FlaMingo MeMorial / hatChet Bay

rewrite history for us, and tell us only the parts they want us to know.” argued against it, calling it unnecessary and a waste of money. However, this unfortunate incident was a catalyst proving that the establishment of the Royal Bahamas Defence Force was extremely necessary to defend our borders, and without it our people have no protection from outside forces.”

Speaking about the current celebrations of The Bahamas’ 50 years as an independent nation, he added, “Many of us now have the opportunity to relive history, and hear about ancestral experiences through many mediums. Today is an indicator, that we as a small nation of islands, understand the phrase - ‘silence ensures that history repeats itself’. If we fail to talk about our past, if we fail to acknowledge our mistakes, if we fail to tell our side of the story - someone will

He went on to relay a story of his grandfather, who was a fisherman during the time of the Flamingo incident, who had also come under attack by Cubans during his excursions to the outerbanks fishing grounds - with bullet holes in his boat to show for it. Sweeting highlighted the full circle of how the same men who would be memorialized by the monument, were protecting fishermen, like his grandfather at that time. “Out of respect for how you [Mr. Farrington] played a role in protecting the fishermen, and possibly my very own grandfather, it would be remiss of me to not come here and show my respect and love for the role that the Royal Bahamas Defence Force plays, and the role that you played during that time in our history. I am here to support and ensure that this happens... I am excited to see when this is completed.” Mr. Sweeting pledged the first $1,000 toward the building of the monument from the constituency fund, and encouraged others to follow - to make sure the memorial takes shape.

Leroy Major, Executive Chairman with BAIC, who assisted with making the land chosen for the Memorial Monument available, also brought remarks during the ceremony: “Today, we look at this as a community monument, but in time to come, this will be a national monument, something we can all be proud of.” He lauded Mr. Farrington for his undaunted efforts to keep the memories of the Flamingo Incident alive, along with acknowledgement for those who perished, and the men who survived.

“It is my vision to see people from Nassau coming to see this memorial - other fam- ily members who have an attachment to those who went down in the Flamingo - to see this. This is what we need. People from all over the world come to Rawson Square, in Nassau, and they see Queen Victoria. I want people to come to Hatchet Bay, and see our heroes.” Mr. Major added that whatever BAIC could do to ensure that this happens, they would do it.

Former Commodore Scavella, also weighed in during the ceremony, reminiscing his formative years of being influenced by Mr. Farrington as a marine - and inspired to also join the Defence Force. He further declared his support for the initiative and invited others to lend theirs as well. “I am supporting Cladwell in this vision, and I hope all of you will continue to support him. We hope that at the end of the day, this monument will be something for the Bahamian people’s eyes to behold, where we can all come and share solemn mo- ments, adoration, and committing to being the memory of those people who have gone on before us. Thank you for supporting Cladwell.”

Following the ceremony, which also saw baritone renditions by the Baymen Cousins, a performance by students of the P.A. Gibson Primary school, recollections of Hatchet Bay history by Pastor Eric Johnson, unveiling of plans, a turning of the soil, and a number of other greetings and shows of support - Mr. Cladwell Farrington Jr., expressed that the day was like a dream come true. He recalled the years of planning, sleepless nights, and setbacks, but was overjoyed to see ‘reality in action’. “I couldn’t do it without the people around me - my wife, my family, my daughters, the community, the Defence Force - Mr. Raymond King and his team. They stood by my side. As well as, Mr. Clay Sweeting and his team. Mr. Major, who afforded us the property. My good friend, Former Commodore Clifford Scavella, Former Commodore Tellis Bethel, and our committee team, and all others who continue to support.”

Mr. Farrington said that he looks forward to the memorial monument tranforming the park, and being a place that would attract Bahamians to learn more about their history. ‘Because of May 10th, 1980’, a book published on the Flamingo Incident by Mr. Cladwell Farrington Jr., is available for purchase by the public, for those interested in knowing more about what happened, through the eyes of an actual crew member.