PAGE 2, Monday, July 9, 2018
THE TRIBUNE
INDEPENDENCE MESSAGE FROM THE
Governor General By Her Excellency the Governor-General on Tuesday, July 10
O
My Fellow Bahamians, n this 45th anniversary of our independence, I extend greetings to all citizens of this beautiful and sovereign archipelago given to us by the will of Almighty God, and I call your attention to the theme selected this year as our guide: “Celebrate Bahamas - We’ve come this far by Faith”. Forty-five years as a sovereign nation is worthy of celebration. It also calls us, in the midst of our celebrations, to take the time to recognize that it is indeed only through our faith in Almighty God that we have been enabled to come this far. Forty-five years ago, we took the bold step of moving ourselves to a higher status globally, and providing for all our citizens the opportunity to live in a free and independent land, using its resources for the common benefit, and growing together as a people proud of the traditions and legacies of our past. This important milestone we now observe demands bold faith, bold action, all undergirded by profound and constant prayer. In this way, we shall be able to demonstrate our faith in knowing that we can compete globally and nationally as a sovereign people, living together in harmony and peace, and making good use of the opportunities that will bring continued prosperity to all. As we continue to build, I encourage all of our people
“Above all, we must invest in time and care toward our young people, for they are the adults of tomorrow who will lead and carry The Bahamas into the future. We must therefore do all we can to ensure their development into responsible citizens, properly prepared to assume the profound task of continuing to develop this good and pleasant land. In doing so, we shall all reap the rewards the bright future will bring.” — Dame Marguerite Pindling to embrace even more fully the traditions of volunteerism and the duty of care, which have served us so well in the past. Remember that we are indeed our sisters’ and our brothers’ keepers, and that it is our responsibility to look out for those in our midst who have, through no fault of their own, become the victims of dispossession and need. These too are our fellow Bahamians, and we must carry them forward to the success which awaits us all. Above all, we must invest in time and care toward our young people, for they are the adults of tomorrow who will lead and carry The Bahamas into the future. We must therefore do all we can to ensure their development into responsible citizens, properly prepared to assume
the profound task of continuing to develop this good and pleasant land. In doing so, we shall all reap the rewards the bright future will bring. In order to achieve these lofty objectives, we must recommit ourselves to those time-honoured and solid principles that brought us to the gates of freedom and peace. These include having respect for ourselves and others, respect for the laws which regulate our Commonwealth, and a solid determination to preserve peace and good order all across our land. They are the tried and proven standards that must be practiced and applied, and by faithfulness to them, we shall overcome whatever obstacles we encounter. And so, we must look back and see how far we have come, and then,
valuing the traditions and legacies of our past, firmly resolve to continue our forward march, practicing quality relationships within families, between neighbours, and across our communities. Observing these standards will surely keep us along the sure path to dignity, peace, safety and security. In closing, I wish to quote from a speech made by my late husband, Sir Lynden Pindling, who served as Prime Minister at our first
Independence Day fortyfive years ago. He said, quote: “My fellow Bahamians, you would know that it took a great deal of hard work to reach this glorious point in our history, in order to fulfil our true and great destiny. As we lift up our heads to the sun rising over our beautiful Bahamaland, let us all march to glory, steadfast in our Christian heritage. “With faith in God and Faith in our country and people, we can rise to whatever height we aspire to,
and these can be achieved by our continuing efforts. Our raised flag is the signal of a new era for all Bahamians -- a signal for us to take our place among the free nations of the world. We must remember that all of us are partners in this great effort to build a better Commonwealth of The Bahamas.” I pray that Almighty God will continue to bless our Commonwealth of The Bahamas. Happy Independence Day my fellow citizens!
45
YEARS OF UNITY, LOVE AND SERVICE.
The Partners, Management and Staff of HIGGS & JOHNSON join with all Bahamians in celebrating the 45th anniversary of an independent Bahamas.
HIGGS & JOHNSON | A full service corporate & commercial law firm | www.higgsjohnson.com
THE TRIBUNE
Monday, July 9, 2018, PAGE 3
FORMER PM Hubert Ingraham and his wife, Delores.
SIR Lynden Oscar Pindling, the first prime minister of an independent Bahamas.
