The Tribune

By RASHAD ROLLE

CABINET ministers joined Prime Minister Perry Christie in Rawson Square yesterday to launch Independence Day commemorative stamps as part of the 40th anniversary of independence activities.

The officials also viewed a newly opened exhibition of constitutional documents and independence mementos in the foyer of the Senate building.

“The items on display are meant to further educate the Bahamian public and inculcate appreciation for Bahamian culture” said Mr Christie, speaking about the memorabilia and charts of memorable historical events that were on display.

Throughout the event, the importance of preserving and promoting Bahamian history was a common refrain.

Mr Christie said: “Until we personalise our own stories about those who did so much for so many only to slip into oblivion, we will not be able to have the country develop in the way we want it to. Do not let our country be cheated. Let’s get our stories told.”

Five stamps were launched yesterday, valued at 15 cents, 25 cents, 50 cents, 65 cents and 70 cents.

The 15 cents stamp shows an image of members of the government delegation who represented the Bahamas in England in 1972 during an Independence conference.

The 25 cents stamp shows Sir Milo Butler, the country’s first Bahamian Governor General and an instrumental figure in the fight for independence.

The 50 cents stamp is of Sir Lynden Pindling, the first Prime Minister of the Bahamas, who is often called the “father of the nation”.

The 65 cents stamp depicts the HMBS Flamingo, which was sunk in 1989 by Cuban jet fighters.

The four crewmen who died during the attack – Fenrick Sturrup, David Tucker, Edward Williams and Austin Smith – are featured on the stamp.

The incident is being commemorated because it is seen to have rallied patriotic feeling around the country.

The 70 cents stamp features images of the three Bahamian recipients of the Rhodes Scholarship, the oldest and one of the most celebrated scholarships in the world.

Poet Christian Campbell, professor Desiree Cox and medical student Myron Rolle are depicted on the stamp.