Independence Part 3

Roads warning

Which routes will be closed over the Independence celebrations

ROADS were closed for the police passing-out ceremony recently - and drivers can expect more closure this holiday.

DRIVERS have been warned that there will be a number of road closures to accommodate Independence celebrations.

For the 50th Anniversary Independence Cultural Show and Tatto, the following roads will be closed to all vehicular traffic on Sunday between 3.30pm and 1am on Monday:

• West Bay Street between Nassau Street and Chippingham Road.

• Marcus Bethel Way between West Bay Street and Infant View Road.

There will also be the following traffic diversions:

• Traffic travelling east on West Bay Street will be diverted south onto Chippingham Road.

• Traffic travelling west on West Bay Street will be diverted south onto Nassau Street. • Local traffic in the affected areas will be diverted out of the area.

No parking will be permitted on the following streets between 12pm on Sunday and 1am on Monday:

• West Bay Street between Marlborough Street and Chippingham Road, both sides.

• Marcus Bethel Way between West Bay Street and Infant View Road, both sides.

• Infant View Road between Nassau Street and Chippingham Road.

Public parking will be permitted in the following areas:

• The parking lot on the southern side of West Bay Street between the Courtyard by Marriott and Dockendale House.

• In front of Botanical Gardens (the western side off Chippingham Road, between the Cricket Club and Chippingham Road).

• Ministry of Health parking lot on Meeting Street - people parked here will be bused to Clifford Park.

Only vehicles going to the designated public parking area on West Bay Street, between the Courtyard by Marriott and Dockendale House, and those with an invitation to park on Deans Lane and the eastern parking lot of Botanical Gardens, will be granted access onto West Bay Street and Marcus Bethel Way.

Members of the public with invitations who are allowed to park in the reserved areas must have their invitations in their possession and accessible for inspection.

BAY STREET ROAD CLOSURE

Also, between 1am and 10am on Monday, Bay Street will be closed between East Street and Navy Lion Road to all vehicular traffic to facilitate the Independence People Rush Out. No parking will be permitted on the following streets between 5pm on Sunday and 10am on Monday:

• Bay Street between East Street and Navy Lion Road, both sides.

• Parliament Street between Woods Rogers Walk and Shirley Street.

The Preamble to the Constitution

WHEREAS Four hundred and eighty-one years ago the rediscovery of this Family of Islands, Rocks and Cays heralded the rebirth of the New World;

AND WHEREAS the People of this Family of Islands recognizing that the preservation of their Freedom will be guaranteed by a national commitment to Self-discipline, Industry, Loyalty, Unity and an abiding respect for

Christian values and the Rule of Law;

NOW KNOW YE

THEREFORE:

We the Inheritors of and Successors to this Family of Islands, recognizing 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.

The designer of The Bahamas’ national symbols, Hervis Bain

On Wednesday, April 12, 1972, at a national conference on Independence, Hervis L Bain Jr, education officer for Arts and Crafts, gave a talk on the Bahamas’ national symbols and the importance of national pride.

The conference was held in the Baillou Hill High School Auditorium. Attending were members of the Cabinet, House and Senate as well as a cross-section of the community.

This was his speech.

“SURELY this morning

I can see assembled here the symbolic mothers and fathers of the new Commonwealth of the Bahamas awaiting the birth of their child with stout spirit and determined hearts on the beach of history.

I am sure that there are many who share the excitement that these labour pains have come at this time and in this generation but it is true also, there might be others who have not heard or who have refused to hear the rolling tide. And so may these walls resound this morning with the stirring message: you stand on the beach of history but you will not hold back the tide.

Mr Chairman, fellow countrymen, I am to address you on the topic, National Symbols and National Pride to which paragraph 105 of the Government’s green paper refers.

Recently, in an address before another body, I made the following remark on the National Culture of the Bahamas.

“It is clear that the national culture has never been that of the people, not for that matter, is it so today.

It is still, expressed or tacit, European, predominantly that of the coloniser or colonisers, but today, it is served,

hopefuly to be more palatable, laced heavily with the exotic spices of Bahamian legends, Bahamian folklore and festivals. Significant changes in the Bahamian National Culture are immediately imminent and ought to be, if national sovereignty is to be a thrust of meaning and relevant for the Bahamian people.”

The historic-cultural experiences of slavery or involuntary servitude topped by colonialism have been a systematic dehumanisation and acculturation process for the mass of the subjected Bahamian people. One must understand the nature of Colonial powers on slavery and colonialism. The colonial nations are rooted in the ideological assumptions of the superiority of western cultural values, and the moral duty of the European colonies to carry out a ‘civilising mission’.”