Cultivating our young leaders By MORGAN ADDERLEY Tribune Staff Reporter madderley@tribunemedia.net FORTY-FIVE years ago, Sir Lynden Pindling became the first prime minister of an independent Bahamas. He served as this country’s leader for 25 years, contributing significantly to the Bahamas’ national development. Since Sir Lynden’s tenure, the country has had three other prime ministers, with Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis currently in the second year of his first term. His predecessors, Perry Christie and Hubert Ingraham, had the tutelage of Sir Lynden and are seen by some as part of the old Pindling guard. A common complaint in Bahamian politics is that there appears to be little fresh or new blood, no one ready to take over the mantle from career politicians. Dr Minnis has said he will only serve two terms if re-elected, but it is unclear who could or would succeed him as Free National Movement leader. However the two major political parties are working toward attracting more young people to their organisations, the chairmen of both the Free National Movement and Progressive Liberal Party told The Tribune. “Young people play an integral role in our party,” FNM Chairman Carl Culmer said, describing his party as one of the “forerunners” of youth involvement in politics. “We have young people serving (on the) parliamentary level, we have them serving on boards…We give the young people free reign. There’s no holding back on what they can do.” PLP Chairman Fred Mitchell described initiatives his party has created to ensure young members have a comprehensive understanding of the organisation, in preparation of them taking on leadership roles in the PLP. “We’ve made the decision that the face of the party is going to dramatically change in time for the next general election,” Mr Mitchell said. “And this going to mean that in turning the baton over to fresh faces and new leaders, that we want to be sure that they understand the history, programmes, policies of the party.” Mr Mitchell said a candidate module was created for this purpose, and that 90 people signed up for the event which was held two weeks ago. He added that a similar event will be held in Grand Bahama towards the end of the summer, and a
FORMER PM Perry Christie (right) and Charles Carter can be seen during the 40th Independence Day celebrations. third in early 2019 again in New Providence. “And it’s going to be carried on the road as well, so it’ll be throughout the country,” Mr Mitchell said. The PLP chairman also said the party will be holding a special convention on July 28. “This is designed to approve the changes to the constitution which will see a broader mandate we think for making the choices about candidates, about leaders, about policies of the party. And to match up more evenly the party’s machinery with the demographics in the country.” This also extends to the role of women in the party. Mr Mitchell added, “One of the specific things that will be addressed in the next set of seminars is how do we improve the input of women’s issues, women’s affairs going forward?” Mr Culmer also discussed the role of women in the FNM. “The women in the FNM play a vital role on boards. You see them heading up boards, they’re in the party leadership…the women are really playing a major role in our party,” he said. “And we continue to look for more women to come forward and play a role in our party.” Mr Culmer referenced the party’s “active” Women’s Association, the female president and vicepresidents of the Senate, and the historical first female governor-general of the Bahamas, Dame Ivy Dumont, being appointed by the party.
When asked if the party will seek to have more women run for office in future elections, Mr Culmer answered in the affirmative. “We are now looking at a number of women. In fact, women are now coming forward and they’re asking how can they get on the ballot. And we’re going to make it easier for women to be a part of the election process. There’s a lot of things that women bring to the table. “My job is to clean up the view with politics. Because in our country, a lot of people believe politics is nasty and degrading. We got to clean up, because we are not going to bring women in that environment where they’re not comfortable. “So the old-style PLP politics where they try to degrade and demean persons, we got to get rid of that kind of politics so we get our best people coming forward, like women,” Mr Culmer said. Mr Mitchell also said that the PLP is “certainly” discussing running more women in future elections. Both chairmen referenced using technology to attract more women and young people to their organisations. Mr Mitchell said all PLP meetings are live streamed on Facebook and said social media is part of the “culture” of the organisation now. Mr Culmer also noted that young people are part of the FNM’s public relations group and the party’s social media outreach.
YOUNG, proud Bahamians wave their flags.
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THE TRIBUNE
45 YEARS – Still Standing “You are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a peculiar people, that you may declare the wonderful deeds of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light. Once you were no people but now you are God’s people.” - I Peter 2:9
I
t was a typically tropical summer evening on July 9, 1973. An estimated 50,000 people had gathered at Clifford Park. Amidst great fanfare, spectacular cultural performances,
in-step marching bands, a mesmerising air show by the world-famous Blue Angels, and jaw-dropping fireworks, which illuminated the evening sky, the celebrations commenced. Everyone present experienced the excitement and anticipation that saturated the air. At precisely midnight, the British red, white and blue flag was lowered, and the Bahamian aquamarine, gold and black flag was hoisted, ushering into the community of nations, an independent Commonwealth of the Bahamas. In 1973, the population of the Bahamas was 181,490.
