NASSAU, The Bahamas – Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture the Hon. Charles Maynard said, on November 10, 2010, that Michael Pintard’s new play “Not My Good Child” is a timely drama, as it opens up dialogue on the cost of violence in Bahamian society, especially amongst the nation’s youth.
“We, at the Ministry, see our role in the whole mix of the crime-fighting dilemma as vital,” Minister Maynard said.
“We consider ourselves on the frontline as much as the Ministry of National Security or any other Ministry that deals with this issue, because a lot of the victims and perpetrators of crimes in The Bahamas are young people.
“We realise that the work that we do, in terms of youth, cultural and sporting organisations has an impact positively on how people socialise in our society.”
The production will take place November 12-13, 2010, at 8 p.m. sharp at the National Centre for the Performing Arts, Shirley Street. Minister Maynard said the Ministry wants to be able to use this particular production as a form of a continuation of our National Youth Month programme, where Bahamians were asked to “Get Involved” in various activities that would assist the nation in fighting the battle against the “evil scourge that we are faced with.”
“We are happy that this particular production is coming out at what we call ‘a vital time’ because as we transition out of National Youth Month, we wanted to keep the focus on those things that inspire Bahamians to do exactly what we do to inspire them to do during National Youth Month, and that is get involved.
“We are hoping that the audience is so moved by the production that they would want to come out of there and find a youth, cultural or sporting organisation of their choice to either put their time and energy in or to sign their children to be a part of.”
The play, which started in Grand Bahama and has a cast predominantly from that island, is a departure in writing and performace for Mr. Pintard, being a dramatic play. Mr. Pintard said that over the last couple of years he, like a large number of other Bahamians, have felt the anguish over the number of Bahamians who have been maimed, injured or killed in acts of violence.
“I wanted, in some way, to address this through the arts,” Mr. Pintard said. “The arts are important avenues to address key issues.”
“I wanted to use the ‘edutainment’ medium to communicate the message that we need to look at the root causes of crime and examine some of the possible solutions,” Mr. Pintard said.
“I wanted to give the public a realistic picture of what is in the minds of some of those persons who may have been accused and convicted of murder.”
Mr. Pintard said he identified five categories of murders that appear to be prevalent in the nation today.
He said he explored drug-related homicides, domestic violence, gay and lesbian slayings, retaliatory killings and killings in the immigrant population.
“The production is really designed to help the society to look at itself and examine what can we all do,” Mr. Pintard said.
“Some folks like to blame the political directorate, narrowly though. “It is not just about the political directorate, it is about educators, it is about us – families.” “The cast is committed to delivering this message,” Mr. Pintard added.
Phil’s Food Services, Bay Street Garage, McDonald’s, Forsythe’s Communications and other corporate sponsors are ensuring that a number of tickets for the play are available for at-risk youth and persons who may not be able to afford the admission cost. Also, Bahamian music is showcased throughout the production and one popular Bahamian artist is slated to perform one of his tracks live.
“We are happy to get this opportunity to work with the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture and we especially thank the Ministry and other private sector agencies for reaching out,” Mr. Pintard said.
“The Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture is pleased to endorse this particular production and we are supporting this particular viewing of the production, as well,” Minister Maynard said.
“We are very happy to be a partner in this entire process.”
By Eric Rose
Bahamas Information Services
