plan was simply to grandstand, as usual, while embarrassing the prime minister and the government of The Bahamas. The same people cheering on this motley crew of demonstrators need to consider that while the aim was to embarrass the government, the organizers and their followers also attempted to embarrass the people of The Bahamas, whether knowingly or not. 

The deceit of these people – checking into a hotel to make the area more accessible to them and then making their move. Thank God for the serious and quick action of the Royal Bahamas Police Force. 

Some people are up in arms over the fact that a recognizable face, connected to the demonstration, was allowed to check into the hotel where CARICOM was being held, knowing that there was a publicized threat of demonstration. However, it is difficult to stop someone like that from checking into a hotel without being accused of discrimination and scandaled for the same. I am sure the front desk clerk was between a rock and a hard place.

There are so many ills in this country that frustrate its citizens, but knowing when and where to express that frustration is key. There are town meetings and yes, organized, appropriate legal demonstrations and most importantly, the polls, where one can express frustration. Trying to do it, illegally, and before world and regional leaders is not the thing to do. Airing dirty laundry to guests is just foul.

I am very concerned about those who are “down for the cause” in this case. There is nothing wrong with being down, but one should always scrutinize those who they follow to make sure there is really a sensible purpose. 

What is even more frightening to me is the culture that this crew is trying to establish. A culture of rowdiness and disrespect. A culture of gun-toting violence. A culture of bullying. A culture of lawlessness. Well, that’s how I see it anyway.

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