Ranard Eric Henfield

In every aspect of our society, there has to be leadership! And leadership must have a standard! It is my view that leaders fail their people when they are surrounded by ‘yes-men’! People who can’t sharpen iron, add anything to the table or improve anything in a meaningful way!

Challenging the leader’s ideas, strategies and utterances is crucial! It’s about making sure the best possible ideas are executed as best as possible in the best interest of the most people possible! I don’t do well will with pompous and fragile leaders, with their eloquent speeches - void of genuine concern for the people they lead! Leading anything and anyone requires a genuine concern for doing what’s best for the people - not the leader and their merry-yes-men!

I long for the day, when one administration, uses just one term to flip the table over and do what’s in the best interest of our people and country! It does not take two terms in office to get it right for our people! In one term, any genuinely concerned and committed administration can see to the following:

• a 1/4 acre of crown land distributed to every Bahamian with a clean police record that completed high school with 5 BGCSE’s since June 30th 2000. The land to be zoned commercial, agricultural, multi-family and/or industrial. Duty free bonded imports for the construction and business supplies for 3 years.
• VAT removed within one term!
• minimum wage for anyone in the tourism industry increased to $500 per weeks (that’s housekeeping, construction, Restaurant staff etc.). No restaurant or resort to keep gratuity! Gratuity to be shared amongst Bahamian staff only!
• that hefty constituency allowance should be spent according to the wishes and direction of the constituents (and not the MP who doesn’t even live among the people they represent)! The people who live there know what they need their tax dollars to do in their community! It may be after school care facilities, workshops, road repairs, lot cleanups, job fairs, food assistance programs etc.
• Family Island Cruise Line launched and owned by the Bahamian people via shares. Tell the tourist fly in and take our ships to see our islands and experience our culture. We would own our tourism industry within one term, with the Tourism Development Corporation ensuring the people provide quality service and accountability!
• 15 year minimum sentence for gun possession introduced. Trials within 6 months! From ya lock up, charged, arraigned and remanded, case set to start in 90 days! Find ya lawyer as quick as you loaded that gun!
• national lottery introduced with a portion allocated to education, healthcare, small businesses and family island development every week that there is a drawing. With 50,000 tickets sold weekly at $10 for Saturday drawing for a set jackpot of 250k, the revenue allocated to operation, and to fund education, healthcare etc. would be 250k as well. That’s 13,000,000.00 annually in revenue to fund our people’s educational and small business aspirations and healthcare needs.
• teachers encouraged to leave their government jobs and start their own publicly funded schools, with facilities subsidized by the government, provided classes have no more than 15 students and the average GPA kept above 2.0
• road traffic officers stationed at every major intersection and busy thoroughfare from 7am to 10am, and 3pm to 6pm Monday to Friday.
• government workers offered severance packages to leave and start small businesses with duty free imports for their businesses for 3 years.
• persons who’ve sold their vehicles and still have the plates can sell them to the government for a $100 credit to their road traffic account to be applied to drivers licence or inspections. The plates can then be re-registered to new owners.
• Bahamian homes and businesses authorized to solarize and come off the grid! All solar panels duty free for 3 years!
• all electric vehicles imported duty free but bonded to the owner for 3 years. Can’t be sold!
• maternity leave increased to six months with married fathers getting two months paternity leave.
• licensing and inspection of vehicles outsourced to Bahamian owned businesses in every island.
• taxi rates to and from the airport and cruise port doubled!
• no real property tax on Bahamian owned property valued under $750k.
• first time homeowners exemption up to a four-plex. We should be incentivizing our people to provide housing and having a second source of income.

Unfortunately, many would say we can’t truly make a difference in one term. I say we can! And it should not matter if someone is PLP, FNM or COI any longer. There’s enough crown land and opportunities for all of our families to thrive! We just need one administration, committed to one people for just one term!

Can we all just get on the same page for one term as one people…

Ranard Eric Henfield Girl-Dad I Attorney I Fmr. Senator I Fmr. Vice President I Bahamian Icon Nominee I Paul Harris Fellow

🪔
They are still rocking all A’s even though we pull them out of school for a few days on special occasions!!

