The Coming Of The Millennia, The Year Of The Dunk Contest

• Author: Derence A. Rolle Davis
• Pages: 13-27

The Law: The Social and Economic Effect on The Bahamas 2000 - 2020

6. THE COMING OF THE

MILLENNIA, THE YEAR OF THE

DUNK CONTEST

In considering the era in which this book is focused, 2000-2020, the

magnitude of the legal, social and economic effects of laws and their interrelation

is our focus. The economy and social expectations rivals two other eras in

Bahamian history; that is, firstly, the 1940-1960 “quiet revolution era”. This is

comparable to the 1942-1967 period coined as the Quiet Revolution by Doris

Johnson in her similarly titled book. Secondly, the 1970-1990 “rapid evolution

era.” There has been more change in these Bahama Islands (The Bahamas)

during the three periods than at any other time in the nation’s history. Thirdly,

what I deem the 1990-2000 “Transition period”. By so declaring, I have not

forgotten the era of Woodes Rodgers 1718-1732 and his achievement of “Expulsis

Piratis Restituta Commercia” (Pirates expelled commerce restored)!

Although this book focuses on the 2000-2020 era, which is a generation of

20 years, (20 years is also a score), one cannot overlook the 1940-1960 period,

which was when The Bahama Islands (as they were then known) experienced the

‘quiet revolution’, a time when unions were organized, and “solidarity!” was the

rallying cry. Quiet Revolution is identified as a period of unparalleled political

reform and awakening; a period in which mass mobilization of working class

men and women challenged minority rule and British colonization. It was

during this period that for the first time, a collective and organized strike from

the taxi drivers, hotel workers, and land labourers, all united to demand “equal

pay for equal work.”

It was during this era that Bahamians were contracted to work overseas

on farms in Florida and cash flow generated through remittances provided a

significant boost to the Bahamian economy. “The Contract” was inaugurated

1944-1964. It was negotiated between the British and American governments. It

was also during this era in which tourism was emerging as a focused source of

income for Bahamians. Thus, these various sources of income produced a trickle-

down effect to the average Bahamian household in every island.

1970-1990 “the rapid evolution era” had allowed the majority of Bahamian

to experience wealth of some form or another. Wages were earned and the

development of business and opportunity came alive during this period.

Between 1990- 2000 I deem it “Transition period” scores of Bahamians

now had for the first time became the masters of their household and had to put

in place a plan for the future. Industry developed around the country, tourism

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