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From:TheBahamasWeekly.com Bahamas Information Services Updates
ANDROS, The Bahamas – South Androsians celebrated the 45th Anniversary of Independence with an Ecumenical Church Service at St. Peter’s Baptist Church in Little Harbour, Mangrove Cay on Sunday, July 8th 2018. The service, marked with prayers, scripture readings and songs of praise, including ‘To God be Glory’ and ‘Great is Thy Faithfulness’ was based on the theme, “Celebrate Bahamas: We’ve Come this Far by Faith.” Participants included Picewell Forbes, MP, representatives of the Mangrove Cay Christian Council and Mangrove Cay Local Government. Pastor Keith Robinson, Chief Councilor, read Prime Minister Hubert Minnis’ message for the 45th Anniversary Independence celebrations and Whelma Colebrook, Administrator, read Governor General Dame Marguerite Pindling’s message for the 45th Anniversary. Pastor Wilfred Bastian delivered the sermon.
In his remarks, the Hon. Frankie Campbell, Minister of Social Services and Urban Development, emphasized that the Independence celebrations are not centered on a “Nassau” holiday, but a “national” holiday. “It is a holiday that sets aside politics and we come together as one nation, one people, for one common goal, which is building up The Bahamas,” he said. “While I am here, someone is in Exuma and there is someone else in another Family Island spreading this same message that we are one Bahamas, notwithstanding the waters between us.” Minister Campbell said while The Bahamas has made “significant” progress, the work of nation building is never complete. Therefore, the country must continue to build. “The preamble speaks to the people of this Commonwealth. It is in that spirit of community that I invite you to hold on to those traditions that have brought us this far.
“We’ve strayed a little from the norms of society. Today, it seems that we’re trying to bend the norms of our society to fit to our young people. We’re not doing them any favors. The Christian values that are in our preamble, admonish us to do something with the tree while it is young and not to spare the rod and spoil the child.” Minister Campbell used the opportunity to acknowledge the work of the settlement’s Local Government Junior Councilors. He described them as talented, young people who are a reflection of who and what Mangrove Cay is. “While you take a little time to chastise he, or she, who may be going astray spend a lot of time encouraging those who are doing well. Keep them in the spotlight. Their positive work today speaks of a positive and bright future that you will have in this community.” He invited the people of Mangrove Cay to celebrate the 45th anniversary of Independence by continuing the pledge to “excel through love and unity.”
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