Empowering Bahamians through Sovereign Wealth and Natural Resources

The wealth of The Commonwealth of The Bahamas is deeply rooted in its natural resources and cultural legacy, long predating colonial exploitation. The Lukka Kairi, the early inhabitants of these islands, thrived with established trade networks and sustainable practices. Their resourcefulness and ingenuity embodied the principles of a self-sufficient and equitable society.

When European ships first arrived on these shores in 1492, they marked the beginning of a devastating period of colonization and exploitation. The Lukka Kairi people, misnamed and marginalized, faced systematic erasure of their culture and sovereignty. Despite their initial acts of generosity and trade, their land and resources were claimed under foreign doctrines that sought to enrich imperial powers at their expense.

Centuries later, the shadow of this exploitation persists. From the colonial era to the present day, The Bahamas’ abundant natural resources—salt, sand, aragonite, and others—have been extracted and exported, often with limited benefit to its people. Meanwhile, foreign interests profited, leaving Bahamians to grapple with the residual socioeconomic inequalities.

The Bahamian spirit of resilience has never waned. From historic movements like the Burma Road Riot and the General Strike to the ongoing efforts of unions and activists, the fight for justice and economic equity continues. However, true progress demands systemic change.

To reclaim and protect The Bahamas’ wealth, it is imperative to establish a sovereign wealth fund and nationalize natural resources. This is not an untested idea—nations like Qatar and Norway have shown that such measures can transform economies and secure prosperity for future generations. For The Bahamas, it is a matter of principle and integrity: the people must benefit directly from the resources of their land.

Regardless of ancestry or origin, anyone who calls these islands home shares in the responsibility to demand economic fairness. It is your right to insist on “no taxation without proper representation” and to ensure that wealth becomes truly common in The Commonwealth of The Bahamas. The time has come to build a legacy of empowerment, where natural resources serve as the foundation for a brighter and more equitable future.

Dr. Elwood B. Rolle
Naturopath, Educator, Historian, Businessman
Revolutionary and Community Activist
Husband, Father, Grandfather!!!!!

15 JANUARY 2024