The average life expectancy was 66.54 years and the mortality rate stood at 6.26 deaths per 1,000. Our national debt was a paltry $109.1 million. The per capita income was $13,245, with unemployment at 8.5 percent of the total labour force. The moon that draped the cloudless sky shone like a beacon in the firmament and beamed down upon the jubilant spectators - witnesses to this once-ina-lifetime historic moment. Residents were filled with hope, gleefully anticipating the future with enormous pride and promise.
The government of the new nation moved quickly to establish the Central Bank of the Bahamas as the regulatory authority of the country’s monetary policy, provider of the nation’s currency, and arbiter of bank supervision. The Central Bank is independent from the government’s fiscal policies, unswayed by politically partisan concerns and agendas. Propelled by an abiding concern for the poor and workers of the new nation, legislation was quickly enacted to establish the National Insurance Board to provide benefits and pensions for the citizenry. National insurance remains the most comprehensive social legislation which has thus far been enacted. Whenever we see our gallant men and women parading in their impeccably pressed white uniforms, all should now admit that Sir Lynden Pindling was right not to succumb to those who were opposed to the establishment of the Royal Bahamas Defence Force (RBDF). The men and women of the RBDF have performed superlatively in discharging their duties, protecting our borders from encroachment and providing first responder relief in times of natural disasters. In the early years of nationhood, the thirst for education in the Bahamas remained unquenched for many Bahamians. But we have made monumental strides, and under the enlightened leadership of the day, the College of the Bahamas was established, and for over 40 years has served the country well. The college has transitioned to the University of the Bahamas (UB), and there is every confidence that we can expect great ideas from the bright, young minds at UB in the quest for solutions to the economic, social, educational and health challenges that confront us. Significant infrastructural improvements were erected
GEORGE SMITH
“IT WAS A TYPICALLY TROPICAL SUMMER EVENING ON JULY 9, 1973. AN ESTIMATED 50,000 PEOPLE HAD GATHERED AT CLIFFORD PARK. AMIDST GREAT FANFARE, SPECTACULAR CULTURAL PERFORMANCES, IN-STEP MARCHING BANDS, A MESMERISING AIR SHOW BY THE WORLD-FAMOUS BLUE ANGELS, AND JAW-DROPPING FIREWORKS, WHICH ILLUMINATED THE EVENING SKY, THE CELEBRATIONS COMMENCED. EVERYONE PRESENT EXPERIENCED THE EXCITEMENT AND ANTICIPATION THAT SATURATED THE AIR. AT PRECISELY MIDNIGHT, THE BRITISH RED, WHITE AND BLUE FLAG WAS LOWERED, AND THE BAHAMIAN AQUAMARINE, GOLD AND BLACK FLAG WAS HOISTED, USHERING INTO THE COMMUNITY OF NATIONS, AN INDEPENDENT COMMONWEALTH OF THE BAHAMAS.” — George Smith across the country. Many of those improvements were supervised under the able direction of the sons and daughters of the soil, many of whom developed and perfected their craft within the corridors of some of the most distinguished halls of academia the world over, before returning to their beloved country. At the same time, the professional class mushroomed at an impressive pace. The ever-increasing
number of Bahamian professionals have a right to be in the forefront of national development, whenever any project or change in governmental policies which may require their area of expertise are being considered. No government should ever again entertain or approve a project anywhere in the Bahamas which does not satisfy the legal or
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THE RBPF band (above and top) performs during the 44th Bahamas Independence Retreat.
