The Tribune

By RASHAD ROLLE

GOVERNOR General Sir Arthur Foulkes has called for Bahamians to enjoy a ‘Spirit of Independence’ camaraderie, historically nurtured over the last 40 years, as they celebrate the 40th Anniversary of Independence.

He reminded Bahamians to think about July 10, 1973, when His Royal Highness Prince Charles handed over the Instruments of Independence to The Bahamas Government through Prime Minister Sir Lynden Pindling at Clifford Park.

On that day thousands of Bahamians sang, for the first time, their own National Anthem, composed by Timothy Gibson, under the aquamarine, black, and gold flag, hoisted high above heads signalling the start of a new era.

Sir Arthur said that Bahamians abroad, their descendants and the many friends of The Bahamas have come together to unite in solidarity and Bahamians are 






















reminded of a time when they created an independent state among the nations of the world.

Speaking at Friday’s National Pride Day, held in Rawson Square, he said: “We may ask: what is national pride and how is it expressed? Essentially, national pride is the same all over. It is patriotism, a love of the land of one’s birth or adoption, an appreciation of its peculiar gifts and characteristics, and gratitude that it is our heritage,”

Reflecting on the theme of the 40th Anniversary of Independence, ‘The Bridge to the Future ... The Journey Continues’ Sir Arthur said that others have crossed the bridge of the generations to take over and yet others wait to continue to lead us on our national journey.

He said that Bahamians can demonstrate national pride by celebrating great Bahamians, the contribution they made to the nation’s development and the heritage they have left.

He said there were those who 40 years ago became the fathers of independence, but there were generations before them who built bridges to that era, and now it is up to ‘you’ the next generation to build more and stronger bridges to the future. “So, have pride in things Bahamian, in our wonderful natural environment, in our unique culture, in the achievements of Bahamians, in our state institutions, in our political stability, and in ourselves as a cultured people,” said Sir Arthur. “I wish us all happy celebrations for this our 40th Anniversary of Independence. May God continue to bless us all and the Commonwealth of the Bahamas.”

The National Pride Day started early in the morning with a prayer by Minister Vaughn P Miller and ended at night with a grand gospel concert featuring Bahamian artists including the Rahming Brothers, The Love Brothers, St Francis Youth Choir, Christian Massive, Shaback and Region Bells.

Throughout the day, people sang hymns, read scripture verses and performed Bahamian songs; people bought homemade crafts and foods from the more than 20 vendors around the square.

Part of the event was called ‘Reflecting on our Past - Raising the Bar.’ Parliamentary Secretary for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Cleola Hamilton, said: “I think this was awesome and we as Bahamians should be proud. The involvement of the children was excellent. I was also looking at the crafts made by the vendors and you know, the talents of Bahamians are second to none. I’m proud to be a Bahamian. And I’m proud to be a Bahamian especially at this time.”

Dr Ann Higgins, one of the coordinators of the event, said National Pride Day was designed to celebrate Bahamian culture.

She said: “It is one of those events every year to show off T-shirts, hats and what it means to be Bahamian. We wanted to have every aspect of Bahamian culture, craft, food and art highlighted to showcase things Bahamian. It’s like a fashion city down here and with the buildings so beautifully decorated we wanted to provide a great experience.”

With the National Children’s Choir singing ‘Guide Me Oh Thou Great Jehovah,’ officials laid a wreath in front of Sir Milo Butler’s statue in honour of the first Bahamian Governor General.

“Sir Milo’s significance is he’s the first Governor General and the symbolism of that is that a Bahamian should occupy the highest office,” said Charles Carter, co-chair of the event.

He said: “Sir Milo was a leader and one of the forces of evolution in our country and will always occupy a special place in our country’s history.”

Alfred Dean, the co-director of National Children’s Choir, was stunned by the reaction his choir received for their performance in front of Sir Milo Butler’s statue.

“The Governor General said the performance brought tears to his eyes. I didn’t know it was going to be that powerful,” he said, adding: “I’m excited about the 40th Anniversary of Independence to see where we are headed. It’s important that the history of our nation be passed down to our children.”

Tyrone Scavella Jr, 11, a recent graduate of Sea Saw Christian Academy and one of the singers in the choir, said he won’t forget the experience of performing in front of the Governor General.

“It felt good to be a part of this because I’ve never experienced anything like it before,” he said. “I felt more educated coming out to this experience.”

Vendors in Rawson Square told The Tribune about the inspiration behind their work.

Vinalisa Ferguson, 46, said: “We are Bahamians and this is a milestone of 40 years of independence. I’m a person who’s always interested in craft so my team and I created necklace sets, Christmas ornaments, hair combs, hair clips and hair bands along with handbags. I’m looking forward to seeing Bahamians unite and prove that we as a country can produce our own national products to sell around the world.”

Charea Hepburn, 21, said: “It’s in the spirit of patriotism that we decided to take on this task of selling T-Shirts. I feel every country should be independent and although we have our downfalls, we’re a young country and we’re democratic. Independence was a perfect historic moment.”

Ria Newbold said: “What inspired me to come out here is the fact that it is independence and I wanted to showcase the gifts and talents of Bahamians who made earrings and necklaces in the shape of Bahamian fruits: sugar apple, scarlet plum, sea grapes, tamarind and hog plumb. We wanted to highlight the things which make us unique.”

Ruby Gibson, 65, said: “We have come along way. I brought my granddaughter out here so she could see something Bahamian. I came to see the old, native entertainers. I think the commission could’ve done a little more in the way they handled the lead up to the event by getting more of the people who are old enough to remember when we achieved independence and share their experiences with the younger generation.”

Nicole Lewis said: “I wanted to be a part of this celebration. A lot of my nieces didn’t even know about National Pride Day and unfortunately they don’t teach about it in schools and with Bahamian entertainers you hear about them but don’t really know who they are. I think even though we have been independence for 40 years, we still are in our mother’s house and need to grow up and become self-dependent.”

Geraldine Lewis, 52, said: “This is my special day so I want to celebrate it because I’m so proud.”