New Category : Culture

The Governor General Attended RBPF 46th Annual Independence Reception

The Governor General Attended RBPF 46th Annual Independence Reception

Thu, Jul 11th 2019, 11:05 AM

His Excellency, the Most Hon. Cornelius A. Smith, Governor General, attended the Royal Bahamas Police Force 46th Annual Independence Reception held at the Paul Farquharson Centre, Police Headquarters on Wednesday, July 10, 2019. Pictured at the Cake Cutting, from left: Minister of National Security Marvin Dames; Prime Minister Dr. Hubert Minnis; His Excellency the Governor General; Chief Justice Brian Moree; Commissioner of Police Anthony Ferguson; and Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Peter Turnquest.

Photo By: Letisha Henderson

Despite challenges, there is much to celebrate

Despite challenges, there is much to celebrate

Tue, Jul 9th 2019, 09:00 AM

After a decade lost to the drug war, The Bahamas is seeking to recapture its traditional social values.

Three months after independence, the fledgling new Bahamas had to confront the economic challenge of the oil embargo imposed by the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC). And then, the first Gulf War, the resulting U.S. recession of 1991, the 9/11 terrorists attacks in the United States in 2001, the increase in the number of powerful hurricanes impacting our country beginning with Hurricane Andrew in 1992, the blacklisting of The Bahamas’ financial services sector in 2000 and the great global recession of 2008 all created special challenges for the new country.

The resilience of our democracy was demonstrated by the historic change in government in 1992, after 26 years of government led by a single political party. This had been preceded in 1991 by the passing of Sir Cecil Wallace-Whitfield, the founding father of the Free National Movement (FNM) and followed in 2000 with the passing of the father of the nation, Sir Lynden Pindling.

46th Independence - Nation Can Only Advance with Common Purpose, Says Senate President

46th Independence - Nation Can Only Advance with Common Purpose, Says Senate President

Mon, Jul 8th 2019, 09:56 AM

“Whatever the true meaning of national progress may be, or by whatever measuring stick used, one thing is certain, we can only advance as a nation when people are unified with one common purpose,” said President of the Senate, Katherine Forbes-Smith.

The President’s comments came during her address at the official ceremony for National Pride Day in West End on Friday, July 5, 2019.

Senator Smith said that Bahamians will not accomplish as much as they would like, nor advance as much as they would like, until all Bahamians come together and decide that what they desire for The Bahamas is the very best.

She noted that as individuals Bahamians all have their respective political and religious preferences and may differ on what each person’s civil rights should be, but added that one thing for sure is that as Bahamians, each will feel the effects of the success or failure of the country.

Continuing her call for unity, she said: “After winning the United States elections and becoming America’s first black President, Barack Obama said ‘to those Americans whose support I have yet to earn, I may not have won your vote tonight, but I hear your voices. I need your help and I will be your president too.’

“In essence, he was admonishing the American people that once the elections were over, it was time to move away from the everyday politics and instead lend a hand in moving America forward. I echo those sentiments for our beloved Bahamaland.

“I am home in West End, the capital of Grand Bahama, and I say we need that same civility to grow this community. We owe it to the children of this community. As I said at Mt. Olivet Baptist Church on Sunday past, as leaders our goal should be to leave this community better than we met it.”

Making reference to the ceremony many years ago in Nassau during which time the country was honouring Oscar winner Sir Sydney Poitier and naming the Paradise Island bridge in his honour, Senator Smith noted some remarks that were made by the Oscar award-winning actor.

During that event, Sir Sydney called on the young people to take The Bahamas to levels unimagined by their ancestors. He told school children gathered at the event that they were golden gifts and the future of The Bahamas. “Sir Sydney went on to tell the students ‘you will design the country’s future. You, and the education that you will provide to the culture, to the history, to the on-going strength of the country of your birth, will also be remembered.’

“I leave that with you today.

“As July 10th approaches and we raise our Flag on this National Flag Day, let us stand together in unity, faith and hope. And remember the differences we have as a people helped us to get to where we are today.

“Those differences did not stop our forefathers from coming together in the interest of The Bahamas and a people 46 years later. As we raise our Bahamian Flag today, we do so with pride, excitement and hope in our country, which we call home – The Bahamas"

SENATE PRESIDENT SPEAKS – President of the Senate, Mrs. Katherine Forbes-Smith was the keynote speaker during Flag Raising Ceremonies in West End on Friday, July 5, 2019, which was a part of National Pride Day. The ceremony in West End was held simultaneously with ceremonies in Freeport, East End and Sweeting’s Cay.

FLAG RAISING IN WEST END – Senate President, Katherine Forbes-Smith (second from left) stands at attention as the Bahamian Flag was raised by Police Constable 3255 Wells to culminate Flag Day in West End on Friday, July 5, 2019. Joining Senator Smith were Administrator Christian Palacious and Chairman of the West End Township, Ken Barr.

Photos by: Andrew Coakley

 Independence Celebrations Launch with National Pride Day

Independence Celebrations Launch with National Pride Day

Thu, Jul 4th 2019, 12:00 AM

The National Independence Committee will officially launch the 46th Anniversary of Independence Celebrations on Friday, 5th July, 2019 at 10:00am – 1:00pm in Parliament and Rawson Squares, Bay Street.

Further, Friday, 5th July, 2019 is designated National Pride Day. Members of the public including government offices and private institutions are encouraged to wear t-shirts in colours of the National Flag.

The Governor General of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas, His Excellency, the Most Honourable Cornelius A. Smith, ON will deliver the keynote address. The public is also invited to view the exhibition in the House of Assembly and the Senate, immediately following the ceremony.

All are invited to attend.

National Independence Committee 4th July 2019 Nassau, The Bahamas