THE TRIBUNE
Monday, July 9, 2018, PAGE 5
45 YEARS – Still Standing
FROM PAGE 4 environmentally sustainable requirements and that are unacceptable to our Bahamian environmentalists. This is the 45th year of independence for the Bahamas, and while we have made mistakes along this journey of nation-building, we got many things right over those years. The population of the Bahamas now stands at 399,202. The average life expectancy is 76.1 years and the mortality rate is 7.2 deaths per 1,000. The national debt presently stands at $7.2 billion, with a gross domestic product of $12.5 billion. The per capita income is $25,100 and unemployment stands at 10.1 percent of a greatly expanded total labour force of 220,000. It is interesting to observe that previous balanced budgets evolved over the years into chronic budget deficits and an enormous expansion of national debt. All would admit that we cannot tax or borrow ourselves out of the financial challenges that we face. There are two trends which are more worrisome than the chronic deficits or greatly expanded national debt. The once vibrant middle-class is rapidly shrinking. It is a well-known fact that a growing middle-class is one of the best indicators of a progressively prosperous society. Secondly, in this land of plenty, it is estimated that 32 percent of households with seven or more members are living below the poverty line. This number is bound to grow due the increase in value added tax. In order to reverse these trends, two things must happen. We must grow our economy and all our citizens with means must commit to help the less fortunate. Our promise of greatness is not in our wealth or might but in the manner in which we treasure this beautiful country and how we treat our fellow countryman, especially the poor among us. Franklin D Roosevelt reminded us that “the test of our progress is not whether we add more to the abundance of those who have much; it is whether we provide enough for those who have little.” The inspirational words from Saint Peter at the beginning of this composition should inspire Bahamians to connect to the lofty principles upon which this nation was founded and so beautifully described in the Preamble to our Constitution, which states:
GEORGE SMITH, Member of Parliament of the Bahamas (left), presents Charles McCoy, mayor of Key West, with the proclamation declaring New Plymouth the sister city of Key West, Florida.
GEORGE SMITH “We, the inheritors of and successors to this Family of Islands, recognising the supremacy of God and believing in the fundamental rights and freedoms of the individual, do hereby proclaim in solemn praise the establishment of a free and democratic sovereign nation founded on spiritual values and in which no man, woman or child shall ever be slave or bondsman to anyone or their labour exploited or their lives frustrated by deprivation, and do hereby provide by these articles for the indivisible unity and creation under God of the Commonwealth of the Bahamas.” • George A Smith is a real estate broker and consultant. He was a member of Parliament for 29 years, parliamentary secretary to Prime Minister Lynden Pindling and a member of the delegation at the London talks on independence in 1972. He was chairman of the secretariat which co-ordinated the nation’s preparation for and the celebration of independence in 1973. He was a Cabinet minister for 11 years.
PAGE 6, Monday, July 9, 2018
THE TRIBUNE
BAHAMIAN mixed-media painter John Cox says the notable increase in the number of “practicing artists and creatives” is a major indication of growth in the sector.
Making tremendous strides in Bahamian arts, culture
By FARRAH JOHNSON LOCAL artists believe Bahamian arts and culture have made tremendous strides since the Bahamas gained independence 45 years ago. John Cox, a mixed-media painter, said the notable increase in the number of “practicing artists and creatives” is a major indication of growth in the sector. Mr Cox also noted the rise in “artistic creative platforms” for local artists, which has allowed them to “exercise their talents, gain exposure, collaborate, and promote themselves.” “On a smaller basis, I started a studio called Popop Studios in Chippingham, and that was a major turning point for a lot of artists in the country that really wanted to go and follow into experimentation in sort of pushing the envelope and redefining their process,” he said. “I think that space helped a lot of other artists kind of find themselves and redefine themselves in a way that they think was quite significant,” he added. Mr Cox said he believes that in recent times art has become more of an “accepted enterprise,” asserting that in this day and age, parents tend to be less skeptical about their children pursuing an “artistic career path,” than they would have been in the 70s. He acknowledged the sector has become “more prominent,” and said this factor displayed how the creative economy was “booming a lot more.” “I am a testament to that now where we work with Baha Mar. We’re doing a full on creative teamwork in a completely corporate environment, and I don’t think that that’s any kind of coincidence,” he said. “I think it’s because the community from which we have developed and thrived
within has gotten strong enough that it’s recognised by the more mainstream aspects of the community,” he explained. Still, Mr Cox admitted that although some progress has been made, there is still a “long way to go.” “I don’t think artists are looking for validation from the mainstream. I think what it is, is that the mainstream is recognising the significance of art now…I think the axes are moving slightly,” he stated. “People understand art more than they did before, and so they understand the need for it more than they did say 45 years ago, which is a good thing,” he continued. Bahamian ceramist Jessica Colebrooke also held similar sentiments, asserting that one must be “blind” to have not seen the advancements of the
“ON A SMALLER BASIS, I STARTED A STUDIO CALLED POPOP STUDIOS IN CHIPPINGHAM, AND THAT WAS A MAJOR TURNING POINT FOR A LOT OF ARTISTS IN THE COUNTRY THAT REALLY WANTED TO GO AND FOLLOW INTO EXPERIMENTATION IN SORT OF PUSHING THE ENVELOPE AND REDEFINING THEIR PROCESS. I THINK THAT SPACE HELPED A LOT OF OTHER ARTISTS KIND OF FIND THEMSELVES AND REDEFINE THEMSELVES IN A WAY THAT THEY THINK WAS QUITE SIGNIFICANT.” — John Cox local art community since independence. “Art has flourished in this country and the evidence can be seen and experienced through a tour of Atlantis and Baha Mar.