I am so Impressed with humble people! People who are doing well, but don’t need to brag! People who have titles, but treat the janitor the same way they treat the PM or CEO! People who are beautiful, but remind everyone that they’re beautiful!

These days, posting your problems brings people pleasure. Sharing your wins, brings problems and envy! They cant ruin what they dont know! Only talk what you want them to carry!

Imagine putting out all that effort to do wickedness to people, to then have to watch God use it for their good!

On another note, you don’t have to be in church shouting and speaking in tongues today! Just pause, pray, and be a blessing to someone!

If we being honest, respectful, kind, investing our money and levelling up, most of us would be at peace! Lying and struggling cant be all these people want out of life!

I saw a group of citizens come together for a cause, agitate, raise awareness and make demands! And VOILA!!! Justice was served!
No MP was needed! I hope y’all see what people working together can do!

Some people are so wicked, greedy and mean, that they
make you wonder if there is a God! And some people are so loving, selfless and kind, that they remind us how to live in this world! for there is a God!

They put good people in positions to react cold, and then want to play the victim! Listen, these takers and users dont have any limits or conscience these days!

There is nothing wrong with all of us making it, doing well and living life! There’s enough room and opportunities!

That’s how they look! The people who watch your page to see who reacted to your posts, and how life’s treating you!

I finally wore the shirt our daughters were so excited to buy and have me wear! I’m guessing it sums up how my daughters feel their Daddy-Daughter bond have evolved LOL!
and now,

I like that! Y’all can’t talk to me!

I don’t ask people about their weight, why they aren’t married or with their spouse, nor do I ask when they’re having kids: because that’s not my MF’n business! Nor is it yours!

In a family, when you speak out about their ways, you’re the black sheep. In politics, when you speak out, you’re a rebel! Thank God for those black sheep and rebels!

Launching a Bahamian-owned cruise line industry presents a unique opportunity to enhance the tourism landscape in the Bahamas.

Here’s my case for developing this industry:

1. Diversification of the Tourism Product

Unique Experiences: A Bahamian cruise line can offer tailored experiences that focus on the rich culture, traditions, and natural beauty of the islands, enticing tourists and locals looking for authentic Bahamian adventures.

Cultural Immersion: With strictly local performers, artists, and cultural educators on board we can cultivate a deeper appreciation of Bahamian arts, music, and customs among the passengers.

Themed Cruises: Special cruises centered around themes such as culinary exploration, festival participation, or historical explorations can diversify our offerings beyond standard itineraries.

2. Increased Retention of Tourist Revenue

Local Sourcing of Services: A Bahamian-owned cruise line can prioritize utilizing local suppliers for food, beverages, and other services, ensuring that a larger portion of tourist spending circulates within the local economy.

Excursions and Tours: By partnering with local businesses for excursions, the cruise line can create revenue-sharing models that allocate a percentage back to local guides, artisans, and businesses, amplifying community benefits.

Increased Port Fees: As a local cruise line docks at Bahamian ports, the government can establish strategies to keep port fees localized, enhancing government revenue from tourism.

3. Influence on Island Development

Infrastructure Enhancement: A dedicated cruise line can stimulate the development of port facilities, road paving, public transportation, and supporting overall infrastructure enhancement on the islands, benefiting residents and tourists alike.

Investment in Amenities: Growth in cruise activity can lead to the development of community amenities (such as beach parks, dining options, and recreational facilities), improving residents' quality of life and attracting visitors.

4. Job Creation and Skills Development

Direct Employment Opportunities: Establishing a Bahamian cruise line can create numerous jobs in various sectors, including hospitality, operations, maintenance, and on-board services.

Training Programs: Initiatives can be introduced to train locals in maritime skills, customer service, hospitality management, and other relevant areas, ensuring that a skilled workforce is available to support the cruise line.

Entrepreneurial Opportunities: The growth of the cruise line industry may also create opportunities for local entrepreneurs to provide services such as excursions, shops, water sports, clubs/lounges, Air BnBs and crafts, further bolstering the economy.

5. Expansion of National Pride

Showcasing Bahamian Talent: By featuring local musicians, chefs, and artisans, a cruise line can highlight the nation's talent and cultural richness, fostering national pride among residents.

