NASSAU, The Bahamas - Members of Parliaments representing both the government and opposition party gathered on Wednesday, October 2 in celebration of the 284th anniversary of the Parliament of The Bahamas. The church service was held at St. Agnes Parish and officiating the ceremony was Archdeacon I. Ranfurly Brown, Rector of the parish. In attendance were Prime Minister Perry G. Christie, Opposition Leader Dr. Hubert A. Minnis, members of parliament and senators.
Leader of Government Business in the House of Assembly and Minister of National Security, Dr. Bernard J. Nottage, delivered welcome remarks. During his address, Mr. Nottage gave a snapshot of the parliamentary tradition of The Bahamas and said that although there has been some form of representative parliament in the country, the process has undergone several changes, particularly for the masses.
"Parliamentary democracy has evolved despite the challenges that Bahamians have face during our history, so we have much to be proud of," said Mr. Nottage.
He said that it is indeed an honour and a privilege to be serving as a parliamentarian in The Bahamas today, given the country's history, which included the oppression of black people for generations.
"It is important to respect how fortunate we are to have been permitted by the citizens of this country to make decisions on their behalf. We, therefore, are honoured to serve with dignity, honesty and passion."

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