On July 10th The Commonwealth of The Bahamas will celebrate its 34^th birthday as a sovereign nation. Unlike many countries throughout the world, we were able to acquire our independence without bloodshed and mayhem.

This archipelagic nation is one of the few countries in the western hemisphere that did not have to physically fight for its independence from England, Spain or France. While there were some citizens who did not think we were ready and actually left the country, the majority of citizens applauded this move and was jubilant with the decision.

Even though I was not old enough to really understand what was going on at the time, I did recognize that something really special was happening. I was not fortunate enough to be on Clifford Park to see the raising of the flag or hear the singing of the National Anthem at midnight on July 10, 1973, but I was simply ecstatic to witness the Blue Angels fly over our clear azure tinted skies later that day.

When someone turns 30, society usually expects him or her to have some clear cut direction in how he or she chooses to live. At 30 years of age, most men and women are expected to be well on their way in solidifying themselves in a chosen career. And, it is usually in their thirties that men and women have settled comfortably into married life and all that comes along with it.

One can say then that it is during the decade of our thirties that the future looks bright and we are full of energy to accomplish our goals and fulfill our passions. Of course all of this does not hold true everyone. In fact, some people may wonder if this is some utopian world about which I speak.

Perhaps it may be the ideal situation in which one would love to find oneself, however one thing that is certain is that society expects you to be mature enough to handle most things that come your way once you do enter your thirties.

The mistakes that were forgiven of you in your twenties will not be so easily forgiven in your thirties. It is expected that after three decades of living you would have come to learn from mistakes made by yourself or others.

Crime is at an all time high in our 34^th year. Violence among our youth is steadily increasing in the first half of our third decade. Politics is still playing with peoples’ lives and we seemed to have mastered the “all for me baby” syndrome introduced to us when we were such a young impressionable nation.

I agree that all young nations have their growing pains and in fact it is considered normal to have problems and even crises. Just look at the United States of America who celebrated their 231^st anniversary last week, they are still having their share of problems. And because of our proximity, we get some of their spillage which causes severe adverse effects on us economically, emotionally and spiritually.

Like any child brought into this world, direction and focus is needed from day one. We are very fortunate in this country that while we did not gain our independence until 34 years ago, we were functioning with great civility since the 18^th century. Today when one watches the behaviour of some Parliamentarians in the Lower House it leaves much to be desired. However, the fact that the House has been meeting regularly for over 200 years, bodes well for our foundation.

Every child needs a solid foundation on which to build her life. In order for a person to make mature rational decisions in her thirties, she must have practice in her teens and twenties. Most societies frown upon indecisive, immature, ill-mannered, misguided individuals. Now that we are in our thirties we need to conduct ourselves with the level of decorum and aptitude expected of a mature adult.

This week I challenge you to examine your life and whether or not you are where you need to be at your stage in life. Perhaps you have already passed your thirties and have found yourself a bit behind, now is the time to get your life back on track. As this country matures and develops, so too should your opportunities.