Prime Minister the Rt. Hon. Perry Gladstone Christie (centre) attended a press conference January 7, where plans were announced for a special assembly at all public schools on Thursday, January 10, for Majority Rule Day. Also present at left: Veteran broadcaster, entrepreneur and promoter of all things Bahamian, Charles Carter; and at right, Minister of Education, Science and Technology the Hon. Jerome K. Fitzgerald. (BIS Photo/Peter Ramsay)
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NASSAU, The Bahamas -- Prime
Minister the Rt. Hon. Perry Gladstone Christie said persons residi
ng in The Bahamas have tended not to see the importance
of celebrating Majority Rule, even though it is arguably the most important
event in the country’s history with the exception of the Abolition
of Slavery and Independence.
Speaking at a press conference concerning the 46th
Anniversary of Majority Rule at his West Bay Street Office, Monday,
January 7, Prime Minister Christie said it is time for the decision
to be made as to whether or not to make Majority Rule a public holiday.
“This is the 40th anniversary [of Independence]
and this will be the time for the decision to be made with respect to
putting in its rightful place that date and that event and the ensuing
experience of our commonwealth.”
The Prime Minister added that the 40th
anniversary committee and the Government of The Bahamas would also give
full consideration to, this year, implementing a Bahamian National Honours
System.
He also announced that Jack Thompson, former Director
of Immigration, has been reassigned to the Cabinet Office with particular
directions to assume the Chief Administrative Position in the Secretariat
for the 40th Anniversary. William Pratt will act as
Director of Immigration.
Minister of Education, Science and Technology the
Hon. Jerome K. Fitzgerald, veteran broadcaster, entrepreneur and promoter
of all things Bahamian, Charles Carter and Mr. Thompson were also in
attendance at the press conference.
Minister Fitzgerald said that as the country celebrates
its 40th Anniversary, all 173 public schools will observe
on the anniversary of Majority Rule Day, January 10, a special assembly
from 9:00 a.m. to 9:45 a.m.
“We will emphasise the importance of this date
and pay tribute to the courageous men and women who sacrificed much
for the benefits we enjoy today,” the Education Minister said.
The recognition of the historical day will become
a permanent event on the Education calendar marked by a special assembly,
he added.
“It is imperative that our students know the history
of their freedom. They must know of such events as the Burma Road
Riot, the General Strike, the Women Suffrage Movement, Black Tuesday
and the organisation of the Labour Movement,” Minister Fitzgerald
said.
“They must know of the uncompromising principles
and courage of individuals who fought against the tide of oppression,
so that all Bahamians could enjoy the right to vote, freedom of movement
and equal pay for a day’s work.”
He invited all parents, politicians, church and community
leaders who are able to attend the special assembly to go and show their
support.
“The special assembly will be student driven and
moderated by students under the theme ‘Let the Children Tell the Story
– Majority Rule Day’.”
He explained that the students have been asked, “What
is the historical significance of January 10, 1967 and how did it change
the educational, social, political and economic landscape of The Bahamas?”
Minister Fitzgerald said it is anticipated that there
will be displays and exhibits with appropriate written pieces on the
“courageous Freedom Fighters”.
