Thanks Mr. Hall:

If the Bahamian government was not such a closed shop on the issue of trade, I might agree. However, they believe that we are stupid and cannot make decisions for ourselves. And I for one, do not trust them to make decisions for me.

The important thing is that they inform the Bahamian public what they are agreeing to on our behalf. Something they do not do.

Mr Hall notes further that:

"After all, I am certain that our brothers and sisters in Jamaica, Barbados, Trinidad and elsewhere expected The Bahamas to join as their partner (with all the rights, duties and benefits that entails), and not as their regional benefactor."

In private e-mails with Mr Hall I also discussed the fact that, according to a study a couple years ago by Mr Trevor Hamilton, The Bahamas already has a larger portion of expats from the region per capita than any other Caribbean nation. Also, if memory serves me correctly only 2% of our trade is with the Caribbean.

Therefore, it seems our interest lies with North America?

In suggesting that The Bahamas join "with the rights, duties and benefits that entails" there are also responsibilities that must be weighed. At the end of the day, every country in the region does what it believes is in its best interest. Why should The Bahamas be any different?

Rick Lowe