In celebration of the 45th Anniversary of Bahamas Independence, President of the Senate, the Hon. Katherine Forbes-Smith, urged current and future generations of Bahamians to take note of the National Heroes who have been singled out for their efforts, and whose contributions paved the way for much of what now exists.

The Ecumenical Service was held at St. Agnes Episcopal Church, Miami, Florida on Sunday, July 15, 2018.

Mrs. Smith added that past generations should be remembered as, had it not been for their struggles, the country and residents would not be enjoying the freedoms they do today.

Everyone, she said, is needed to make The Bahamas a better place and quoted former Prime Minister Sir Lynden Pindling during an address at the Anglican Diocese Youth Conference in 1990: “Freedom does have a price. It is not free. Freedom means responsibility; a responsibility to properly look after our families and ourselves; and citizenship demands more than simply paying taxes and voting for one’s leader. In addition, each of us has a sacred duty to love and protect this blessed land God has given to us, to build it up and make it better for future generations. All of us have a stake in being Bahamian.”

While addressing the congregation, Senator Smith noted that the country’s 45th anniversary theme, ‘We’ve come this far by faith,’ is timely as Bahamians are a tough, resilient, resourceful and creative people who are have been faced with a struggling economy for the past decade. “We are heartened by the promise of better times to come shaped by enlightened policies and programs being put in place to ensure improved economic times in the months ahead.

“Critically important to our goals is the empowerment of our youth as expressed in our Prime Minister’s Independence Message – arming them with increased opportunities to access the education and training needed for them to realize their full potential.

“It is my fervent hope that this focus on our youth not only deepens their pride in our history, and their commitment to community service, but shores up their determination to become productive citizens contributing to the economic, and cultural advancement of our country.”

On behalf of the Government of The Bahamas, Senator Smith thanked all those who serve in the various Embassies, High Commissions, Consulates, Maritime and Tourism offices abroad, and especially thanked the many international friends who have supported the country over the past 45 years and were present celebrating with them on Sunday.

Quoting Prime Minister the Most Hon. Dr. Hubert Minnis, the Senate President reminded those present that to make the country a better place to live, everyone needs to work together.

 

President of the Senate, the Hon. Katherine Forbes-Smith, spoke at the 45th Anniversary of Independence Celebrations Ecumenical Service at St. Agnes Episcopal Church, Miami, Florida on Sunday, July 15. Seen behind Senator Smith is former Minister of Foreign Affairs, Senator the Hon. Fred Mitchell.

 

Following the Ecumenical Service in observance of the 45th Anniversary of Independence at St. Agnes Episcopal Church in Miami, Florida on Sunday, July 15, the City Council Members of West Park Miami made a presentation to Consul General in Miami, Linda Mackey and President of the Senate, the Hon. Katherine Forbes-Smith. Shown from left are: Senator Smith; Ms. Mackey; West Park City Council Members; and Ambassador to CARICOM, His Excellency Reuben Rahming at far right.

A celebration is not complete without a cake. Shown during the cake cutting in celebration of the 45th Anniversary of Bahamas Independence in Miami on Sunday, July 15, are: President of the Senate, the Hon. Katherine Forbes-Smith; Ambassador to CARICOM, His Excellency Reuben Rahming; and Consul General in Miami, Linda Mackey.

 

In recognition of the 45th Anniversary of Independence of The Bahamas, there was an Ecumenical Service at St. Agnes Episcopal Church in Miami, Florida on Sunday, July 15. Shown from left are: Ambassador to CARICOM, His Excellency Reuben Rahming, moderator of the church service; Rev. Roberta Knowles, the Church of The Incarnation, Miami, Florida who said the Prayer for the Nation; Rubyann Bradshaw of Miami, Florida who said the Prayer for the Diaspora; President of the Senate, the Hon. Katherine Forbes-Smith who said Prayer for Government; and Bahamian student Kirkland Sands Jr., who did the Prayer for the Youth.