Bahamian Independence - 35th Anniversary

July 9th 1973 will go down in history as one of the most memorable nights for Bahamians attending the Independence celebrations on Clifford Park. Prince Charles, heir to the English Throne, (representing his mother Queen Elizabeth II of Britain)presented Sir Lynden Pindling with the formal legal instruments from the British Government declaring The Bahamas as an Independent Nation. At one minute past midnight the Union Jack (the Flag and National Emblem of the British Empire) was lowered and all eyes were affixed to the new colorful Bahamian Standard of Black, Gold, and Aquamarine as it was being raised. Since the landfall of Christopher Columbus in 1492, the Bahamas has experienced a rich and exciting history. The English Explorers and Settlers came, led by William Sayle. Then there were the infamous pirates and buccaneers, such as Black Beard who used our Islands as a base for their pirating and plundering until the pirates were expelled by Woodes Rodgers, our first Royal Governor. This was followed by the period of governorship under Lord Dunmore, who also became the first of a long line of Bahamian land speculators. Amongst his acquisitions was a summer home on the eastern foreshore of New Providence which is now owned by the Roman Catholic Diocese and is the official residence of the Archbishop. Then, there was the period relating to the ruling plantation class system of the 18th Century. Slave masters legally maintained slaves who came primarily from West Africa north of the Congo. The emancipation of the slaves in the Bahamas was announced to the House of Assembly in 1833 by the Acting Governor Mr. Balfour. It was after the end of the Second World War that the government decided to pursue tourism as our main economic thrust. The path to independence followed a series of constitutional and political steps. Firstly, the attainment of internal self-government in 1964 followed by a Referendum called during the General Elections of 1972 which gained the mandate from the people of The Bahamas to negotiate our Independence from the British Government. In December 1972 a Constitutional Conference was held in London with representation from both the governing PLP and FNM. Sir Orville was proud to be one of the delegates which traveled to London to debate and design what eventually became our Bahamas Independence Order of 1973. As a result, the terms of our Constitution were agreed for our full status as an Independent Nation in the Commonwealth of Nations. For most Bahamians, Independence is not fully appreciated or its significance understood. We need to consider from whence we have come and how well have we fared since that historic occasion 35 years ago. How are we doing? As a country? As a people? Are we proud of our progress? What does Nationalism mean to Bahamians? Do we know, respect and display our national Symbols? We speak about "One Bahamas" but go to Moore's Island, Abaco; or to go to Red Bays, Andros; or go to Podoleo Street or Rock Crusher Road in New Providence. Certainly we don't see "One Bahamas" reflected in these depressed areas in this land of such abundant wealth. Our Country has been blessed with unparalleled beauty and boundless marine resources but our land cries out for a cleansing balm. We need to restore and preserve the beauty of our precious Islands, our beautiful cays, our shallow banks, and our delightful shoals. Rotarians! We are a resilient Nation, one of caring people and so we must take up the challenge to bring hope to the hopeless, find joy in the midst of sadness, and get up when we stumble. Embrace the youth of our nation and commit to steering them in the right direction to become responsible and productive citizens. Inspire them to move toward a higher, loftier goal which was set for them by the Founding Fathers of this Nation. Instill in our youth that this nation â?" A Majestic Bahamas â?" came not by accident or caprice, but was brought to life through fierce determination, through perseverance, and through pure hard work. Rotarians! Challenge yourselves to put the motto of "Service Above Self" into practice.