Bahamas News

The Bahamas Government Commemorates 51 Years of Majority Rule

Published

6 years ago

January 11, 2018

#Bahamas, January 11, 2018 – Nassau – The Government of The Bahamas commemorated 51 years of Majority Rule, Wednesday (January 10) with a Church Service at St. Francis Xavier Cathedral, located on historic “Priory Grounds,” West Hill Street.

The service was attended by Her Excellency Dame Marguerite Pindling, DCMG, along with Prime Minister, Dr. the Hon. Hubert A. Minnis, Deputy Prime Minister, the Hon. K. Peter Turnquest, Cabinet Ministers, Leader of the Official Opposition, the Hon. Philip Davis, other Members of Parliament in addition to senior government officials. The service’s programme reflected the call for unity and oneness in appreciation of the sacrifices made to make Majority Rule a reality for The Bahamas.

Religious leaders from various denominations joined Roman Catholic Vicar General, Father Kendrick Forbes, who served as the Chief Celebrant. In his first Majority Rule Day National Address, Prime Minister Minnis declared that Majority Rule crosses all boundaries of party, economic class, race and gender.

“This defining moment and historic accomplishment does not belong to any one political party or segment of our people,” Prime Minister Minnis said.

“Majority Rule belongs to all Bahamians. It crosses all boundaries of party, economic class race and gender. We should celebrate this day as One Bahamas, as one people united in love and service to our Commonwealth.

“As we celebrate 51 years of Majority Rule, we remember the core objectives of this movement – freedom, equality and democracy for all Bahamians.”

Prime Minister Minnis said a series of “significant events” forever transformed the political and social landscape of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas leading up to Majority Rule on January 10, 1967.

These included the Burma Road Riot in 1942, which the Prime Minister said was the beginning of a new political awareness in The Bahamas and the formation of the Progressive Liberal Party as the first national political party in 1953 with William “Bill” Cartwright playing a central role in the development of party politics.

Prime Minister Minnis said Sir Etienne Dupuch’s anti-discrimination resolution in the House of Assembly in 1956, also played a critical role as it was the catalyst for dismantling racial segregation in public places. Another significant event leading up to Majority Rule, the Prime Minister said, was the General Strike of 1958 “which resulted in much-needed changes to the country’s labour laws and electoral representation.

The Prime Minister said in the 1960s some of what he called “the worst aspects of the corrupt electoral system” were changed and universal and adult suffrage came to The Bahamas with women voting for the first time in 1962.

“So it was that in 1967 the Bahamian people finally voted out the oligarchy and opened a new era of democratic government. We call that day Majority Rule Day. It is a day that should be celebrated by all Bahamians because, among other things, revolutionary but peaceful changes had come to The Bahamas.

“A system that had to end one way or another ended in a peaceful and orderly manner and of that all Bahamians should be proud,” Dr. Minnis added.

The Prime Minister said Majority Rule did more than just bring an end to a “patently unfair electoral system” that prevented the majority of Bahamians from achieving true representation in the House of Assembly until January 10, 1967.

“In the words of former Governor-General Sir Arthur Foulkes, one of those who served in the forefront of the movement for equality and social justice: ‘Majority Rule removed the last psychological shackles from the minds of many. I shattered false notions of superiority and inferiority; it initiated the fulfillment of the promise of universal access to education; it created the foundation upon which to build a society with opportunities for all.’

“As we honour this special day in our history, we must also honour the many men and women who sacrificed and struggled to make this day possible,” Prime Minister Minnis said.

“Through their words the spoke for those who could not speak for themselves. Through their actions, they gave courage to the fearful. Through their legacy, these patriots serve as an inspiration for the nation, including for our children and young people,” Prime Minister Minnis added.

By: Matt Maura (BIS)

Photo Caption: Prime Minister Minnis reads the Lesson at the Ecumenical Service Commemorating the 51st. Anniversary of Majority Rule at St. Francis Xavier Cathedral on January 10, 2018.

(BIS Photo/Letisha Henderson)

Bahamas News

Bahamas economic growth

Published

4 hours ago

May 4, 2024

Shanieka

Rashaed Esson

Staff Writer

The Bahamas’ economy is in good standing according to reports from the Bahamas National Statistical Institute which released the Quarterly Gross Domestic Product Series. They indicate that quarterly GDP trends for 2023 saw increases compared to 2022, a sign of recovery from the Covid 19 pandemic.