LEGITIMACY

The point I am making, Mr Chairman, is that the slavery (involuntary servitude) and colonialism have left the Bahamian people with the social and cultural infliction - infliction which are psychological or intangible and infliction which are physical or tangible.

It follows therefore that Independence, cultural independence, cannot be the mere replacement of the symbols of the colonial powers by symbols selected by the new nation state. Cultural independence must therefore transcend the physical dimensions and enter into the realms of essence and therefore provide the nexus for cultural consciousness and relevant cultural choices for the legitimacy and the national integration of the Commonwealth of the Bahamas.

Here lies the What is and What is to be of National Symbol and National Pride. SYMBOLISM AND SYMBOLS

Symbolism was born out of the conscious affinity between man and his universe.

A symbol, therefore, represents a high order of expression which penetrates the external thereunto the intrinsic.

National symbols are therefore persons, word and object which are employed by the nation-state to evoke and direct psychological energy; in other words national symbols instil and evoke pride, rapture, loyalty and patriotism for the state.

Operational national symbols support the social order through rites and rituals that will impress and mould the young.

The use of symbols is probably as old as civilisation and no doubt many of you are familiar with symbols of the Cross or the Symbol of the Union Jack.

NATIONAL SYMBOLS

Let us examine briefly the national symbols which are presently in use in the Commonwealth of the Bahamas.

First I should like to point out that the design and preparation of the national symbols are governed by the conventions of heraldic design and considering that national symbols possess property status to all intents and purpose, and are therefore granted by Her Majesty the Queen through the Royal College of Arms, the body assigned by Her Majesty for the purpose. At present, the outstanding national symbols are: The National Anthem, The Public Seal, The National

Flag, The National Coat of Arms.

Patriotism, religious sentiments, love of one’s native land are all the sources of motivation and the constituents of a national anthem.

Nevertheless as a colony, the Bahamas has adopted the British National AnthemGod Save The Queen: with the coming of Independence the Commonwealth of the Bahamas will adopt a national anthem of its own. To this end, the Ministry of Home Affairs has announced a competition for the lyrics and music of the National Anthem.

The Seal - the official insignia or stamp which is used on all important national documents like all national symbols should reflect the new people of the new Commonwealth of the Bahamas and arrangements are in hand for the preparation thereof. Ministerial, Consular and other official seals might be similarly affected.

The Commonwealth of the Bahamas does not have a distinctive flag of its own; the official national flag of this land is the British National - the Union Jack - the flag with the familiar red, white and blue colours. However the blue and red ensigns with the flag badge of the Commonwealth of the Bahamas emblasoned thereon. The Blue Ensign can be seen flying from poles as one enters this building.

The Red Ensign is reversed for use on the sea.

The topic of the national flag for the new Commonwealth of the Bahamas has become the subject of a nationwide competition launched by the Ministry of Home Affairs on behalf of the government. As a result, it is hoped that some Bahamians would combine the powerful

symbolism of colour and the skill of heraldic designing to a flag design that can reflect the dignity worth and national consciousness of all the Bahamian people, and thereupon independence, the Commonwealth would have its own national flag, one full with meaning and pride and one that can rally Bahamian people from Grand Bahama down to Inagua, from the Berry Islands across to Mayaguana.

ETIQUETTE

There is a standard design for the Governor General’s flag - a dark blue flag with the Royal Crest of the Lion and Crown in full colour in the centre and the name of the country underneath. I should point out also that the Prime Minister and other ministers may use the national flag or pendants either with or without the Coat of Arms emblazoned thereon.

It is indeed with honour that I present this national symbol, to this convention for it is a distinguished concept of the Bahamian people, conceived for the Bahamian people by a native son of the Bahamian people

and approved by the Queen “for the greater honour and distinction of the Bahamian people and of the Commonwealth of the Bahama Islands.”

I pray that the Bahamian people would continue to reflect the character of the two supporters in this new Coat of Arms. It can be observed that the flamingo, the national bird, stands tall, stately, elegant and resplendent in the beauty of its colour; the marlin, the national fish, is the aristocrat of Atlantic game fish; the blue marlin likes plenty of room in which to throw its bulk about; it is not easily hooked and landed; the marlin is a fighter, and a fighter with style.

On closer examination, therefore, it can be seen that this national symbol is a composite of things Bahamian and things which all Bahamians, wherever be it in the fair Bahamas, can identify. This is the true nature of national identity and national pride. And now to a more delicate matter. Some nations

THE LATE Rev. Dr. Hervis Bain in 2013. Rev. Bain was the designer of The Bahamas’ Coat of Arms.

Photo: Patrick Hanna/BIS

A message from the Queen on occasion of our first day of Independence

BAHAMIAN Independence brought messages from around the world - but perhaps one of the most poignant is from Queen Elizabeth.

