Message from The Honourable Philip E. Davis, K.C., MP
Prime Minister OF THE COMMONWEALTH OF THE BAHAMAS
Friends,
As we gather to celebrate the 51st anniversary of our nation’s independence, I am filled with pride and gratitude. This milestone reflects our journey as a people, marked by perseverance, resilience, and a commitment to our shared future.
Fifty-one years ago, our ancestors dreamed of a Bahamas that could stand on its own, free and proud. Their vision and bravery have paved the way for the nation we are today. We honor their legacy and follow their path as we continue to build a better Bahamas for future generations.
This year’s theme, “One People: United in Love & Service,” speaks to the essence of who we are. Our unity has always been our greatest strength. Through our collective efforts, shared values, and common goals, we have overcome challenges and achieved much together.
Reflecting on our history, we see stories of triumphs and trials, communities coming together in times of need, and individuals striving for excellence in every field. From our first steps toward independence to the present day, each chapter of our story is filled with examples of Bahamian determination and ingenuity.
The Ecumenical Service and Cultural Show are more than annual events; they are celebrations of our rich heritage and the diverse elements that make up our nation. They remind us of the faith, community, and cultural vibrancy that define us and drive us forward. Our cultural heritage, from the lively rhythms of Junkanoo to the inspiring tales of our forebears, is a source of immense pride and a foundation upon which we build our future.
Our journey has faced many challenges. We have encountered natural disasters, economic hurdles, and social issues. Yet, time and again, we have risen to the occasion, demonstrating a spirit of resilience that is uniquely Bahamian. This resilience is a testament to the strength of our communities and the bonds that tie us together as a nation.
On this special day, let us reaffirm our commitment to each other and to our country. Let us pledge to work hand in hand to ensure that every Bahamian has the opportunity to thrive, that our nation remains a symbol of hope and progress, and that we continue to uphold the values that have brought us this far.
As your Prime Minister, I am deeply grateful for the trust you have placed in me. Together, we have accomplished much, and
together, we will achieve even more. Our progress is measured in the strength of our communities, the quality of our education, the health of our environment, and the opportunities available to every citizen.
We must continue to invest in our young people, providing them with the education and opportunities they need to succeed. They are the future of our nation, and their success is our success. We must also continue to support our elders, who have given so much and deserve our respect and care. And we must protect our environment, recognizing that the natural beauty of our islands is both a gift and a responsibility.
As we look to the future, let us do so with optimism and confidence. We have faced many challenges, but we have always emerged stronger. With unity, determination, and a shared vision, there is no limit to what we can achieve.
Happy Independence, Bahamas!
Let us celebrate with joy, pride, and a renewed commitment to our beloved nation.
Message from HER EXCELLENCY THE MOST HONOURABLE DAME CYNTHIA A. PRATT, O.N., DCMG
GOVERNOR-GENERAL OF THE COMMONWEALTH OF THE BAHAMAS
My Fellow Bahamians,
On this 51st Anniversary of our Independence, I extend greetings to all of us who are privileged to be citizens of this beautiful and Sovereign Archipelago given to our care by the will of Almighty God, and I call attention to the theme under which we celebrate: “One People, United in Love and Service”.
Naturally, this Theme appropriately calls us to recognize the fundamental objectives which will enhance our intention to remain a free and Independent Nation. It is also a clarion call to action to each one of us to strive to preserve the meaning of being a free and Sovereign people within this beautiful Commonwealth of The Bahamas. It is also a call from which no Citizen can be exempted because the full responsibility for the continued building of this Nation lies within the responsibility of each one of us.
Celebrating our 51stAnniversary is therefore an appropriate time for us to weigh our commitment to what it means to be a citizen in an Independent Bahamas, for it is only through individual action that we shall be
able to make proper and positive contributions to our Nation.
This Anniversary also provides an opportunity to recall with pride our FellowCitizens who have made, and are continuing to make, valuable contributions to our Nation, particularly in the fields of education, sports, industry and commerce, public service, civic and social development and outreach, and other areas of our National life.
The stellar achievements made by hard-working and dedicated Bahamians who promote the good name and reputation of our Commonwealth, and while worthy of praise, they also form patterns for all of us to emulate.
It is timely and important, however, to remember that further successes will only be achieved in a determined spirit of Unity and Objectivity, underpinned by a deep commitment to Faith in Almighty God. We must ever remember that it is totally through God’s Love that we exist,
and through which we are enabled to continue the bold work of nation-building. I therefore commend our Theme to all Bahamians, as it calls each and every one of us to renewal of a commitment to work together, applying willing minds, hearts and hands toward engaging ourselves in every community of our Archipelago in the work of promoting those time-honoured values for which we have always been well-known. These values, faithfully applied, will bring the necessary respect and high regard for each other and from friends, beyond the borders of our wonderful Country.
And so, I call most solemnly for a renewed spirit of self-respect, and that we may, individually and collectively, be models of propriety, faithfully observing our laws and regulations, maintaining and practicing our Faith in Almighty God, and being good examples for our youth, and for all others who engage themselves within our Nation.
Let us therefore meaningfully lift high our Flag,together with those standards which will make the world see and feel the real meaning of what it is to be Bahamian!
