On July 10, 1973, the Islands of the Bahamas became an independent nation, also remaining part of the British Commonwealth. The nation started, with limited finances, etc., and little infrastructure. However, it also, thankfully, started with a focus, a vision, goals, priorities and, in a way, visionary leadership. Sir Lynden Pindling was the George Washington, of this nation, and served as Prime Minister, during the first 25 years of its existence. In the early 1980s, when he was involved in managing and operating a Bahamas-focused tourism company, I had the pleasure of meeting, for the first time, this amazing person. We had various conversations over the next, almost two decades, and I developed a much better understanding of what our Founding Fathers, and those of most nations, must have suffered, to some degree. Certain decisions were made early on that steered the Bahamas into the future. These included: 1) limiting the Bahamian dollar to the United States dollar; 2) Compulsory education; 3) A parliamentary and democratic government; 4) An infrastructure plan; 5) Commitment to employment; and, 6) a main emphasis on banking, tourism, etc. This article will try to apply some of the lessons learned in terms of what could benefit the rest of the world.

1. Mission and vision of the Founder: Since natural resources are limited, and the ability to compete, in terms of exporting products, is limited. Mr. Pindling determined that the emphasis should be on education, employment, banking, currency/money linkage, and tourism. This meant focusing on friendliness, service and attracting tourists, to return, repeatedly. There were many challenges, but when you look at the number of amazing hotels, restaurants, shops, etc., and the short life of this nation, it’s inspiring!

2. How bugs/challenges are handled: Things did not always go as smoothly as the government had hoped. In the mid-1980s, the Cable Beach Hotel and then the Crystal Palace were built, as well as several other major projects, but many of these were adversely affected by the downturn in the world economy. Instead of giving up or proceeding negatively, they faced the challenges, admitted that there were problems and challenges, but continued, in a focused way, towards a better future. When the largest project ever planned for the Caribbean region was planned and started, about a decade ago, hopes were high, but the original developer faced financial problems, there were many legal battles, etc. Persistence etc. mattered!

3. Encourage foreign investment: When the Bahamas became a nation, one of the main goals was to ensure that skilled workers from the Bahamas received most of the jobs, on any project, etc. That nation recognized the need to encourage investment and foreign investors, but also to protect citizens. Large projects such as Atlantis, Towne, Baha Mar and others followed these principles. Many nations and banks have a significant economic presence on these islands, including: China; the United States; Canada; United Kingdom; etc

4. Infrastructure needs: Highways have been constantly designed and improved throughout the nation’s history! There is now an international airport (Sir Lynden Pindling International Airport), which is modern and of good quality. The Pride of the Bahamas is real, and has been, at all times, and their flag, as Pindling explained to me, included 3 colors: blue, for the color of the sky and water; yellow, by the sun; and, black, to represent the skin color of the vast majority of its citizens. In a nation, which represents various races and nationalities/ethnicities, there is a relevant low degree of racial bias, etc.

5. Overcome the obstacles: This country has advanced, and overcome many obstacles, because it advances, with attitude and focus, or challenges, more than problems!

If the Bahamas, in its short history, can be, where it is, and yet has many challenges ahead, shouldn’t we all learn some lessons? I have witnessed many changes in the almost 40 years I have been visiting and I must admit that I am inspired by the progress to date.