Promoting Heritage: The cruise line can create awareness of Bahamian history, language, and traditions, preserving and showcasing cultural heritage to both tourists and locals.

Community Engagement: Involving the local community in decision-making processes and marketing initiatives allows residents to contribute to shaping the identity and offerings of their cruise line.

Sustainable Practices: Promoting eco-friendly practices in operations can appeal to environmentally conscious residents and tourists, ensuring the preservation of the natural beauty of the islands.

Wrapping it up:
A Bahamian-owned cruise line industry has the potential to revolutionize the tourism sector by providing unique experiences, retaining revenue, and fostering local development. By emphasizing cultural authenticity, sustainability, and local partnerships, the initiative can create sustainable jobs, enhance the quality of life for residents, and cultivate national pride, ultimately leading to a more resilient and diverse economy. This strategic move not only enhances the tourist experience but also empowers our people to shape the future of our economy.

October is officially the recognition of National Heroes Month, and July is officially the recognition of Independence Month, while January is the recognition of Majority Rule Month, and debatably the longest month of the year if you’re not wealthy!

As an ‘aging Bahamian male’, permit me to point out that we have been, and still are at a critical juncture, ‘facing economic disparities - orchestrated by or due to the lack of vision by successive governments’!

For decades, policies and government contracts have favored a select few, leaving most Bahamians grappling with limited opportunities and diminishing prospects for upward mobility. This political practice of prioritizing the wealthy party supporters with a belief in trickle-down economics has not yielded the promised benefits for the larger population of The Bahamas! The belief that if we give the government contract to this wealthy party supporter, that crumbs will fall off the table to the electorate and they shall feast and be nourished!

Our Current State of Affairs (for decades):

1. Disparities in Wealth & Complexion: Gainful opportunities have been concentrated within certain families and businesses - on both sides of the political divide. This political practice has resulted in a widening gap between the rich foreign direct investor, the rich and connected Bahamian families, and the poor! Where the wealthy and connected thrive, while the majority merely struggle to get by month to month or week to week!

2. Impact of Government Contracts: Contracts awarded to popular-named-families or wealthy families ‘under the table despite the public charade of bidding’, prevents smaller businesses and entrepreneurs from contributing to our economy. This favoritism stifles innovation, puts small businesses out of business and hinders overall national economic growth as most of the wealth and popular-named-family business are only focused on Nassau and Freeport!

3. Failure of Trickle-Down Economics: The expected economic benefits from enriching the wealthier Bahamian families and the foreign investor of a certain complexion have not materialized for the broader populace. Many Bahamians still lack access to quality healthcare, the ability to own a home or afford the mortgage, utilities and groceries, and any meaningful employment opportunities that allow us to do more than survive another month!

The Way Forward - for ordinary Bahamians:

To build a fairer, more equitable Bahamian society where every Bahamian (regardless of our family name, political affiliation, the schools we attended or the community we live in) has an opportunity to thrive, we must adopt new approaches:

- Equitable Distribution of Resources: Ensure that government contracts are awarded based on merit rather than connections. Implement transparent and publicly accessible bidding processes, and the conclusion of the selection of the successful candidate to allow small and medium-sized businesses to compete fairly.

- Investment in Quality Education and Training: Prioritize educational reforms that equip our students with the skills needed in a rapidly changing job market. Primary and Secondary classrooms (with 25-35 students) should be equipped with 3-4 teachers to ensure individual attention and assistance for these students. Money management, business management, conflict prevention and family planning should be a part of the curriculum from grade 1!

- Non-Political Support for Small Businesses: Create policies that nurture local entrepreneurship. Our tax dollars should provide grants, mentorship, and resources to help small businesses flourish and contribute to job creation without the political bias that we see happening on Gladstone Road! 👀 Enough former employees have shared their observations of the political bias. It’s just a matter of time ⌛️

- Inclusive Economic Policies: every island should have Economic Empowerment Zones where small community business are exempt from VAT and get duty free imports of up to 100k annually, that employ Bahamians only, that support community initiatives (after school care and tutoring, community clean ups, seniors daycares, community centers etc.).

