Madam Speaker,
Every day, I’m reminded of the immense privilege it is to serve the Commonwealth of The Bahamas as its Prime Minister. The recent Independence Celebrations have deepened my appreciation for the resilience, creativity, and unity of our people. Indeed, our nation was lit up by the talent and spirit of Bahamians from all walks of life, their performances a living testament to our rich cultural heritage.
This Golden Jubilee is a once-in-a-lifetime event, an opportunity for us to come together as a nation, honouring our past and forging a vision for our future. Such celebrations require immense dedication and planning. In this regard, I commend the efforts of one tireless individual and her equally committed team.
Madam Speaker
They’ve worked relentlessly to encapsulate this pivotal moment in our country’s history. Through their efforts, a myriad of cultural, religious, historical, and athletic events have been executed, each one a vibrant thread in the fabric of our collective identity.
Their task, though challenging, has been tackled with unwavering determination. Yet, their work is not over, with several more events slated for the remainder of the year. Each one of these occasions offers a unique opportunity for us to come together, to show our national pride, and to support each other.
At the recent Golden Jubilee Ecumenical Service, Military Tattoo and Cultural Show, I was struck by the sheer significance of what we’ve achieved as a country in just half a century. Looking back at our journey from the momentous night in July 1973 when our nation claimed its sovereignty, I’m reminded of the pride and the spirit of self-determination that echoed through every corner of our beloved Bahamas.
The same sense of pride and patriotism swept over me during the recent celebrations. Stirring these feelings within me, and rekindling the vigour and unity of our nation, is the effort of a dedicated team. Therefore, on behalf of the people of The Bahamas, I would like to express my sincerest gratitude to Her Excellency Ambassador Leslie Miller-Brice and the entire Independence Secretariat for their instrumental role in making our Golden Jubilee a resounding success.
Madam Speaker,
In tandem with the Independence Celebrations, the Bahamas Games also got underway. This national sporting contest, an idea sparked by the late Peter Bethell, has been fostering social cohesion and sports participation since its inception in July 1989.
These games serve not just as a competition but also as a celebration of our unity and resilience as a nation. The myriad of sports disciplines showcased during the games highlights the rich diversity of talent from across our beautiful islands.
By reviving this competition in our Golden Jubilee year, we’re reminded of the vital role sports play in fostering national pride, promoting camaraderie, and enhancing the well-being of our people.
My heartfelt thanks go out to Minister Bowleg and the Bahamas Games Secretariat for their invaluable contribution to the games. Their hard work, coupled with the dedication of volunteers and the relentless spirit of our athletes, has made this sporting event an unforgettable experience for us all. If you haven’t made it out to the Games as yet, please make every attempt to go and take your whole family. The Bahamas Games ends this Saturday.
Madam Speaker,
As we move forward, let’s continue to rally around our shared identity, our love for our country, and our commitment to its progress. Whether you are a Grand Bahama Lucayan, a MICAL Flamingo, or a Long Island Sheep Runner, let’s come together to support the upcoming events and celebrate our national pride.
As we stand at this crucial juncture of our history, celebrating 50 years of our independence, we must also look to the future with a vision for progress, prosperity, and unity. It is a vision that demands the combined efforts of us all.
As I look back at our journey so far, I’m filled with immense pride and gratitude. The Bahamas today stands tall, not just because of its beautiful landscapes and rich resources, but because of its people, our people.
Let us remember, as we celebrate, that our journey continues. We have a nation to build, dreams to realize, and a future to shape. Each of us has a role to play in creating a Bahamas that mirrors our aspirations.
Madam Speaker,
We stand today not just in celebration of our past but also in anticipation of our future. As we honor our past let’s continue to forge ahead, united in our vision for a future that we can all be proud of.
As we honor our past, let’s also look to our future with optimism, determination, and an unwavering belief in our collective strength.
Together we can do all things, through Christ who strengthens us.
In the spirit of our Golden Jubilee. let’s continue to uphold the values that have brought us this far.
Madam Speaker,
As I reflect on our journey so far, I am filled with hope for our future. Together, we have the power to shape our destiny.
As we honor our past and celebrate our present, let’s look to the future with optimism and resolve. Together, we can create a Bahamas that reflects our aspirations and that stands as a beacon of unity and hope for the world.
