Langston Hughes gave us this piece back in 1921 and it still resonates today. I’ve always seen this piece as an assessment of the social and moral complexities of society, all while outlining the position of prosperity in black culture.
To me, this poem has always read as a quiet protest. A way for a minority group to challenge their lack of visibility.
A way for a minority group to state firmly: “We’ve always been here. We’ve always mattered. We’ve always been part of what makes this world move.”
And for the sake of brevity, this is the central concept of “The Nine-State Solution.”
When I think about the current trajectory of the Bahamas, it’s this poem that always jumps to mind.
This is the story of Bahamians and our inclusion in our own national development.
We’re boxed in. Not by nature, but by politics.
We have a system that’s been built for control, not for collective growth. A system that limits what our beautiful and bountiful family of islands can be..
So, that’s why I’m doing this.
That’s why I am finally putting finger to keyboard to share my crazy rantings of a new system.
We can do more. Be more. We can build a country that finally reflects who we are – all of us.
So, what is the 9-State Solution?
The 9-State Solution is a full redesign of how The Bahamas works. It is a systematic rewrite of our constitution and political fabric. It seeks to bring more voices to the table.
This is a new Bahamas built on federal tenets. One in which each island, or island groups, self actualize through self governing.
Nine island states sharing one national agenda.
It’s bold, yes. But it’s also balanced.
The nine proposed island states are:
- New Providence
- Grand Bahama & Bimini
- Andros & The Berries
- Eleuthera
- Abaco
- Exuma
- Long Island
- Cat Island & San Salvador
- MICAL (Mayaguana, Inagua, Crooked Island, Acklins, Long Cay)
Each state would have:
- A Governor
- Elected Mayors and Town Councils for Local Districts
- Budgetary and Legislative Authority to address local needs
- Term limits for all key positions
At the federal level, citizens will elect:
- A President (Head of State)
- A restructured and expanded Parliament and Senate
Now that we have that out of the way, let’s address the elephant in the room. The 9-State Solution is not about mimicking the United States or any other seemingly successful republic. It aims to learn and adapt.
Countries like Germany, Canada and Australia have all used federal systems to give regional power without losing national unity.
If they can do it with hundreds of millions of people, we can do it with 400,000.
Why change the current system?
Currently, our Parliamentary Democracy is stuck.
Party politics has ruined the system. Important safeguards have been removed in favor of ideas that only benefit a select few, often those well connected.
We need a new system that addresses our shortcomings and fits our current needs.
Sir Lynden Pindling promised Bahamians self-rule, dignity, and development.
And to be fair, we got some of that.
But, 50+ years later, most of the Family Islands still don’t have proper infrastructure or consistent economic growth.
Forget about real autonomy.
This isn’t about tearing down what came before. This is about rebuilding with modern tools and technology.
We can’t keep applying patches to a system that was never designed to do what we need today.
So how does this new model fix things?
In the 9-State Solution:
- Money stays closer to home as states would collect their own taxes and fees. This revenue will be used to develop infrastructure, schools, healthcare systems and purpose built industries.
- Decision-making will be done at the local level.
- Elections will become more meaningful in this system. With local power comes real accountability.
- Term limits will also ensure that power doesn’t turn into entitlement.
- True representation. Parliament and the Senate would be restructured to have 50 total seats each, reflecting population and regional voices more fairly. No more 39 MPs, most from Nassau, calling all the shots.
This isn’t about central versus local. This is about balance.
The 9-State Solution would free up federal resources to tackle big, overarching projects. There will be a keen focus on national security, immigration, international policy and federal courts.
But we give real authority to all of our islands to run their own affairs.
What about population shifts?
Now, this is where it gets exciting.
Once real opportunities exist on each island state, citizens will move. Not because they’re forced to, but because it makes sense.
Think about it, New Providence is struggling to adapt and advance under its current population. Imagine Exuma with a world-class international airport, true housing and community development plans; proper road, transport and telecommunications infrastructures. Tell me that’s not an ideal spot to start your Bahamian dream.
Why wouldn’t a teacher want to move to San Salvador if the schools were funded and respected?
Why wouldn’t a doctor relocate to Eleuthera if modern laboratories and the right system of healthcare amenities were available there?
Population redistribution won’t be a policy, it’ll be the natural result of building livable and functioning island states.
And to the Family Island residents, especially those under 35… this is your moment.
We have to stop thinking of the Family Islands as luxury real estate for foreigners. These are our homes. Our communities. Our backyards.
It’s time we stop begging for crumbs and start claiming our power. If you’re a young Bahamian, know this: this plan isn’t about nostalgia, it’s about YOU!
The 9-State Solution is seeking to build a Bahamas of opportunity. One where our kids won’t have to run off to the US or Europe to chase opportunity.
It’s about giving all Bahamians the tools to build where they are, and the power to shape what comes next.
You shouldn’t have to leave your island to live your dream.
I’ve known rivers; we’ve long called them home!
