#TooSexyToVote?
At the beginning of November, only 57,000 people had registered to vote — less than half the number of registered voters at the same point ahead of the 2012 general election. They’ve been begging us to vote for months, but turn women away for “improper” attire. Does that make any sense? Let’s not pretend like some of us didn’t lose all of our “good clothes” in Hurricane Matthew. They’re lucky we kept our passports dry, right?
Celebrities Croak
As much as we’d like to think celebrities have immortality as a viable option, they have to die too. Fidel Castro stirred controversy, even in his death. We spent days arguing about whether or not he was a good leader. David Bowie, Prince, George Michael, Carrie Fisher, and Debbie Reynolds all dipped out in 2016. Did any of their ages fall?
Fortunately, 2016 brought joy, pride, and entertainment, balancing temperaments everywhere. Rihanna’s Anti and Beyoncé’s Lemonade were released within days of each other, and somehow, we still have an internet.
Athlete Appreciation
What excites a Bahamian more? A gold medal, a discounted conch snack, or a good meme? Shaunae Miller gave us everything we love with one smooth, dream-snatching dive. The Americans can stay mad, because Bamboo Shack was giving us life for days. Our little country will always be known for more than beaches and banks, thanks to those who continue to put us on the map. This year, we celebrated Buddy Hield and Jonquel Jones who went pro within two months of each other; Hield playing for the New Orleans Pelicans and Jones for Connecticut Sun. Shout out to Grand Bahama!
#WeMarch
Beyond running, diving, and hooping, Bahamians have become adept at marching. #WeMarch drew hundred of people to Bay Street with placards speaking to issues from taxation to conch preservation. Demands were not met, but we’ll see what happens with the Majority Rule Day march which will compete with the PLP’s planned march in celebration of the 50th anniversary of the national achievement.
Junkanoo Shake-up
What the hell happened to Junkanoo though? Fifth place for Valley? No one could be mad at One Family taking the win they obviously deserved. Well, no one except the Saxons. Everyone spent a solid week clowning The Valley Boys, but they came back with a vengeance on New Year’s Day, taking the win along with bragging rights for the year.
Overall, 2016 could be summed up in two words: Conch salad.
Looking Forward
Putting 2016 behind us, but taking the lessons we learned, it’s on us to make 2017 better. It’s an election year —a good time to tap into our power as Bahamian people. 2016 left its mark on us. Let’s leave our mark on 2017. Build. Create. Resist. Connect. March on, Bahamaland.
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2017 still never looked so good though...