Re: Briland's future

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: The car culture is surely another example of American culture seeping across the Bahamas. On most islands in the Bahamas I would think that golf carts, relatively pollution free and simple to maintain, make much more sense than cars. For farmers and businesspeople trucks would seem necessary. On small islands with few and narrow roads, it must be a matter of public safety and public economy to limit the number of vehicles and their weight and speed. I was struck by the mention of what must be done with the rusting hulks. On any small island with limited waste facilities such trash must be a public health concern. Bringing the car on the island requires spending by one person. Cleaning the dead car up requires spending by many. Perhaps owners might be required to ensure proper disposal! : What do you think? : : As a reporter I like to stir the pot. As a friend of Briland, I want to hear what Brilanders and their friends think about this. : : Briland, in common with much of the Bahamas, is soaking up a great deal of American culture. The songs of the past seem to have dried up, with James and one or two others reviving them occassionally. I find it hard to believe that rap will represent Bahamian life, but I may be old fashioned. : : Television isn't a bad thing in and of itself but it does not encourage the communal life that so marks Briland, even today. And so much of the programming is American that I cannot believe it contributes much to the quality of information or quality of life Bahamians enjoy. : : While I am glad so many VERY rich people from Australia, Europe and America visit Briland and may own homes on the island, I worry that many of these people contribute less to the life of the island than their somewhat poorer cousins did in years past. I wonder if their greater isolation from Brilanders doesn't generate greater suspicion and resentment. I'm not sure about any of this, but I do worry about the effects these largely American economic and cultural forces are having on Briland and on the Bahamas in general. : : And when American booms or does something really stupid (Prohibition, the Civil War), historically the Bahamas benefits. I hope these latest effects are the problems of prosperity. : : All that said, I love no place more than Briland, for its lovely people, its quiet, its great physical beauty and its culture. : : Let the debate begin! : : Colin

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