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Sir Arthur commands Independence camaraderie for 2013 National Pride Day
By Gena Gibbs, BIS
Jul 8, 2013 - 12:21:42 AM

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Governor General Sir Arthur Foulkes, the keynote speaker at the National Pride Day celebrations in Rawson Square, July 5, 2013, is pictured at the podium. Also pictured sitting from left: Anthony Newbold, moderator, Lady Foulkes and the Rev. Dr. Philip Rahming, author of The Pledge. (BIS Photo / Gena Gibbs.)

Nassau, The Bahamas -- Commanding the Spirit of Independence camaraderie, historically nurtured over the last 40 years, Governor General Sir Arthur Foulkes reminded Bahamians at the National Pride Day celebrations July 5, about July 10, 1973, when His Royal Highness Prince Charles handed over the Instruments of Independence to The Bahamas Government through Prime Minister Sir Lynden Pindling on Clifford Park.  

On that day thousands of Bahamians sang, for the first time, their own National Anthem, "Lift Up Your Head to the Rising Sun Bahamaland", composed by Timothy Gibson, under the aquamarine, black, and gold flag, hoisted above all heads to draw out the beginning of a new era of unity, heritage and culture.

"Let me first say how happy I am to be here today and to see so many decked out in our beautiful national colours of black, aquamarine, and gold, a truly delightful sight," said Sir Arthur.

"Today is National Pride Day in The Bahamas and it is good that we celebrate our love for, and the pride we have in, our Commonwealth.  But the whole idea of setting this day aside for celebration is so that we will remember to have pride in our Bahamas every day of every year."

Sir Arthur said that Bahamians abroad, their descendants and the many friends of The Bahamas have now come together to unite in solidarity and Bahamians are reminded of a time when they created an independent state among the nations of the world through those, whom assumed the reins of leadership at that time and most of who have passed on.

"We may ask:  what is national pride and how is it expressed?  Essentially, national pride is the same all over.  It is patriotism, a love of the land of one's birth or adoption, an appreciation of its peculiar gifts and characteristics, and gratitude that it is our heritage," said Sir Arthur.

"Different people express their national pride in different ways and according to their circumstances.  Some give their lives in defence of their homeland, some write poems and music, some create great works of art, others express their love in service as teachers, health care givers, law officers, politicians, religious leaders, in many different ways."

Sir Arthur said that others have crossed the bridge of the generations to take over and yet others wait to continue to lead us on our national journey.  He expressed his sincere gratitude to those Bahamians serving their country abroad in diplomatic, consular and tourist offices.  In addition, Sir Arthur reminded Bahamians that their obligation to the world is to protect the environment, especially when they come to visit The Bahamas.

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Governor General Sir Arthur Foulkes raises the flag as Minister of National Security Bernard Nottage looks on during the National Pride Day celebrations in Rawson Square July 5. (BIS Photo/Letisha Henderson)

"But whatever the circumstances of each of us, we can find ways each day to show our love of country, our national pride," said Sir Arthur.

"The Bahamas is a stunningly beautiful archipelago of some 700 islands and cays scattered over 100,000 square miles of the most beautiful crystal clear emerald green and azure blue waters on the planet.  So, one good way to demonstrate our national pride is to care for and protect our environment.  The Government spends a lot of money each year on clean-up programmes, environmental protection and beautification of public spaces."

Sir Arthur said that commercial enterprises also make significant contributions to help keep our surroundings pleasant and beautiful.  He added that in fact, Government and the private sector have been co-operating in the beautification of this City of Nassau, which is reinforcing beautification of our nation through our heritage and cultural ties with every human being on the planet.

"But we must not just leave it to the Government and commercial houses.  The environment is also the business of each and every one of us.  There is an African saying which goes like this:  "If each would sweep before his doorstep, the village would be clean," said Sir Arthur.

"So let us today pledge to keep our surroundings clean, to refrain from littering, and to rebuke those who would destroy our natural heritage, and those who would destroy our peace and tranquility.  Another good way to demonstrate our national pride is through our culture.  We share in a universal culture, but we also have aspects of culture that are unique to us."

Sir Arthur said that he is so proud that in recent years a new generation of Bahamian musicians have come into their own with a wonderful outpouring of really great Bahamian music, and that we continue to produce world-class artists.  He also said there is another aspect of traditional Bahamian culture that we should also pay attention to and that is the way we behave.

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Governor General Sir Arthur Foulkes raises the flag as Minister of National Security Bernard Nottage looks on during the National Pride Day celebrations in Rawson Square July 5. (BIS Photo/Letisha Henderson)

"Many years ago the world discovered that the beauty of The Bahamas was not only in its natural environment but also in its people.  We were always an exuberant people, but also a kind and gentle people, a people who pride themselves on having respect for one another and for ourselves, a people with good manners," said Sir Arthur.

"That, too, is a part of our culture that we should celebrate and perpetuate.  So, let us not fall into the temptation of imitating the low end of other people's culture with rude, vulgar and macho behaviour.  In the same way we have rediscovered our music, let us also rediscover our Bahamian roots of civility and respect and good manners.  They are all a part of our culture."

 

Sir Arthur said that we can also demonstrate our national pride by celebrating great Bahamians, the contribution they made to our development and the heritage of political stability they have left us.  He said there were those who 40 years ago became the fathers of independence, but there were generations before them who built bridges to that era, and now it is up to "you" the next generation to build more and stronger bridges to the future.

"So, have pride in things Bahamian, in our wonderful natural environment, in our unique culture, in the achievements of Bahamians, in our state institutions, in our political stability, and in ourselves as a cultured people," said Sir Arthur.

"I wish us all happy celebrations for this our 40th anniversary of independence.  May God continue to bless us all and the Commonwealth of the Bahamas."

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