One must then wonder why our service industry is also so poor. One of the basic requirements within the service industry, which is undeniably the most important – customer service, is the sector in which the Bahamian people seem to lack any skill, desire or passion.
Do we not realize that our livelihood depends on it? Have we become so comfortable with the notion of, “I’m not here because I need this job, I’m actually doing you a favour?”
This was a thought once kept silent in our subconscious, but has somehow navigated its way through the maze of common sense to display our arrogance and ignorance as a people.
The question may arise as it so often does, “Who are we to blame?”
Should we blame the Government, which is the normal bearer of our shortcomings and failures, or should we direct our accusations toward a more logical target, maybe Trade Unions?
Aren’t they the ones that grant us immunity and allow us to be discourteous and badly-mannered toward customers and guests?
Or should we just blame the educational system for not implementing a mandatory course teaching us how we should behave and treat others in the work place?
Wouldn’t this be beneficial to us, because of the fact that this country has a service-driven economy, and that 85 percent of the population will inevitably be involved in some form of service- oriented business.
Placing this vocation under the microscope yielded some startling results: More than 74 percent of these jobs are held by women. Could this be the origin of our problem?
The last time you paid your utility bill and the customer service clerk gave you such a hard time, you remember seeing a woman’s face. Or on a routine trip to the bank and the teller’s condescending tone caused you to walk out feeling like a tiny fish in a very large pond.
How about the last visit to the passport office, a place that has seemed to develop a reputation worse than a “Day at the dentist.”
You arrive early hoping to beat the crowds, you’re fifth in line, that’s not so bad, is it? Oh but it is, there’s only one counter clerk because the other is late as usual and the young lady helping is having a bad hair day therefore lacks any form of focus and seems reluctant to do anything but give you a hard time.
The latecomer finally arrives, but before she can lift a finger to begin work she simply must tell her friend what happened over the weekend.
These are all good and logical targets for our condemnations; however, we have done little to solve our problems.
Which brings us to the question of why. Is it because we lack innovation and ingenuity in this great nation, or is it simply that we don’t care? Some would even suggest that our race is inept and indolent, therefore sees an opportunity to swoop in and take over our God-given fortunes. Is this what we want for our country?
There are many ways in which we can solve our problems. Some may be viewed as extreme; others necessary, as long as we all agree that something MUST be done.
There’s the thought of appointing a national employee evaluation committee, similar to the Freemen Group used by the major hotels. This group will periodically and systematically work with Government and private firms to help eliminate the uncivil entity weakening our strive for success as a nation.
Employers can practise better human resource management skills, ensuring that persons who lack the necessary requirements for such positions are not allowed to infiltrate their systems.
These are a few thoughts put forward by one concerned citizen. Imagine the results of a nation dedicated to this cause!
Rino O. King
Letter to the Editor, The Nassau Guardian