The most significant increase was 9.9 percent in the first quarter of 2023, and the industries responsible for the growth include Accommodations and food, construction and Arts.

Bahamas News

C&W COMMUNICATIONS PROUD TO BE ASSOCIATED AS ATHLETES “CHASE THE SUN”

Published

9 hours ago

May 4, 2024

Shanieka

World Relays to be title sponsored by BTC, one of C&W’s local brands.

In just a few days, athletes from over fifty countries will converge in The Bahamas for the BTC World Athletic Relays Bahamas 24. C&W Communications, the parent company of BTC, is proud to be associated with this major event, which will see athletes from The Bahamas, Barbados, Jamaica, and Trinidad & Tobago competing for a place in the upcoming Olympic games in Paris.

Inge Smidts, CEO of C&W Communications, who also serves as Chair of the BTC Board of Directors will be in the stands to witness the highly anticipated relays. Smidts says, this was an event that she simply could not miss. “We are proud to support our Caribbean athletes, and we wish them well as they vie for a spot in the Olympic games.

The relays will be held one of in our markets, The Bahamas, and we are honoured to be the title sponsor of the event. The world relays represent the spirit of relentless courage and the willingness to succeed of the Caribbean people and of our business. Through partnerships like this we demonstrate our unwavering commitment to connect communities and change lives.”

In addition to its sponsorship of the event, Smidts says it was important that athletes, officials, and fans stayed connected during the games. “As a business we are focused on ensuring that our customers have access to faster, stronger, and more reliable connectivity, and we worked with our partners to make certain that athletes and guests remain connected.

We have offered e-sim cards, and we also worked with the major hotels to set up care centers to ensure that we address any connectivity concerns on the spot. Additionally, I am pleased to announce that BTC will provide free Wi-Fi at the stadium giving patrons and athletes the opportunity to share every riveting moment.”

BTC has hosted a special event just for the Caribbean athletes, at the newly renovated Queen’s Staircase in Nassau, a recently renovated historic landmark visited by thousands of tourists each day. This event gave athletes the opportunity to unwind, mingle, and to learn more about each other right before the competition.

This is the fourth time that BTC and its parent company C&W Communications have title sponsored the world relays. The BTC World Athletic Relays will be held at the Thomas A. Robinson Track & Field Stadium from May 4-5, under the theme, “Chase the Sun, from Paradise to Paris.”

Bahamas News

RBC appoints new Country Manager and Area Vice President for Turks & Caicos

Published

9 hours ago

May 4, 2024

Shanieka

RBC Royal Bank (Bahamas) Limited (“RBC”) is pleased to announce the recent appointment of Kerryl-Lyn King-Henry as Country Manager and Area Vice President (“AVP”), Personal and Commercial Banking, Turks & Caicos Islands (TCI).

In her new role as Country Manager and AVP, King-Henry will take on full responsibility for the bank’s operations, strategy, and development in the TCI market, with a strong focus on solidifying partnerships with the Government, regulatory bodies, and the local community.

King-Henry brings to the role a dynamism influenced by nearly 25 years of industry experience. Prior to her new appointment, she served as AVP of Business Banking in Trinidad and Tobago. She has held progressively senior roles within both personal and commercial banking, as well as various functional units.

King-Henry holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree, with a specialization in Leadership, FinTech and Big Data Analysis, in addition to a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration. Further enriching her professional profile, Kerryl-Lyn is a certified John C. Maxwell Coach, Trainer, Teacher, and Speaker. Her passion for leadership and development is matched by her commitment to community service, as she actively volunteers her time and leverages her professional expertise to mentor and support others. “

Kerryl-Lyn’s extensive experience and proven leadership capabilities make her the perfect choice to lead our operations in the Turks & Caicos Islands,” said Ericka Rolle, RBC’s Managing Director and Vice President, Personal Banking, The Bahamas and TCI.

“Her commitment to excellence, combined with a genuine passion for community engagement, aligns perfectly with our Bank’s purpose of helping clients thrive and communities prosper. We are excited to see the positive impact she will undoubtedly bring to her new role,” she added.