- Community Engagement: Involve Bahamians in the decision-making process. Regular town halls and forums at a national or private facility (that’s void of politics) which could provide platforms for open dialogue, ensuring that all voices are heard when shaping policies that impact our communities, country, pockets and lives. It makes no sense having national discussions at the constituency office or monthly meeting place of the elected official!

Summing all of that up:

As Bahamas, we need to resume advocating for policies that truly reflect our shared values and aspirations. Together, and vocally, we can challenge the status quo and demand a system where wealth is not concentrated in the hands of a few politically connected families or foreign investors, but is fairly distributed among Bahamians. By prioritizing equality and opportunity for everyone, we can build a better country for all of us, regardless of our family names, socioeconomic backgrounds and the schools we attended!

Again, as an ‘aging Bahamian male’, permit me to point out that we have been, and still are at a critical juncture of, ‘facing economic disparities - orchestrated by or due to the lack of vision by successive governments’!

I don’t know who needs to hear this but…

These developments are not to the advantage of Bahamians! I said what I said!

This ‘vision’ our national leaders and political parties have of giving away our birth right so our children can clean toilets and mix cement is equivalent to treason! The vision ought to be, ‘to make Bahamians owners of the various industries nationwide’!

How? Start with two Family Islands that have regular flights to Nassau and docks for cargo ships, identify 50-100 acres and divide it into quarter acres. That’s 200 to 400 quarter acres on both islands. So a total of 400 to 800 quarter acres. Then zone them as Economic Empowerment Zones with no VAT for 20 years. Further zone the acreages by commercial, educational, residential, agricultural and industrial. Then lease the quarter acres to Bahamians (only) at $5,000 (annually) for the twenty years. Renewable for a further 20 years. All building materials to be imported duty free within two years of securing the lease, with construction and business opening within three years. All equipment (inclusive of vehicles) and furnishings to be imported duty free within that two year period. Conditions: all employees must be Bahamians (with the ability to get work permits for no more than 10% of the employees for no more than two years).

Then, launch regular flights from international destinations to these two islands, allow these Bahamian investors to go solar and require that all their vehicles be electric. Couple that with launching a Family Island Cruise Line Industry where small vessels that can carry 250-750 passengers from New Providence can sail to these various Family Islands on 2-5 day excursions with all Bahamian entertainment, food and drinks!

Bahamians will then be the owners of the boutique resorts, inter island cruise industry, restaurants, gated communities, specialty/boarding schools, specialty health facilities (cancer/physiotherapy etc.), aquaponic and hydroponic farms. We’d be able to develop the Family Islands ourselves, if we just tell these foreign direct investors to carry their damn rear ends! We may have to tell these old school national leaders to carry their rear ends first!

I have yet to get the impression that the public wants to be divided over national issues. We would be better served, and more impressed if national leaders could bring people together to improve our quality of life! Like providing quality, efficient and affordable health care, eradicating crime in our communities, providing better public utility services, improving the educational system, increasing our income and lowering the cost of living!

That’s the what we need.

The why (again) is to improve our quality of life.

An example of ‘the how’, is to arrange consultation and collaboration meetings with stakeholders:
1. Doctors, pharmacies, insurance companies, medical facilities, the ministry of health, Social Services Department, NHI and the public to discuss the cost of health care, affordable health insurance, affordable medical service payment plan agreements, construction of more facilities via subsidies, crown grants or lease for the land for such facilities and tax exemptions.

By bringing those stakeholders together, common sense may prevail and the government may be convinced to provide crown grants to citizens to erect medical facilities nationwide. Those facilities can then get exemption on construction materials, medical equipment, air ambulance, ambulances, approval for helipads at their facilities… provided they accept NHI patients or enter into payment plans with patients.

• it would take a burden off government facilities
• it will lower the cost of healthcare for patients
• it will create jobs in the healthcare sector for medical professionals
• improve the wait time for medical services
• etc

Okay, I gone back to family time. Bye!

That’s it, and that’s all!

I was in my 30s when I realized that the people that want to be in government, and the people we need in government, are not the same! Imagine good candidates having to be validated by people who aren’t even valid!