by Dr. Donald M. McCartney, D.M.
Let me say at the outset that, as a Bahamian, what Mr. Rider said was a "hard pill" to swallow. Despite having to swallow the "hard pill," I had to admit that what he said was true. What concerned Bahamians response should have been was to engage Mr. Rider in a discussion regarding his concerns and what was it that RBC could do to assist in ameliorating the situation of which he spoke. However, in typical fashion, some Bahamians got "vex" and began the process of excoriating Mr. Rider.
Now, obviously, as a consequence of Mr. Rider's comments, which were true, he has obviously been forced into taking "early retirement." Mr. Rider's "early retirement" does not change the hard truth of what he said, nor does it make the obvious problem, about which he spoke, go away.
Do not get me wrong because I am a proud Bahamian. However, the truth is the truth. What baffles me is that Bahamians are always up in America's business, particularly of late when it comes to that antics and craziness of President Trump. Yet Bahamians get all upset when a "foreigner" dares to speak truth to power. Mr. Rider was quite correct.
We have a national grade average that vacillates between a "D-" and a "D+"....so what is all this fake outrage is all about because Mr. Rider dared to speak about the travails of RBC in finding competent Bahamians to fill entry-level vacancies.
It is important to reiterate the point I made earlier. If Bahamians object to foreigners getting in their business, then Bahamians need to reserve their comments about other countries' business. If we cannot stand the heat we need to get out of the kitchen or as the late former prime minister, Pindling once said if you are not prepared to fish, cut bait and get the hell out of the boat.
It has been suggested that what Mr. Rider said should have come from one of our "own." This comment suggested that such a comment as was made by Mr. Rider is and should be reserved exclusively for Bahamians. I can recall many years ago Mr. A. Leonard Archer, a renowned Bahamian educator, and trade union leader was "retired" in the best interest of The Bahamas. However, Mr. Archer's retirement ostensibly came as a result of his agitation with respect to conditions in education in The Bahamas.
As a concerned Bahamian educator, I have tried to speak with the Minister of Education about my concerns about the state of the education system in The Bahamas, and where did it get me? NOWHERE! I was unceremoniously told in the first instance that the Honourable Minister did not have the time to speak to me. In the second instance, I was told that when "things" cooled down, maybe we could talk. In the third instance, my concerns were relegated to TEN minutes of the Honourable Minister's time. So much for one of our "own" trying to get the "ear" of the nation's chief policy provider in education...So much for the input of one of "our own."
However, I submit the question: How many Bahamians who are in senior positions in companies like the Royal Bank of Canada are prepared to risk raising the ire of the "powers that be" or care deeply enough to make any statement on the state of education in The Bahamas? In my view very few.
On the other hand, I cannot begin to comprehend what all of the kerfuffle ("cofufful") is about because this "song" has been sung and written about before. R.J. Massey in 2008 and 2009 wrote about "The Importance of Quality Teachers: A Bahamian Public Policy Essay" and "The Learning Crisis: A Bahamian Public Policy Essay" among other indictments of the Bahamian education system.
In truth and in fact, Mr. Rider spoke about the difficulties he was having at his place of work. According to popular opinion, Mr. Rider's "sin" was that he was a "foreigner" who "spoke out of turn."
Frankly, I think whatever the reason for the decision to take "early retirement," maybe Mr. Rider has done himself a favour and The Bahamas will not benefit from engaging him and having the principals of RBC putting their money where their mouths are.
The Chairman of the Progressive Liberal Party issued a statement on behalf of Her Majesty's Loyal Opposition, which is the right of that political institution. On the other hand, the governing Free National Movement did not issue a statement, which is within its purview. This may probably be an indication that they decided to deal with it privately.
Again, for emphasis, if we limit constructive criticism to only Bahamians, then Bahamians need to keep their mouth out of other countries business.
As I continuously say about my beloved people: Pride goeth before the fall!
Finally, Bahamians must consider the implications of their reaction and government's action for the University of The Bahamas where foreign and Bahamian professors are employed.
It must be remembered that universities in general and the University of The Bahamas must have the academic freedom to address issues that impact the lives of citizens who live within the borders of respective free and democratic jurisdictions.
Will the fate of Mr. Rider be meted out to foreign or Bahamian professors when they speak to issues that are controversial?
