There was a moment in the first few weeks of freshman year when two people in my dorm got incredibly drunk and the situation got destructive, chaotic, and dangerous. As things unfolded, I remember it was the first time I ever felt, “Where are all the adults? Who are we supposed to depend on to deal with this shit show?”
That feeling I had once all those years ago, now happens daily. It happens every time I read the newspaper and see the ways in which politicians engage with one another and with the citizens of my country.
“Where are all of the adults?”
Don’t get me wrong, my criticism spreads widely across all political parties and every individual. People are dying on the streets, begging for some relief and all we see are sparring matches, ego stroking, and shit show creation from the ones who should be dealing with the issues.
I don’t expect a government to solve all social and economic problems. That is not their mandate. But what is their mandate is to be accountable, responsible, and responsive to the needs of the people that elected them to office. This isn’t happening. Instead, our collective intelligence has been insulted every time:
- answers are demanded but not given;
- buildings get built and then left to rot;
- legitimate claims of corruption are brought to light but carelessly dismissed;
- crime spirals out of control (no link needed, just open up your group chat on WhatsApp);
- we are forced to swallow policies that lack clarity;
- and we are promised a solution will soon come.
Who exactly is in control here?
Someone I know has renamed Nassau as “Narnia”. It’s fitting. The situation has long become destructive, chaotic and dangerous. Since the day I moved home, I’ve been faced with the dilemma of staying at home long term in an effort to positively affect our environment, or just getting the hell out of dodge. I know this is a dilemma many Bahamians feel and others have articulated it far more eloquently than I ever could (exhibit A).
But regardless of individual choices to stay or go, so much needs to change for anyone to have a future here. The adults need to grow up and show up.
(ps. I’ve become that person who hyperlinks in their writings. All may be lost)
“I like nonsense, it wakes up the brain cells. Fantasy is a necessary ingredient in living.” ― Dr. Seuss
black girl magic & meditation 