WE THE PEOPLE! Have YOU heard?

After a long and busy past couple of weeks, I debated going to the We the People AGM.  I went expecting something of what has become the norm here in Nassau.  Another disorganized, poorly attended little meeting.  As I pulled into the parking lot behind another car that was also turning into the Dundas I saw so many more cars than I expected.   There were tents in the courtyard, professionally made poster boards and a big buffet awaiting the end.  There were proper video cameras and people greeting you in We the People T-shirts with very professional brochures that they handed out.  Immediately I was energized and so pleased with the decision that I had made the effort to attend. 

I walked through the doors and there was the registration table to either become a new member or renew.  As I signed up last November when the group was founded, I renewed for a very affordable $10.  You can be a member for 5 years for the low cost of $25. 

Into the main theatre section I went, where I saw a surprising turnout along with familiar faces of the community.  The stage was set with a projector and banners! Completely unexpected. 

Phil Simon opened up and then Dr. Nicolette Bethel gave an empowering talk on democracy.  I won’t even try to quote what she said but it was so well put together and thought provoking.  The gist of it was democracy is an experiment of which we are a part, and that we are all members of this democracy and we have a duty to actively be involved in our democratic country or else it will fail. 

Phil then introduced the short video and glimpse of a show that will soon air on T.V. called WE TV.  Again I was blown away by the quality of the production of the show.  We did not watch the entire show as it is 30 minutes long so I cannot wait to see it all. 

After our sneak peak at WE TV there was a video interview of a lady Mamphela Ramphele a very famous African lady who explained that the problems in Africa were that people are simply sitting and waiting, still as subjects of the past rulers, and not acting as the citizens that they are.  Waiting for someone else to come to them, to provide opportunity, rather than taking ownership of their country.  Of course it was much more eloquently put than this but here is the link - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qBRGLdWMgoM

This is the problem that we have in The Bahamas.  Most people want to pass on the responsibility and accountability of a problem.  It’s always the mysterious ‘they’.  ‘They’ should really do this, that wasn’t me, that was ‘them’, or the simple ‘I don’t know’.  I guess ‘They’ according to most Bahamians refers to the Government.  Well the Government is US! WE ARE THE PEOPLE of this little country and change is my responsibility and your responsibility.  

Ed Fields presenting

After the video concluded Ed Fields came out and presented the impressive accomplishments that We the People has achieved in just one short year.  And anyone involved in a group or organization understands just how quick one year goes! 

The six projects that have begun are: (please visit www.wethepeoplebahamas.org) for more information) 

1. Bahamas Police Athletic League (PAL) which is all about training and engaging youth in an afterschool program in conjunction with the police force. 
2. Government House Renovation and Beautification - Tim Bethel is the landscape architect on this project and the idea is to start to restore our national treasures for Bahamians and Tourists to enjoy, beginning with Government House.  The plan is impressive! It will be a centerpiece of downtown Nassau and attract cruise passengers.  We will finally have places to be proud of! The forts and other historic sights will follow. 
3. Six Seconds (Emotional Intelligence Program) - Again another after school program that will be rolled out in every school once the pilot program has been completed. 
4. Derelict Vehicle Removal Campaign - sounds simple enough but definitely takes some changes to policies and a fair amount of effort. 
5. Tree Planting & Community Day - this took place on July 9th and it was great to see the photos 
6. Traffic Flow and Thoroughfare Improvements - In the area of Potter’s Cay they had an evaluation done and worked with the residents of the area to come up with a solution.  

It was so interesting to hear all this progress, see photos and hear it from Ed.  

Heather thrilled about her new Membership!! 

The meeting ended with all of us standing and listening to our beautiful National Anthem. Oh and a big buffet of free food, wine, beer and soft drinks! That alone was worth your $10 annual membership! 

Buffet!

Let’s face it, not being involved in politics makes projects much more achievable and efficient.  This is what makes We the People so exciting - it is NON PARTISAN! Yes, imagine that, projects that are done for the good of the country.  Party politics is destroying this country but thats a whole other topic... The amount of red tape that the MP’s and every ministry’s office face are just so absurd that our country will never make strides if we sit around and wait for the Government to handle it.  I’ve discovered after just a short amount of time involved in charity you can get much more done working as a private citizen than trying to get something done through the Government.  And you know what?Maybe, just maybe when whichever party is in power in the next election and they watch We the People make strides and accomplish projects, maybe the red-tape will start to shed some layers.  One can only wish. 

Andrew & Ryan

But the bottom line is you cannot sit around and wait for THEY - if you love your Bahamas then join We the People and get involved in one of their programs. If you don’t, don’t complain to me about the state of our country, I don’t have time to hear you whine anymore. 

Lift up your head to the rising sun, Bahamaland;

March on to glory, your bright banners waving high.

See how the world marks the manner of your bearing!

Pledge to excel through love and unity.

Pressing onward, march together to a common loftier goal;

Steady sunward, though the weather hide the wide and treach'rous shoal.

Lift up your head to the rising sun, Bahamaland;

'Til the road you've trod

Lead unto your God,

March on, Bahamaland!