From:TheBahamasWeekly.com
DPM: The Bahamas took a great leap of faith 40 years ago
By Llonella Gilbert, BIS
Mar 21, 2013 - 1:01:18 AM
FREEPORT, GRAND BAHAMA, Bahamas -- Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Works and Urban Development the Hon. Philip Davis said 40 years ago, a great leap of faith began the journey into a new and independent future for the people of The Bahamas.
“Independence, when presented in a debate to Parliament back in 1972, was described as the most important resolution ever to come before it since the establishment of the House in 1729,” Deputy Prime Minister Davis said during the Service of
Thanksgiving for the Official Launch of the 40th Anniversary of Celebrations on Grand Bahama Island, held at Jubilee Cathedral, Settlers Way, Sunday, March 17, 2013.
“Upon its introduction, independence displayed a vision of new freedoms, inspired a nation and called for our people to look to the future.”
The Deputy Prime Minister said, “As we pause today to launch the 40th anniversary of this Bahamian story, one filled with successes and triumphs, we must remind ourselves of how far we have come, where we are today and pause to chart our course into the future.”
He noted that in The Bahamas today, the evidence of the nation’s advancement from a colony to an independent country shows true fruits of nationhood.
“Today, we stand committed to leaving no child behind and have expanded our programs in Education – a commitment made to the young people of our nation more than 40 years ago.”
He said The Bahamas prides itself in having a competent, proficient and professional workforce that can compete anywhere in the world.
Deputy Prime Minister Davis said the country has modernised health services, and the construction of satellite healthcare facilities is in progress throughout the length and breadth of the nation.
“In addition to this, we laid the foundations and built a social security arm through National Insurance - to secure protection for our elderly and those most in need; holding true to our promise more than 40 years ago to wipe the tears from every eye.”
The Deputy Prime Minister added, “Today Bahamians enjoy the modern amenities of a world-class nation, created by the vision of a stable economy – and a great majority of Bahamians have moved from our populated inner cities into modern communities that have sprung up across these islands.”
He pointed out that the country’s citizens must continue to strive for more training and learning.
The Deputy Prime Minister also said that it is time to modernize the nation’s laws, and push for self-sufficiency and the expansion of agriculture and farming. “We have too much land in The Bahamas that must not go to waste – it is time to grow our own food.”
He added, “We must seek out the great potential of The Bahamas and secure our place around the world; examining linkages though industries and raw materials from the earth and, yes - also claiming our place on that world stage through culture.
“Today reminded us of the words of Sir Lynden Pindling who once said: Economic liberation is the fight of the next generation!”
Deputy Prime Minister Davis said, “This, we know, is our call as we look ahead – to deliver ownership to our people. Ours is the great step to move Bahamians from labourers to owners of our great economy.”
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