These are no doubt interesting times in The Bahamas and it has become increasingly difficult to predict the news headlines or topics that will dominate the airwaves. This unpredictability could be interpreted as the beauty of our thriving democracy, the genius of our local press, a sign of the exciting times in which we live, the maturity of the electorate or the unraveling of a new era in our nation's history. This writer is inclined to conclude that all of the aforementioned are in play in the current dispensation.
It is easy and convenient to focus on some of the challenges we face and enlarge the difficulties of these times while minimizing our achievements as a small island nation over the last 41 years. While the topics of public discussions are important and crucial to the maintenance of our standard of living, we must never lose sight of where we have come from and must be grateful for the liberties we enjoy in the best little country in the world. And so the question is whether in the midst of the often referenced doom and gloom, we have a reason to celebrate our 41st anniversary of independence.
Year one of a new beginning
The festivities marking 41 years since we obtained political independence are expected to be less extravagant than last year. This is only appropriate seeing that we celebrated a major milestone of 40 years in 2013. While the discourse over the last year has focused on reflections on our position a generation after independence, the new journey toward the next 40 years has begun. The labor and struggles of our ancestors, which allowed us to thrive for the first 40 years, must now be built upon by our elder statesmen and stateswomen, but more importantly by a new breed of Bahamians without greed.
We begin the first year of a new journey into the unknown in a world that has changed and in a global economy that is volatile. It is incumbent upon our leaders and more importantly us as Bahamians to begin to dream for a better Bahamas. The work has just begun and there remain many rivers to cross and mountains to climb. We have not arrived; rather, we have just embarked on a new voyage with documented experiences of our predecessors serving as a guide into this unchartered territory.
True sovereignty and independence
One of our major strengths as a nation lies in our independence as expressed in our ability to govern ourselves and make decisions that shape the destiny of our country. During the first 40 years after independence, we faced social and economic adversities but emerged from them stronger as a people. Protecting and guarding our sovereignty, not just in theory but in practice, is a task we are charged with in the new normal of a global village, disappearing territorial boundaries and converging international standards.
In order to sustain our way of life and pass on a country with values which are identical to those passed on by those who came before us to future generations, we must not lose the essence of who we are. Our political and social groupings should not divide us to the point that we cannot find causes that unite us. The Bahamian people have been known as patriots, faithful and loyal to the aquamarine, gold and black. Our allegiance must remain to our Bahamaland, putting country above self at all times if our nation is to keep its true sovereignty and political independence.
The role of Bahamian women during the next 40 years
As Dame Marguerite Pindling is sworn in as the 10th governor general of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas on today, we congratulate a lady who has become synonymous with grace, class, elegance and strength. Lady Pindling, as she is fondly referred to, hails from humble beginnings and often refers to herself as the 'barefoot girl from Andros'. We also salute Marion Bethel on being the 11th recipient of the CARICOM Triennial Award for Women.
The aforesaid appointment and award at this time in our history are symbolic of the important role Bahamian women have to play in the development of our country over the next 40 years. The future success of The Bahamas will undoubtedly be determined by how well the other half of our gifted and talented population - our women - are incorporated into the governance and decision-making process in the public and private sectors as well as on national and corporate levels.
Our culture and identity
As we commemorate the first year of the second generation after independence, our renewed mandate is not limited to the economic empowerment of our people, but also to the championing of human rights, social justice and gender equality within our commonwealth. Our culture defines who we are and has ensured that generations of Bahamians have been able to have a sense of national pride and identity.
It is therefore fitting that this year's celebrations have been given the theme 'Celebrating our Culture: A Commitment to Peace' in dedication to our cultural icons. The national treasures embodied in these individuals ought to be recognized and praised for enriching our culture and their overall contribution to building our country. While the list of honorees released is comprehensive and impressive, it is noteworthy to state that quite a number of them have passed on. This highlights the importance of giving individuals their roses while they are still alive, and it is hoped that this will not be a one-time recognition of our sons and daughters who have made us proud.
Conclusion
The question as to whether we ought to celebrate should be a rhetorical one, seeing that every year of uninterrupted democracy and political independence is worthy of commendation. In a climate of challenging social issues, sluggish economic growth and high unemployment, there appear to be enough grounds for despair. However, the reality that The Bahamas is a blessed nation and we are a resilient people cannot be denied.
Our leaders, regardless of their political affiliation, must lead the charge and subscribe to the philosophy of their predecessors to wipe every tear from every eye. The mantra must not be to give handouts but to do all they can in the national interest to better the lives of all Bahamians. Should we then celebrate? Yes we should, not because everything is perfect or we have no challenges, but because as a nation grateful for all that we are and all that we hope to be, we must give thanks. Happy independence, Bahamas!
o Arinthia S. Komolafe is an attorney-at-law. Comments on this article can be directed to a.s.komolafe510@gmail.com.

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