So before I begin my short but informative rant, allow my ignorance to rear “its ugly head” if only for a few lines. “Why is there a structure such as the Paradise Island Bridges being named after Sir Sidney Poitier? What has he done for his country? What are his contributions to the Bahamian people?” Okay, so there is a slight chance that you may be among those who asked these questions, AND THAT’S OKAY! But what you shouldn’t do is stop there with your “analysis”. For those who may not know, there’s a search engine called Google, go to it and type in Sir Sidney Poitier then let me know what you come up with.
Okay fine, I know what you’re saying “ain’t nobody got time fa dat!” Well my sweet brown, the reason you’re reading this is so that I, in short, may educate you if you permit me to.
There’s never been a moment where Sir Sidney Poitier has denied his Bahamian roots, and he has always represented his country proudly. Besides the obvious, and this should already be known, is that he was the first black actor to win an Academy Award therefore, breaking filmic barriers that at one point seemed impenetrable. But what has he done that the Sir Lynden’s, Sir Milo’s and others have not? Well if you didn’t know that Sir Sidney Poitier is noted to have marched with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. as an activist for civil rights. This is a cause that ended segregation and race based discrimination not only for blacks in the US, but in the Bahamas and the Caribbean alike where equality and basic human dignity are concerned.
He has been an ambassador for this country serving in diplomatic capacities and even received the Presidential Medal of Freedom by Barack Obama, so why can’t we as Bahamians celebrate one of our own? Poitier has received many awards and honors for both his tremendous body of work in film and his humanitarian efforts. He has always been consistent; depicting positive on-screen roles which young men in our society can and should emulate.
So they’re naming a bridge after Sir Sidney Poitier, why you mad though? Is it because he went away, made something of himself and is internationally recognized? Is it because you don’t see the connection with a bridge being named after him? SO WHAT? Sir Lynden never flew a damn aircraft in his life but has an entire airport named after him. But this is not about Sir Lynden.
What this is about is we as Bahamians should come together to celebrate and appreciate our own rather than making a fuss about it. I implore you my fellow Bahamians and readers alike to appreciate our local musicians, artists, writers, craftsmen and fashion designers for the work they are putting out there while portraying and making a positive role in society. This way, we won’t have to bring in international artists to celebrate our culture and heritage. That’s what people should really be upset about. I can go on all day about how deserving Sir Sidney Poitier is but of course “ain’t nobody got time fa dat!”…..So why you mad though?
krak Daily 
You right, “Ain’t nobody gat time fo dat!” I for one could care less…and I am sure Sir. Sidney as well. I am a bit tune up about the Independence celebration headliners. However, I again could care less. Under both Gov. in the last 16yrs, for me, do what the people allow them to do. So I digress, like Sir Sidney and do me. Whatever is made up out of it, so be it. Bless his heart, one more honor under his belt. As for those “griping”, stop it. Shit like that stinks. Whip your asses and do something. If not shut up and shake! Where’s Ola?