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EXPATS living in Bahrain are on a mission to tell the truth about the kingdom in a bid to restore the island’s battered global image in the wake of a barrage of biased international media reports.
They also hope to form a council with direct links to the ruling family and government ministers to highlight issues of concern and help the country in its continuing bid to reform, reunite and prosper.
The moves were highlighted at a unique gathering of expat families who were invited to Al Rawdah Palace by His Majesty King Hamad, joined by His Royal Highness Prime Minister Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa and other dignitaries.
Andrew Stephenson, 55, a member of Bahrain Rugby Club’s executive committee, speaking on behalf of the assembled expat community, said: “Unlike many other expatriate environments, the unique nature of Bahrain has made it possible for us to be part and parcel of the fabric of Bahrain; this ‘land of two seas’ is our ‘home away from home.’
“The recent situation caused all of us both hardship and heartache in equal measure. Yet the Bahrain we know and love is still intact; the hospitality and good nature of Bahrainis has not diminished. The country is still a great place to be.”
Mr Stephenson drew a few rueful smiles from those attending by mentioning the unwanted aircraft – without mentioning the British government by name – which arrived to evacuate its expats to Dubai during the unrest in March … and left almost empty.
“For the most part, the majority of expatriates did not feel the need to desert the kingdom in its time of need,” he said, highlighting the fact that many stayed behind and worked even harder.
“The treatment Bahrain received at the hands of the international media saddened us all. We were dismayed by their lack of objectivity and frequent inaccuracies presented ‘round-the-clock’ by 24-hour news channels - sensationalist international media who neither know or care about the true nature of Bahrain.
“They distorted the truth to the detriment of our own personal and business interests here in Bahrain.”
Addressing his fellow expats with passion, he urged those present to counteract the misleading images portrayed of Bahrain in their home countries at every opportunity, after earlier stating that ‘radically-inspired individuals, organisations and foreign-backed opportunists’ had tried and failed to destroy the great way of life enjoyed by all.
“Tell your friends and acquaintances the truth about this beautiful island – the intrinsically genuine kind nature of the people of Bahrain – the very reason why we’re here – so tell people about it.”
Mr Stephenson added that the newly-launched National Dialogue offers an opportunity to build an even stronger and more prosperous Bahrain and believes the expatriate community has much to offer too.
“Bahrain has often sought to draw comparisons between itself and the island nation of Singapore, similarly disenfranchised when it comes to natural resources. A key element of Singapore’s economic success has been the strength of its legal system, particularly in relation to property investment,” he said.
“The ability of the expatriate population here in the kingdom to invest in property with both confidence and security is a major benefit for those who live here. It is, though, an area where many believe that a suitable forum to raise issues of genuine concern would be welcomed.”
It would be a move particularly welcomed by expats who invested in the Marina West development only to be left stranded without the homes of their dreams and thousands of dinars out of pocket.
Mr Stephenson petitioned the King to support the establishment of an Expatriate Council which would become a forum of communication and provide members of the expatriate community in Bahrain a platform of direct communication.
“Throughout the history of the region, Bahrain has always been a major pioneer; with a number of regional firsts in areas as diverse as oil, education, aviation, telecommunications, offshore banking and aluminium,” he said. “The creation of such an Expatriate Council, we believe, would once again put Bahrain at the forefront of dynamic innovation and change, leading inevitably to similar initiatives being implemented by our regional neighbours.
“The work of an Expatriate Council would act to address both personal and professional concerns and help to promote Bahrain’s real image against the false, defamatory misrepresentations that we have seen in certain international media organs. I’m sure many of us would be immensely proud to be given an opportunity to serve on such a council and give back to Bahrain a small part of what it has given to us.”
Children of all ages were a part of the 200-plus strong gathering too. Among them were Year 12 students of St Christopher’s School, Gabrielle Wilson and Jen Gilbert.
The 17-year-old expats were both born in Bahrain and Gabrielle said: “I feel extremely proud to claim that Bahrain is my home. I am often asked the question ‘where are you from?’ and without hesitation respond: ‘Bahrain’, even though I am technically British. But, on a more serious note, I believe that many others in the expat community feel this steadfast sense of loyalty, which is what makes Bahrain such a unique and unified country.”
In response to the addresses, King Hamad, who was described as the ‘pearl of the Gulf’ by making taking the platform, paid tribute to all those present and the many expatriates who call Bahrain home for the contribution they make and the part they play ‘in helping shape Bahrain’.
He said: “The expatriate community is an important part of Bahrain’s diversity and strength. You have brought new skill sets to our commercial market, brought new companies to the country, provided employment for Bahrain’s people and enriched our business environment immeasurably. Furthermore, you have made yourselves as much a part of Bahrain as I hope you feel Bahrain has of you.
“You have my greatest thanks for your continued support, involvement and input into Bahrain’s on-going development.
“Your value to the community is gratefully recognised and, in turn, you are indeed valued members of our community.”
The King also made reference to the recently announced independent commission of inquiry into the unrest, led by a panel of international experts.
He explained:“The commission’s terms of reference are wide-ranging, covering the events of February and March this year and the subsequent events following this period.
“The commission will have unfettered access to all government records and government officials. It will have complete autonomy over the scope and method of approach and the rights of anyone cooperating with the commission have been fully protected and guaranteed.
“I have asked for the commission to report its findings no later than October 30 this year, and these will be made fully available to the public.
“This is an important, significant and essential step to continuing our programme of reform and entering a new phase of its development.”
