The Tribune

In honour of the 50th Independence of the Bahamas, Tribune Education asked students the personal significance of this milestone.

Pedronique Saunders, a recent graduate of Barry University with an MBA in health service administration, is excited about the country’s golden jubilee and views it as a time to reflect on our past and future.

She said: “The 50th year of Independence is so special and truly remarkable. This is a great time for us as Bahamians to reflect on how far we’ve come and where we are going. This represents growth for our nation and I am super excited to be here to witness all of the festivities.”

Pedronique also shared her hopes that the Bahamian healthcare system will evolve over the next 50 years through education and dialog with upcoming innovations visionaries in the field.

She said: “In terms of healthcare, it is my hope that over the next 50 years, as we approach our centennial, the Bahamian healthcare system experiences a positive shift and great expansion.”

“I believe this can be achieved by giving young persons like myself a chance to have a seat at the table and give our thoughts and opinions. As the younger generation has a new approach to modern day problems combined with advanced college level skills, this can help create that positive shift what we desperately need.”

Ayden Forbes, student, Mary Star of the Sea Catholic Academy, Grand Bahama Sister Mary Grand Bahama said that the occasion displays the unity and potential Bahamians.

He said: “To me, it shows how far we have come together as a country and it shows we have so much potential, if we work together properly.”

Ayden also shared his hopes that The Bahamas will become more peaceful, self sufficient and secure over the next 50 years.

He said: “Over the next 50 years I hope that we can grow stronger as a people, together. I hope that we can be more peaceful and be able to sustain ourselves better. That we will be even more independent and better ourselves and not have to rely on others.”

“More independent in terms of build our national defense like the defense force and police force and providing more resources for both ourselves and other countries.”

Arielle McPhee, a student at Windsor School, Albany, emphasiszed the importance of preserving our marine environment, especially our coral reefs for future generations. She also lamented the projection that half of the world’s reef population will be lost before the country celebrates its centennial and shared hopes of joining the fight to prevent this tragedy.

She said: “Coral reefs are a vital source of food, livelihood and cultural heritage to The Bahamas. Over the last 50 years, 50 percent of the world’s coral reefs have been lost, and if we do nothing we could lose our reefs and everything they provide us by 2050.”

“As a Bahamian, I would be devastated to see this happen in my lifetime. I hope that I can be part of the change to help protect and restore our coral reefs for future generations.”