Speaking at the 85th annual convention of the Church of God, Ms Walkine pointed out the tourism, industry is "fickle" and can disappear in a moment if not handled properly.
We need to learn how to resolve conflicts without resorting to violence. We need to understand that the crimes that we commit against each other create an atmosphere of unease and disquiet for our visitors, because it says that we are a violent people," she said.
Ms Walkine said that if Bahamians accept the premise that tourism is a "people" industry, they will see how important it is to "get our people right".
"By that I mean that we need to stop with the bad behavior, loud obnoxious behavior in public areas; the attitude of indifference; the littering; the inattention to beautification of public spaces, the crimes against each other and our visitors.
She said the Bahamians needed to recapture "the sense of pride we used to have in being Bahamian".
That time in our recent past when we didn't litter the streets, when we all kept our yards in a beautiful condition even if it was only dirt and not grass, that time when we spoke in normal tones when greeting each other, when we didn't curse or swear to make our point in a conversation, when we didn't think that someone else's belongings are ours to take.
"That tine when we didn't treat our beaches like the wild, wild west with jet skis and wave runners out of control, injuring and killing people."
Ms. Walkine suggested encouraging participation in clean-up projects in communities and schools, as well as finding ways to allow more young people to learn and play music and pursue other creative outlets such as arts and crafts.
"How about if we formed travel clubs for our young people so that we expose them to other places that do service right?" Ms Walkine asked – adding that by this she did not mean the usual trip to Miami".
She also suggested that Bahamians be encouraged to read, watch less television and support Junior achievers so they can grow into entrepreneurs.
The director general said the traditional approach to revive and sustain a destination has been to go to the legislature and ask for more money for advertising.
"What we sometimes forget is that advertising never fixed a run-down airport, advertising never fixed a surly welcome, advertising never fixed a rundown resort, and advertising never fixed an unsafe environment.
Source: The Tribune – Nassau, Bahamas
