The Most Honourable Philip Davis KC MP
Prime Minister Davis addressing students by video throughout The Bahamas on Friday said:
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“Whether you love to paint or draw, beat drums or shake cowbells, write poetry or essays, dance to the beat or have great conversations with friends you’ll meet, whatever you love, do it today with jubilee.
“Celebrate yourselves today. You are beautiful inside and out. You are special, you’re important, you are valued. You are Bahamian.”
“This is a special day, in which we all can celebrate,” Mr. Davis said.
“This new Bahamas is the one we enjoy today. One in which the people are responsible for their own governance. One in which we enjoy freedoms, such as one person, one vote. One in which we can equally participate in the advancement of our country.”
“This means as young people, the future is in your hands. We have decided to set aside this special day for you and your friends all across The Bahamas to celebrate your country together. I encourage you to find unique ways today to show your love and pride for this beautiful country of ours.”
CARICOM Congratulates The Bahamas on its 50th Anniversary of Independence
The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) has extended congratulations to the Government and People of The Bahamas on the country’s Fiftieth Anniversary of Independence which it celebrates on 10 July 2023.
The Bahamas and CARICOM this year share Golden Jubilee celebrations.
Please see the Secretary-General’s Congratulatory Message to Bahamian Prime Minister Hon. Philip Davis:
“Honourable Prime Minister
On behalf of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), I extend heartfelt congratulations to the Government and People of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas on your 50th Anniversary of Independence, being celebrated under the theme, “One Nation. Our Legacy. Our Future.”
This is truly a special year for The Bahamas and the Caribbean Community, as we celebrate twin Golden Jubilees and acknowledge the many achievements, challenges overcome, and milestones reached over the past 50 years.
Since Independence in 1973, The Bahamas has experienced remarkable economic and social growth, becoming a beacon of progress in the Caribbean Region. Prime Minister, the People of The Bahamas have consistently shown resilience in overcoming challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic and the horrific destruction wrought by Hurricane Dorian, while maintaining a steady path towards economic growth.
Further, Honourable Prime Minister, your country’s democratic, political and socio-economic achievements, and record of strong engagement on the international stage contribute to our collective efforts to achieve effective and equitable global solutions for Small Island Developing States.
Honourable Prime Minister, under your Chairmanship of the Community, the Region has benefited from The Bahamas’ leadership and focused engagement on the Community’s most pressing priorities, in particular, the crisis in Haiti.
I am pleased, on behalf of the Community, to extend best wishes for the continued development, prosperity, and well-being of the Bahamian people on this Fiftieth Anniversary of Independence.”
King Charles III’s Message On The Commonwealth of The Bahamas’ 50th Anniversary of Independence
The Bahamas has always held a special place in my affections.
I remember with great fondness my visit in July 1973, when serving the Royal Navy in HMS Minerva, to attend the Independence Day celebration. I particularly recall the police band first playing March On Bahamaland, the first moment the flag of black, aquamarine and gold was raised. And no fewer than three Independence Balls when I danced at the first one with the wife of the then Prime Minister now, of course, Dame Marguerite Pindling.
The people of The Bahamas have always given such a warm welcome to my family and myself and I know that my mother, the late Queen, and my late father retained equally happy memories of their five visits to The Bahamas between 1966 and 1994. I’m also most grateful for how you all welcomed my eldest son and daughter-in-law, the Prince and Princess of Wales, last year and how the many young participants of the Governor General’s Youth Awards welcomed my brother and sister-in-law, the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh, this spring.
It is thus perhaps no surprise that for my family and myself The Bahamas has always felt like a home away from home, both in public and in private. Much, of course, has happened since my last visit.
Most recently I know the unchecked crisis of global warming and climate change continues to ravage these islands. Members of my family have related to me their discussions with the people of Grand Bahama and Abaco, and I have heard of your resilience and compassion for one another following Hurricane Dorian, as well as how international organizations, including the Royal Navy, responded so swiftly.
Throughout the last 50 years, there are so many stories to celebrate. Of Bahamian leadership on the global stage, of sports stars, playwrights, Olympians, chefs, authors, business leaders, film stars, musicians, artists, inventors and designers. You can all be enormously proud of what has been achieved.
And of special importance to me throughout the past 50 years, The Bahamas has been an indispensable member of our Commonwealth Family.
I felt it of great importance that my family play a part in your anniversary year and that is why I hope to be able to celebrate with you as soon as possible and to meet some of the many Bahamians who are already shaping the next 50 years; such as Christina Fernander, the first female chairperson of a winning Junkanoo group, young sailors such as Craig Ferguson, aspiring to the Olympic legacy of Durwood Knowles, pioneering climate scientists such as Alannah Vellacott, Marjahn Finlayson and Charles Hamilton. And, of course, Dame Marguerite, who I hope will save her next dance for me.
From Andros to San Salvador, Eleuthera to Inagua, Grand Bahama to Nassau and across the beautiful Family Islands of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas, my wife and I send you all our warmest and most heartfelt congratulations at this very special time.
Forward, Upward, Onward, Together.
Happy 50th Anniversary of Independence – March on Bahamaland!
CSG Patricia Scotland Wishes for the Bahamas’ 50th Independence
CSG Scotland took her official social media and expressed her gratitude. She also shared a glimpse of the celebration in which people are dancing and singing and showcasing their rich culture and heritage.
Through her official Twitter handle, Commonwealth Secretary-General mentioned,
“It was a great honour to attend the spectacular celebration commemorating the golden jubilee of the Bahamas’ Independence today.”
She further wished for a brighter future for the country and stated that the nation, which continues its efforts, is touching new heights and is moving forward. “The country’s motto ‘Forward Upward Onward Together’ continues to resonate, guiding us all towards a brighter future.”
The bond between The Bahamas and the Commonwealth runs deep, with the country having negotiated its independence at Marlborough House, the headquarters of the Commonwealth Secretariat in London, back in December 1972.
To mark this historic occasion, the Commonwealth Secretary-General, the Rt Hon Patricia Scotland KC, is in Nassau, the vibrant capital of The Bahamas, to attend the week-long celebration for the country’s 50th anniversary of independence.
Reflecting on the 50th anniversary, the Commonwealth Secretary-General said:
“It is truly remarkable that in an era marked by racism, inequality and economic challenges, The Bahamas made a conscious decision to join the Commonwealth on the very day it gained its independence. This act of alignment with the right side of history exemplifies its commitment to a community of equals, united in the pursuit of peace, liberty, and progress.
“Today, as we celebrate this historic milestone, The Bahamas and the Commonwealth stand as a testament to the enduring strength of collaboration and the profound impact that a united community can have on the world.”