When visiting any of the Baha Mar resorts you are instantaneously engulfed with the wealth of Bahamian talent,” she said. “A walk along the casino and you can enjoy the visual
arts of renowned artists Maxwell Taylor, Claudette Dean, Kendal Hanna, Sue Bennet Williams, John Cox, Tessa Whitehead, Nadine Munroe and Sue Katz Lightbourne,” she
furthered. Ms Colebrooke also alluded to the professional paintings and tile work by Bahamian artists incorporated in the decor of both high end and fast food restaurants in the capital. “Public art speaks to the pride and growth and strength of a country. It is a visual postcard or historical document for all viewers to appreciate and learn from,” she explained. Both artists expressed much optimism for the arts, and encouraged Bahamians to contribute to the sector’s continued development. Mr Cox added: “We have a sense of obligation, and a sense of responsibility, to kind of develop this in the country, and certainly when institutions that can afford it put money behind these types of things, you see the benefit kind of trickle into the ‘normal economic stream.’”
THE TRIBUNE
Monday, July 9, 2018, PAGE 7
More must be done for education in an independent Bahamas
“Forty-five years after independence the educational system of The Bahamas is still in need of an overhaul.”
By MORGAN ADDERLEY Tribune Staff Reporter madderley@tribunemedia.net
F
ORTY-FIVE years after gaining independence, the Bahamian educational system still lacks a “clear vision,” Bahamas Union of Teachers (BUT) President Belinda Wilson said last week. Reflecting on the state of the country’s educational system over the past few years, Mrs Wilson discussed the persistent issues with education in the country, the importance of integrating history as a core subject in school curricula, and the path forward. “Forty-five years after independence the educational system of The Bahamas is still in need of an overhaul,” Mrs Wilson said. “The educational system must have a clear vision and mission to educate our students from Grand Bahama to Inagua. It is paramount for a short, medium and long-term strategic plan that is effective and student-centred.” The BUT president also criticised the role politics plays in education, decrying that the vision “seems to change every five years” depending on which government is elected. In this vein, Mrs Wilson said the education system has gone through “many changes” but the BUT is unconvinced that the changes have brought on “much needed improvements”. These improvements, Mrs Wilson suggested, include: increased opportunities for professional development and training for administrators, teachers and technocrats; improvement in the communication; parental support; revision of the national high school diploma; and curriculum revision.
BELINDA Wilson, president, Bahamas Union of Teachers.
“Policies must be consistent, workable and supported by plans and funding. Dialogue has to be ongoing and the views of the union, teachers and parents must be considered in the decision-making process.” This revision should underscore the importance of teaching history in schools, Mrs Wilson said, decrying the fact that the subject was made an elective. “How will we teach, learn and gain knowledge of our history and the progress of failures made in our country inclusive of our educational system (if) history is not compulsory? “Our Bahamian history has to be recorded accurately and educators must be encouraged and funded to produce books, periodicals, action research and resources (that) can be used in our classrooms.” Mrs Wilson added that education is the “foundation” of a strong society.
Thus, it is important that the Bahamian educational system be “organised, relevant, fluid, (and) on the cutting edge of local, regional and global trends,” she added. However, this is challenged by the fact that the country still “(grapples) with minor issues that have major implications,” she said. To solve this, Mrs Wilson called for more unity in all bodies responsible for education. “The trade union is an important stakeholder, such as the Bahamas Union of Teachers,” Mrs Wilson said. “However, administrators, teachers, parents, Ministry and Department of Education officials… and the community all have to work in harmony so that 45 years later the narrative would be a positive one. “I look forward to improvements in the system sooner than later. Solidarity forever.”
