From:TheBahamasWeekly.com
Leader of Opposition Message on Bahamas 41st Anniversary of Independence
By DR. HUBERT A. MINNIS Leader of Her Majesty’s Loyal Opposition
Jul 10, 2014 - 12:24:23 AM
Forty-one years ago, at the hour of midnight,
the Union Jack, the symbol of British Colonialism, was lowered for the
final time in our country. In its place, was raised, the gold,
aquamarine and black flag of a free and independent Bahamas.
The
dream of equality, freedom and fair play for every citizen of this
country, of whatever sexual gender, race, creed or colour, began in my
father’s generation, in the hearts of men like R.M Bailey, S.C.
McPherson, L. Walton Young, A. Leon McKinney, Charles Rodriquez, Dr.
Claudius Roland Walker, Bert Cambridge; and women like Mabel Walker,
Georgiana Symonette and Mary Ingraham.
This
dream was fulfilled on July 10th 1973, through the determined, selfless
and untiring efforts of men like Sir Lynden Oscar Pindling, Sir
Randolph Fawkes, Sir Arthur Dion Hanna, Sir Cecil Wallace-Whitfield, Sir
Clement T. Maynard, Sir Arthur Alexander Foulkes, Curtis McMillan,
James Shepherd, Garnett Levarity, Paul Lawrence Adderley and Geoffrey
Thompson and so many others. These men, and women like Dame Doris
Johnson, are all true heroes of Bahamian Independence.
President
John F. Kennedy said it well over fifty years ago at his Inauguration,
when he observed that “the torch has now passed to a new generation…”.
It is now the time for the new generation of Bahamian leaders to take up
the torch, and to advance the dream. Such an undertaking is not easy,
for while we enjoy greater political, social and economic opportunities
than the previous generation could only imagine, there is still much
work to be done to ensure that more and more Bahamians come to enjoy the
full fruits of Nationhood, civic participation and greater ownership in
the Bahamian economy.
The
opportunities and prosperity afforded to some Bahamians have made too
many persons cynical and less caring for the underprivileged and the
disadvantaged; but this can be changed. We can change social attitudes
because, deep down inside, Bahamians are a kind, caring and decent
people who value hard work, honesty and decency.
We
are blessed by God and nature: simply look around you. Our country has
achieved a peaceful and stable democracy for nearly 300 years. Our
waters and vast wetlands and creeks teem with marine life. Our people,
and new generations of entrepreneurs, are pushing the boundaries of
further economic growth and national development. The creative talents
and energies of our Artists and Musicians are reemphasizing and
redefining our distinctive Bahamian identity. We remain, despite our
smaller population, a regional and world sporting power. There is much
of which we can and should be proud; and so much more that we can
achieve by a continued commitment to our Constitutional creed of
“self-discipline, industry, loyalty, unity and an abiding respect for
Christian values and the Rule of Law”.
As we celebrate this 41st
year of Independence of The Bahamas as a free and sovereign nation, let
us all give God our praise in thanksgiving services across this land.
May we all have a safe and happy Independence Holiday.
May God bless and preserve our Nation, and all who live herein.
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