Instead of taking Bishop Laish Boyd’s remarks for what they plainly were—constructive criticism rooted in a reality many Bahamians quietly acknowledge—it appears that the Attorney General, Ryan Pinder, chose offense over reflection. One would think that the chief legal mind of the country might welcome an opportunity to address public concerns about justice. Instead, he reacted as though a mirror had been rudely held up.

According to The Nassau Guardian, Bishop Boyd questioned what he described as a disparity in sentencing between the “poor black man” and those who are white or well-connected—whether white or black. Harsh words, yes. Unfamiliar words? Hardly. These are sentiments echoed in rum shops, court corridors, and kitchen tables across The Bahamas.

But suddenly, this well-worn concern is “disgraceful.”

The Attorney General—himself a product of an affluent white family, educated, connected, and insulated from the daily realities of the average Bahamian—pushed back. He cautioned against “blanket statements,” reminding us that each case has its own facts and circumstances. A fine legal answer. Also a very convenient one.

Because here’s the irony: this same New Day Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) had no such concern for nuance when it suited their political strategy. For years, they were quite comfortable deploying a black versus white narrative to demonize the Free National Movement (FNM), reduce complex issues to racial sound bites, and inflame division for electoral gain. Back then, context didn’t matter. Perception did.

Now that the very narrative they helped normalize is being used to question disparities within the justice system—now it’s offensive.

Funny how that works.

When you throw a rock into a pack of wild dogs, as the saying goes, you quickly discover who was hit.

Some may take issue with my description of Attorney General Pinder. That discomfort is intentional. It mirrors the discomfort felt by thousands of poor black Bahamians who watch the justice system work swiftly for them, but gently—or not at all—for the well-connected.

The hypocrisy here is not just glaring; it is almost impressive in its audacity. If you are part of a political organization that has repeatedly weaponized race as a campaign tool, then perhaps the wisest course—especially as a white, affluent Bahamian—is silence when that same weapon is turned inward.

You cannot light a match, burn the house down, and then complain about the smoke.

The Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) fails for one reason; it is their nature.

END