Today the people here in New Providence, Bahamas, have a chance to vote on their future.

Legality and morality are normally roommates enjoying a cordial relationship. Most laws are derived from a moral platform. The Ten Commandments are regarded by many as the genesis of moral law and living. Today, it appears in the Bahamas that legality is preferred over morality. Morality has been labeled as too subjective or simply relative. Is morality been evicted from national discussions deemed progressive or evolutionary? The referendum is exposing a “Values War” with interesting subplots; Economics versus Ethics, Rights versus Responsibilities, Freedom of Religion versus Freedom from Religion and Social Policy versus Moral Philosophy. As someone said “It’s not what’s on stage that is worrisome; but what’s lurking in the shadows”
There are people presently advocating for the decriminalization of recreational marijuana use. Last year we witnessed Colorado and Washington passed bills to legalize marijuana for personal consumption. Uruguay’s government last year decided to produce and distribute marijuana to its citizenry under a state monopoly. In June 2011, we were advised that our Government agreed to support equal rights for the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transsexual community at the United Nations Human Rights Council. These civil liberties are accepted and normalized in counties considered “enlightened”.
Don’t these civil liberties arguably possess equal merit like gambling? How do you discriminate against or among these lifestyle choices? Are some “hedging” on this referendum to breach the moral ethos of this country? Libertarians and Secularists aspire to purge our land of Christian values and replace them with moral neutrality. How can a nation progress been morally passive or ethically regressive? History recorded the honorable and venerable Carlton Francis who stood against “Gambling”. Did he suffer pastoral betrayal and political blacklisting for his moral stand? Are we watching the same plot unfold today? Is the preamble of the Bahamian constitution a statement or a standard to be upheld?
As one journalist commented “Human societies are fickle – norms are always changing. Who knows what will be acceptable in The Bahamas a century from now.” A “Vote Yes” campaign win will strengthen the call for further social secularization and inclusion. The referendum is viewed by some as simple and others as strategic. This is a defining moment for our nation. When future generations of the Bahamians reflect on this referendum will they do so with a sense of pride or the pangs of regret?
We have heard politicians admit to receiving donations from number houses, the commissioner of police admitted he has been far too tolerant with number houses and the number bosses openly flaunt their ill-gotten gains through prizes and sweep stakes. Discretionary authority vests within the judiciary and not the enforcement of the law. Selective law enforcement fertilizes the breeding and broadening of illegality. The “Yes Fest” highlighted how deep and far our culture has meshed with lawlessness. Lobbyists and apologists have articulated positions from liberty, equality and opportunity to justify the “Chance Culture”. Is this referendum about “abdication”? Have our leaders ceded their authority and duty to this sub-culture? We were once dubbed a “Nation for Sale” and with these recent admissions of political patronage and tolerant policing are we not legitimizing this stigma”?
Our young people are witnessing “criminal relativity”; if you have the financial wherewithal and propaganda machinery the law becomes “unenforceable” and you become “untouchable”. Has the government granted a “nolle prosequi” to the numbers industry? The late Sir Lynden and Sir Milo etched themselves into Bahamian history by throwing the hour glass and mace out of the House of Assembly. Are we witnessing leaders throwing “values” out the house as well? The referendum presents multiple choices on games of chance that are certain to impact our future. What overarching philosophical perspective will prevail; parity, profit, politics or principles? The stakes have never been higher. Choose wisely, free will comes with a “bill”.
Regards,