Governor General Cornelius A Smith speaks at the National Pride Day ceremony in Rawson Square on Friday. Photo: Terrel W Carey Sr/Tribune staff
By FARRAH JOHNSON
BAHAMIANS must “reject” the things that stir up division if they want to “preserve” the country’s legacy of hospitality, said Governor General Cornelius A Smith.
Addressing the public on National Pride Day at a ceremony in Rawson Square on Friday, Mr Smith said Bahamians should strive to be on one accord and reject “divisiveness" that stems from “race, culture (and) creed".
“My fellow Bahamians, as we celebrate our 46 years as a sovereign nation, let us remember that though we are many islands, we are only one nation called The Bahamas,” he said.
“Our little country could be an example to the world that there can be unity in diversity...We must reject those things that tend to divide us and commit to a spirit of love… and an abiding respect for our fellowmen and our country.”
Mr Smith said Bahamians should “hold their heads high”, knowing with certainty that the country is world renowned, despite its relatively small size.
He insisted the nation’s 46th Independence anniversary is a major achievement that was only accomplished through “the grace of God".
“My fellow Bahamians, I encourage you to continue what was started decades ago by our early nation builders.”
“Let us commit to serving with a passion for excellence and giving unselfishly in all that we do, showing love, demonstrating unity and practising traditional Bahamian civility and respect for one another.”
Mr Smith also appealed to Bahamians to come together to “enjoy the spirit of national pride,” that the Independence celebrations commemorate.
He insisted that as the country celebrates another “historical milestone,” Bahamians should “proudly salute the flag” and “cherish their thriving democracy.”
“Let these celebrations continue to remind and inspire us to remain unified and strong, forging ahead to create a brighter tomorrow for all Bahamians,” he said.
“There are many challenges and difficulties which confront us as a nation, but in the words of our theme, together we will beat and overcome these challenges. Yes we can, and yes we will.”
Also speaking on the relevance of this year’s theme, Youth, Sports and Culture Minister Lanisha Rolle, said it is “essential” for the country to “maintain the mindset of togetherness.”
“If we can’t do it together, it can’t be done. And so looking forward now from 46 and beyond, we want to continue to unite and...recognise that we’re all in this together,” she said.
“And once we continue to maintain that mindset and composure, I think the country is going to continue to grow by leaps and bounds.”
Mark Humes, Fort Charlotte MP and chairman of the 46th Independence Secretariat, also told The Tribune that one aspect of this year’s Independence theme is to “highlight the fact that the country is drifting further apart in some ways".
“When you look at where we are as a society today, we’re in some ways a very polarised society,” he said.
“I think we are more polarised around our colours and our various communities moreso, over the idea of just being Bahamian.”
He insisted that Bahamians should be proud of their country and encouraged the public to use the Independence activities as a way to celebrate the nation’s history and heritage.
“...The only way to achieve great things as a country is to be united under this banner of Bahamian.”
On Wednesday, July 10, The Bahamas will celebrate its 46th Independence Anniversary. National Pride Day marked the official launch of this year’s celebrations.
Comments
Chucky 5 years, 4 months ago
A whole spearheaded given that says nothing. What’s it all for.
Nonsensical name from “leaders”. Joke!
We will never be an example for the world given how we are.
If we became a highly educated nation, display innovation, productivity, honesty perhaps we might get noticed.
For now, we’re a corrupt, banana republic, which clings to its commonwealth history while acting like and governing like a typical Africa nation.
“ world renowned”, sure, but for what.
Well_mudda_take_sic 5 years, 4 months ago
The dowdy C.A. Smith may as well have $9,000 a month rent stamped on his forehead. Some never know when to quit, especially the most worthless of the lot. It's as if Smith's retirement and health benefits package before becoming GG, totalling well over $100,000 per annum, was not enough for him. He just had to continue living lavishly off of the over-burdened backs of taxpayers. As GG he will know get many other generous cost of living allowances in addition to the $9,000 per month rent being paid his luxurious house. And then there are the costs of the round-the-clock body guar, the chauffeured limo, and on and on.
Meanwhile, our children are going without many of the things they so desperately need, especially in our grossly under resourced public education system, not to mention that most Bahamians are now without a functioning public healthcare system. Minnis and Turnquest seem to take great joy in showing their cronies, family members, financial backers and close friends with our tax dollars and money our country does not even have, which they borrow from international lending agencies without any regard for muched needed belt-tightening and the alarming growth in our unsustainable national debt.
birdiestrachan 5 years, 4 months ago
This FNM Government decision to appoint an FNM Govoner General in time for independence is a very bad decision. It is costing the poor taxpayers too much 9000 a month just for rent when there is a shortage of beds in the hospitals is really mean. It is typical of the FNM Government to make bad decisions.,
Paying 65 million for something then selling it for 45 is also a bad decision It may take the peoples time voters a long time to become aware of how dumb the FNM Government is. But the investors know as soon as the doc opens his mouth
geostorm 5 years, 4 months ago
Boy you people are so negative. You are part of the reason that there is so much division in this country. Can you not post one positive thing about the Bahamas? We are celebrating independence as a nation. For the love of God and all things good, shut up, and find something positive to say!
birdiestrachan 5 years, 4 months ago
The very moment that this FNM Government gives us something positive to post we will. $9.000 per month for rent while there is a shortage of beds in the hospitals for sick.. people to lie in. is a disgrace.
Well_mudda_take_sic 5 years, 3 months ago
Your comments are usually given little weight, if any, because of your persistent refusal to acknowledge and accept that many of the negative things you say about the current government could just as easily have been said about the previous government.
TheMadHatter 5 years, 3 months ago
“And once we continue to maintain that mindset and composure, I think the country is going to continue to grow by leaps and bounds.”
I just got back from B.E.C. offering the lady behind the window 2 pounds of mindset and 3 pounds of composure. However, she told me even with that she could not turn my light back on. Said I needed something called money.
Oh well. Maybe after C.A. Smith retires, the next GG will talk about money. Thank God the church is give me some candle sometimes.
TheMadHatter 5 years, 3 months ago
I remember talking to this guy face to face back in 1990 before they first won government and he became Minister of Education. Now that he is GG what is he going to do? He can order the current Minister to REMOVE the "E" grade so that our curve causes the average grade to be a "C" just like any other civilized country. Will he? Will he threaten to dissolve Parliament unless it is done before sundown? NO. He will do nothing and let our children suffer with a D grade on their report cards year after year after year after year. Hopefully these young people will be able to maintain their "composure" in the face of government enforced failure.
sheeprunner12 5 years, 3 months ago
I don't really care what GG Smith says .......... I concentrate on the statue in the background. It is so ironic that Vicky is blocking out the Coat of Arms ............ Actions speak louder than words.
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