In a message originally marked confidential and dated July 10, 1973, made available courtesy of the British High Commission’s files, the Queen wrote: My People of The Bahamas, I send you my warmest congratulations on this historic day I am very glad to be able to address you now as Queen of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas, to welcome you as a full member of our unique international fellowship.

Britain’s association with The Bahamas has been a long one of over 300 years and there are many in Britain with fond memories of your kindness and generosity The association of my own family with your islands has also been a happy one. Some of you will remember the years of the Second World War when my uncle, as your Governor was fortunate enough to witness the services rendered to the allied war effort by numbers of loyal Bahamians. More recently I myself visited your beautiful islands in 1966, and experienced the warmth of your welcome and your friendship.

I spoke then of the long and continuing record of

Parliamentary Government in your country of which you can be justly proud. There may be ups and downs in the future, as there have been in the past, and independence will place new burdens upon your leaders. I am, however, confident that they will continue fully to discharge their responsibilities in guiding you towards a future of prosperity and contement.

I am especially pleased to be represented at these celebrations by The Prince of Wales. I am sure that he will leave with memories as happy as my own of a country for which I have great affection.

“Elizabeth R”

The day snow fell in The Bahamas

IT was a day like no other. On January 19, 1977, a cold wave came down into southern Florida and brought cold weather all the way to The Bahamasand with it came snow. For the only time in recorded history, snow fell on Freeport in Grand Bahama.

The Tribune, of course, reported on the momentwith a headline of “Snow falls in the Bahamas” and another headline referencing a famous song, “Baby it’s cold outside”.

Flights were grounded, schools closed early - perhaps to the delight of children who got to play in the snow for the first timeand, something that hasn’t

changed over the years, there were power cuts. The Bahamas Air Sea Rescue Association was kept busy dealing with people struggling in the inclement weather, and the temperature dropped to a chilly 42 degrees. It is a day that has not been repeated - so no need to stock up on the snow shoes just yet.

FOR THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF INDEPENDENCE MEANS

COLOUR

The colour gold represents our jubilee year, our nation’s successes, achievements and triumphs.

The use of gold as a metal represents our people’s resilience and our rich heritage. Gold represents The Bahamas’ ability to be adaptable, but remain solid despite its circumstances and challenges. Our ability to take shape, to adjust, but not break.

INTERLOCKING OF THE 50 AND PEOPLE

To celebrate The Bahamas is to truly celebrate its people. To advance The Bahamas is to truly advance our people.

The achievements and further development is intertwined in the culture and contribution of The Bahamian people.

THE SOARING

FLAMINGOEs

Like the flamingo, we will soar to new heights. It is symbolic of our forward movement and the future opportunities that await us as a nation. The intricate details of the flamingos’ wings symbolises our creativity and the unique abilities that make us Bahamian. Those unique characteristics that make us stand out and shine in the world. It is in those “details” we are trailblazers in the region and around the world.

THE SPARK

Over the past 50 years, we acknowledge the challenges faced within our respective communities and as a nation. There’s a lot of work ahead of us. We must do more to ensure a better, safer and more prosperous Bahamas. But in those ‘dark’ moments, we must remain steadfast in our faith in God and focus on the ‘spark’ of light that directs our path.

OUR PATTERN

A celebration of our major islands, national symbols and recognisable cutural elements.

Republished from the 50th Independence Logo Guide

THE LOGO for the 50th Independence of The Bahamas

The design and symbolism of The Bahamas flag

THE flag was adopted on July 10, 1973. The colours embodied in its design symbolise the image and aspirations of the people of The Bahamas; the design reflects aspects of the natural environment (sun, sand, and sea) and the economic and social development. The flag is a black equilateral triangle against

the mast, superimposed on a horizontal background made up of two colours on three equal stripes of aquamarine, gold and aquamarine.

The symbolism of the flag is as follows: Black represents the vigour and force of a united people, the triangle pointing towards the body of the flag represents the enterprise and determination

of the Bahamian people to develop and possess the rich resources of sun and sea symbolised by gold and aquamarine. For a funeral, the National Flag should be draped over the coffin covering the top completely but not cover-ing the bearers. The black triangle on the flag should be placed over the head of the deceased in the

coffin. The flag should remain on the coffin throughout the whole service and removed right before it is lowered into the grave. Upon removal of the flag it should be folded and put away. The black triangle should never be displayed pointing upwards or from the viewer’s right. This would be a sign of distress.

A ROYAL Bahamas Police Force and a Royal Bahamas Defence Force officer raise the flag at a ceremony in Gran Bahama on Friday.

Photo: Vandyke Hepburn