PAGE 8, Monday, July 9, 2018
THE TRIBUNE
National Pride Day
PHOTOS by Terrel W Carey/ Tribune Staff
THE RAISING of the flag with members of the RBPF and RBDF.
THE TRIBUNE
Monday, July 9, 2018, PAGE 9
IN celebration of The Bahamas’ 45th independence, a national pride day was held in Rawson Square on Friday under the theme “we’ve come this far by faith”.
THE GOVERNOR General, Her Excellency Dame Marguerite Pindling, along with members of Parliament.
MANY Bahamians assembled to show their pride on Rawson Square.
PAGE 10, Monday, July 9, 2018
THIS year, The Bahamas will celebrate its 45th year of independence from Great Britain. Farrah Johnson spoke to a few Bahamians who shared their opinions on how much they feel the country has progressed during this time, and revealed just how far they think the island nation will go in another 45 years.
THE TRIBUNE
BAHAMIAN flag colours decorated in a men’s clothing store showcase.
BY FARRAH JOHNSON PHOTOS: Terrel W Carey/ TRIBUNE Staff
treet ANNAMAE BRICE
ALEXANDRIA Fowler, 28, of Nassau Village said: “Actually I feel like we could still use a good much more work but so far we haven’t failed yet, so I think after a few more pushes, and hopefully they (the government) will be more open to the opinions of the people, then it should be better –but for right now it’s stable. I’m not familiar with every area that needs improvement but for right now, given on how the news would speak on certain ALEXANDRIA places, I feel like everything, everywhere. No FOWLER area is greater than the next to be honest. Honestly in 45 years I pray we are this united nation we’re trying to be. Like not just speak about it but actually –because of the union and everybody coming together – we actually being what they trying to be, but right now I don’t see it. I mean have seen some changes –some good some bad –so like I say we still have a steady, neutral ground for right now.”
ANNAMAE Brice, of Carmichael Road said: “I think we came far for 45 years and I’m looking forward to coming much further than we are now for this 45 years. As far as I can see, we’ve come pretty good and hopefully we’ll become much better development wise. I mean some of the streets are not completely paved properly, we need better roads, and the beautification of the whole place and cleanliness of the whole island and beaches and stuff like that. I think it should be better for the next 45 years. I see more improvement in the west area, but more needs to be done in the east area and the middle part of the Over-theHill area the whole environment (in those areas) are not being kept clean.”
FRANK Claud, 70, of Westridge, said: “From my perspective we came a long way but looking back to be honest, say like the first tenyears of independence, it was more appreciative and when you get to know really what independence really meant, I felt like Sir Lynden those did a great job taking us out of that state and mindset of being under the British. So we kind of adopted our own culture, which was good. But now, as the years gone, I felt within myself that we haven’t been doing enough to really celebrate what we have accomplished. I think they could do more with some kind of functions like even letting young people know what it really meant to have independence man… To be honest, I don’t think we moved from the time we got independence to this time. We haven’t moved in terms of implementing FRANK CLAUD different things. I cherish my country, but to the bottomline I would say that the wrong people are always in place in this country doing things that they don’t know nothing about.”
LINDA Bain Makowsky, of Fort Charlotte West, said: “People look at progress in various ways. Some of us might think progress is fancy cars, the fancy house, or where we live but we’ve digressed so badly, people no longer care for one another, they don’t have any manners, we’ve become such a violent nation. I’m afraid to imagine what the next 45 years will bring because when I look at right now Toys R Us has just closed (in the US) because people no longer buy toys for their children. That means we’re no longer interacting or communicating. When I was a child we did all of the things that was important for growth, but we no longer have it. This crew is coming up that no longer play LINDA BAIN with toys and marbles, that’s MAKOWSKY why there’s so much killing. I’m afraid for the next 45 years but I won’t be here.”
