Status Quo doesn’t win. Smart Wins. How many times today have you encountered something that was not done correctly and, moreover, has stayed that in that condition because people have just accepted it that way? How many times have you thought, “This could be so simple to implement or change, why isn’t being done?” Sometimes, one must wonder how, as a nation, we have come to accept the notion that mediocrity is okay. How did it come to be that we have seemingly lowered our expectations?
“ innovation, creativity
and entrepreneurism are rooted in our history.”
The Bahamas is a country where innovation, creativity and entrepreneurism are rooted in our history. The very basis of our main economic driver, the tourism industry, came about because Sir Stafford Sands thought of a way to sell The Bahamas as a tourist destination, beating the other countries in the region to the punch and creating a competitive advantage. It was innovative, it was bold and importantly, it was successful.
In his book Rise of the Creative Class (2004) Richard Florida defines the creative class as people who “engage in complex problem solving” and “favour hard work, challenge and stimulation.” They also have a sense of self-identity and value openness and collaboration. In a March 2011 article in The Atlantic magazine, Florida postulates that the creative class in the Middle East, “spanning science, technology and engineering professionals, management and business executives, doctors, health care professionals and lawyers, as well as arts, culture and media workers” played a big role in bringing about the Arab Spring. It can be argued that those were the qualities shared by the brave men and women who envisioned and pursued the course towards an independent Bahamas. These are the qualities shared by people who, regardless of their chosen profession, see their surroundings a little differently and want to make an impact, want to do something better. A few months ago I was a guest on the Wendell Jones’ television show. During our discussion on the creative economy, Godfrey Eneas stated that he thought that the phone card vendors on the side of the road, stationed sometimes as close as 20 feet apart, were creative entrepreneurs because they were selling phone cards. I am still not sure about how this is so. Indeed, Mr. Eneas may be privy to insight that he has yet to share. What I am sure about is that if this is indicative of what we have come to consider creative or innovative then we should close up shop and call it a day.
“Is anyone asking the big questions?” Our dearth of abundant raw materials and cheap labour led us to innovation in the tourism industry. It’s time for more of that. Human capital remains our most abundant resource. How will that resource fare going forward in a global economy which is increasingly competitive and based on technology and experiences? Policy makers in countries as diverse as Canada, The United Kingdom, The United States, Macau, Singapore, Barbados, St. Lucia and Jamaica and across Africa have all recognised the significance of innovation and creativity in the global economy. As a result, they have attempted to research creative economy models, gather information and invest in developing local industries and an educational system that will sustain those industries. Yes, there are pressing issues such as crime which need to be addressed in the upcoming elections in 2012. These problems will exist in every election. Let us consider a longer term view Is anyone asking the big questions? What is the vision for The Bahamas? What are the plans for growing our economy to make it more competitive and diversified? Will there be a role for innovation going forward? The modern economy values imagination and innovation. Look beyond the platitudes, beyond the mindless rhetoric. When you think about your place in the future of our country, don’t think about the title at your job, don’t think about how big you want your house to be and don’t think about ways a candidate can buy your vote. Imagine a Bahamas where innovation is valued and a culture in which it is supported. Demand more. Be smart, be bold and start planning.