thebahamasweekly.com - Bahamas 2013: A Year in Review with Kareem Mortimer

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Bahamas 2013: A Year in Review with Kareem Mortimer
Jan 10, 2014 - 10:55:03 AM

Kareem's unsung hero is the late Rev. Glenroy Nottage

TheBahamasWeekly.com has once again selected Bahamians to canvas their opinions on highlights of The Bahamas over the year 2013, as well as ask about the direction of the country. Their comments will be shared over the coming weeks.

Through this exchange we hope to also highlight Bahamians in our community, and share their personal triumphs, that may or may not have made the news.

Here is the opinion of Kareem Mortimer, Filmmaker.

1) What event do you feel was the most important for The Bahamas in 2013?

The most important event for the Bahamas in 2013 to me was reaching the milestone of being 40 years as an independent country.

2) Who passed away this year that you feel will be 'most missed' and why?

Two people who I believe made great contributions to the country that passed away in 2013 and that will be equally missed by me were my great Uncle Ulric Mortimer Jr, a businessman and a pillar in the community, and my cousin Lisa Mortimer, his daughter who died a few months later, was a veteran educator and a great encourager to many Bahamian students.

3) Who was the 'most inspirational / influential Bahamian' in 2013 and why?

I do not know this person very well, but have watched her and remain inspired by her. That person is Erin Brown. She has been a very visible face for disabled people and cancer survivors in the Bahamas. From what I know, she lost one of her limbs to bone cancer in her early twenties and while some may see that as an impediment, she has used her life to show others that nothing is impossible. She leads by example, living an active, competitively athletic and purposeful life. This is a message that is inspiring to all Bahamians. To face our challenges head on, accept it, grow and live the best life we can. We determine the trajectory of our lives.

4) 2013 was the country's 40th anniversary of Independence. What stood out for you in way of commemorating this event?

What stood out for me in 2013 was the revival of Sammy Swain. This show was amazing, world-class and showed the best of The Bahamas.

5) 2013 may have been one of the worst years ever for crime in The Bahamas. What are your thoughts and suggestions?

There have been numerous forums, political manifestos and letters that have explained clear cut ways on how to make the Bahamas a safer place. They are all out there to read, we just have to do a simple Google search. The problem lies with us. While most of us agree with the ideas put forth such as: better education, self-esteem, a functioning judicial system, social programs etc....there is barely any real follow up until the next time something tragic happens. The solutions put forth then become rhetoric. I believe that we have a tendency to take the path that is easiest for us, the path that is least offensive and the path that makes us 'look good'. We know what we need to do, yet we are continually getting in our own way. The road to a better Bahamas will be a difficult one, it will involve us making liberal and conservative choices. It will involve us looking into our souls and recognizing that there is something in us that is broken and that we're all in some way responsible. When those in power, and we as private citizens are ready to do this, it is only then that we can we can seriously decrease crime in The Bahamas.

6) Is there an 'unsung hero' you feel should be recognized from 2013 or prior? If so, who and why?

In my opinion I would say the late Rev. Glenroy Nottage. I had the opportunity to meet him when Maria Govan and myself were working on the 2004 documentary "Where I'm From: HIV and AIDS in The Bahamas". In the early days of HIV in The Bahamas, Rev. Nottage ran a drug rehabilitation community in the early 1980's on a property that once was a leper colony. As it became apparent that most of the residents were HIV positive, he changed the focus of the community to one that would provide shelter for individuals who were affected by HIV and AIDS. In the early days when people knew very little about the disease and were often marginalized by people in their own family, Rev. Nottage founded a safe space for these individuals where they could live their lives in dignity. I believe there are very few people who were willing to walk through the fire to help the sick in those days, and Rev. Nottage is a shining example of one who did.

7) Do you have a Personal Highlight for 2013?

My personal highlight was seeing our film Passage travel to festivals around the world and be recognized for it by winning three international awards. The entire crew and cast worked very hard on the film and more importantly it had a very timely message.

Born in Nassau, Kareem Mortimer is an independent filmmaker who has completed the films "The Eleutheran Adventure", "Chartered Course", "Float", "I Am Not A Dummy ", "Children of God", "Wind Jammers" and "Passage." He is currently in development of his new feature film "Cargo" and is a co-founder of a new production company, Best Ever Film. He can be reached at kareem@mercuryrisingmedia.com

Disclaimer: The views expressed here are solely those of the author in his/her private capacity and do not in any way represent the views of TheBahamasWeekly.com

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