GRANDVILLE Alexander McMinn, 71, of Joe Farrington Road said: “We’re not independent because our court system still comes under the English monarchy. We cannot make a decision unless we go to the bunch of s***ies in England. We’re not independent. In another 45 years I ain’t ga be here that’s for sure. I pray that the country is wise. If God doesn’t come, I pray that it survives the GRANDVILLE things that are happening now in our ALEXANDER country is unthinkable. Women dancing MCMINN in the street half-naked, they bringing in this foreign carnival into our country to bring sin among our people. (To really appreciate independence) we need to get back to the basic life that we once knew. I know there’s going to be changed, but we have not done so well for ourself. Farming in this country was one of the biggest industry going, but now we don’t farm, we grow grass in our backyard.”
MONIQUE Musgrove, 37, of Shirley Street, said: “We haven’t come quite far because basically it’s like we’re just going around and around with the same things over and over again. To me it’s not getting any better. Everything needs to improve. In 45 years I hope we could be a lot better off than we are right now. Crime definitely needs to stop, economically we (also) need to improve. There is no improvement with our leaders. They (recent prime ministers) cannot come close to Sir Lynden Pindling – none of them – sorry.” MONIQUE MUSGROVE
MORE STREET TALK ROBERTO Pedrini said: “To be honest, we haven’t come far. I mean we’re a young country in comparison to every other country in this world as it pertains to environmental issues, crime issues, government issues, crooked people in government, I mean we have a long way to go. I say another 30-40 years before we even get on point with everybody else in the world to be honest. In the next 45 years I’d like to see this country be not a third world country anymore. I want it to be like where you talk about The Bahamas and you’re proud worldwide when you go to any country. Not just the culture –the culture’s great, the art is great, the people are great –but socially we need to improve a lot. Governments, like I said we need to improve on what’s going on there, and even the way we allow foreigners to come here and take over everything. We need to give more opportunities to Bahamians and we might see the country grow a little bit more.”
CAMERON Newbold, 43, of Faith Avenue South said: “We made tremendous strides in terms of technology, we could be more further in advancement with technology, but from where I stand and what I can see, we’ve come a long way. Independence means liberation to me and advancement. Well I mean liberation is limitations in terms of not being placed on a country or people. We are liberated to expand more, to grow, (and) to develop, because in some countries, their people don’t develop but we are able to develop as a country. In the next 45 years –if God don’t come –I think we’ll be pretty safe because of the world with technology it forces you to want to keep up, and we, being in a position geographically where we are as nation, it almost is a must that we keep up. I am really not familiar with the British rule era, but I think we came a long way and we’re still doing pretty good as nation.”
STEVEN Goldberg, 17, said: “I feel as if when I was younger, things was a lot cheaper. From what I remember, things was a lot cheaper, things was a lot easier to save and what not, but I guess now that I’m older things change. In 45 years if we keep up with this pace it won’t be too good because taxes going up from what I seeing, (but) people’s pay cheque ain’t going up but I guess that’s life.”
BAHAMIAN flag colors decorated on a car.
THE TRIBUNE
Monday, July 9, 2018, PAGE 11
Calendar of Events alendar iting” c N “exc has been preof events r this year’s fo pared brations. le e e c e c an of th den indepen Humes, chairm cretariat, Mark nce Se year is depende 45th In very event this t. We’ve said: “E be a highligh ether an going tohard to put tog and we worked week of events out, celexciting ryone to come ow their e want ev ith us and sh r Humes w te said M Thursebra n pride,” on Bahamia tariat meeting ing. d e r il c u e s B hill at a e Churc launched on day at th were e MinEvents e 29, by Prim at the Jun Minnis Friday, Hubert wson and Parr D r Ra iste vent at usic from launch e quares, with m S s liament oyal Bahama d n The R Force Pop Ba p Band, o e P c n s fe r e e c D ut. uinas A and Aq Junkanoo rusho included a r e fa r fo o be vents s mmand Other e Retreat, a Co sity of r e t a the Be nce at the Univnal pride a o m ti r a en Perfo national amas, th The Bah aising day, and aat Goodr and flag n run and walk fu h lt a e h ndepend ay. man’s B ies end on I a formal Festivit July 10, with t y, vernmen ence Da ception at Go state re ould like House. mes said: “We w ow their Mr Hu to begin to sh , place ags lic the pub n pride. Hoist fl pe their a ia r d p Baham their cars, clean u n o d n s a g s r fla g u a o fl is his with homes spective areas. T their per elebrate.” time to c
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PAGE 12, Monday, July 9, 2018
THE TRIBUNE