109 years on Bahamian soil
By A FELICITY
The oldest known living Bahamian, Matilda “Millie” Rolle-Robinson, has held the same selfbelief all of her life. As far back as she can remember, from her childhood days, Millie said she was always well cared for.
Her nicknames were “lil ting”, “God’s angel”, and “Doonga”, and she always knew that she was deeply cherished. Even now, 109 years later, Millie tells me she still doesn’t have to “lift a finger” and she is showered with love and care.
This may very well be the secret to her life’s longevity. Millie says she has never worked a day in her life. Whereas every human being must put in efforts to achieve certain goals - such as having a home, a family, and taking up hobbies, Millie has never looked at anything she has ever done as work. She has always been her own boss, and she says she has never had any stress.
Millie was born in Black Point, Exuma on August 19, 1914.
She recalls a life of freedom, enjoying her days with just God and nature as she fished in the sea and the creeks in Exuma.
“Ohhh, they treat me good,” she said.
“Everywhere I go, they treat me good. All my life, I didn’t do nothing (work) from I born and I’m a hundred and how much now?”
Her daughter Curley Robinson-Williams said: “Mummy you are a hundred and nine years old, almost 110.”
Millie reacted with surprise, asking Curley if she’s sure that she’s not 113 or maybe 111 by now. She
accepted that she would be turning 110 in a matter of weeks, pointing out that she can’t remember too much now.
Curley said her memory is strong at some points and weaker at others.
However, it seems that when you’ve been around for more than a century, there are some things that are simply much more important than others for the mind to recount. What she hasn’t forgotten is the golden rule: “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” She uses every opportunity when conversing with others, to remind them of the significance of this rule.
Millie also says consistently: “Manners and respect will take you through the world!”
“People, whether you know them or don’t know them, speak to them. You never know who will pick you up. Look at me and how long I’ve been here. A hundred and how much?”
Millie’s parents Isaac Rolle and his wife Isadora “Mama Doon” Rolle (nee Wright) brought her up well.
“From when I was a baby I remember,” Millie said, “A lot of love and care; I grew up on good manners and respect.”
When asked about island life in Black Point, Millie
said in the most positive way: “Island life is alright.”
When other children her age was attending school, Millie said her parents had “hell” to get her to go to school. Instead, she would spend her days going to “the point” to go fishing with “top string”. This kind of freedom, avoiding the rigor of formal education, allowed her to tune in with nature. When she wasn’t taking the slow journey over sharp, treacherous rocks to the point to fish, she would wade in the creeks and fish there.
“I used to go fishing plenty,” she said. “I used to go fishing me one (by myself)! I used to catch long fish.”
She enjoys eating jack fish, snappers, grunt, turbot and even barracuda - but “only the blue skin ones”. She stopped eating turbot after learning that they have a monthly cycle like that of a woman’s. She does not enjoy stewed fish, boiled fish, or any kind of boiled food. She prefers just fried fish. She also recalls enjoying lots of native fruit on the island. She says that visitors came from near and far to the settlement of Black Point.
One day, a girl in her village named Earline slipped and fell on sharp rocks on her way to the point to go fishing. Millie said Earline hit her head, and that fall led to her demise. Because of that, she never went fishing alone again.
Although she didn’t go to school, when the children came from school, Millie would learn from them. She could read, write and count money better than her peers, she recalled.
She was also responsible and therefore, she helped to raise countless children, not only in Black Point, but the neighbouring villages such as Steventon.
“I can’t remember much, but I wasn’t unruly,” she said. “I know that I was respectful and I could talk to anybody. I used to tend to the children; teach them how to live their life. Manners and respect take them around the world. I used to have a tamarind switch for the children. When they see me coming they call out, ‘Aunt Millie coming with the switch!’ I took care of everybody’s children. Some children today have no manners neither respect.”
Millie was also loving with the children. She would get up early and bake bread rolls for them on the way to school. They would stop by for their hot fresh rolls from her, free of charge, and she would send them on their way with a good word. She never needed to work for money. She was raised in a loving home, and her parents had a farm, as most islanders did. She had access to fresh produce and she would catch her fish, and that was all she really needed.
As she grew, she got hooked on chicken wingssomething she still enjoys to this day. However, if the food is not fixed to her liking, she refuses to eat it. Fish and chicken, she advised, must be marinated in a solution of water, sour (lime), salt, and pepper. Then, they must be squeezed dry prior to frying. She said that simply putting the seasoning on the meat and frying will never allow the seasonings to penetrate the food. She only eats rice once per week - on Sundays - usually provided by her grandnephew Justin who “knows how to cook with taste” and is one of the few people she would eat from. Chicken wings, mashed potatoes and fried plantain are about all she prefers to eat these days, and she still loves her morning coffee or sometimes tea.
Millie’s free spirit was also nurtured by her travels. She recalls traveling around the Family Islands. One of her first trips was to her grandmother Elna in Ragged Island. She is proud of her Ragged Island heritage. She used to dance a lot, and as she recalled it, she smiled and raised her hands showing how she would twirl and dance. She recalls her grandmother’s love and admiration, which cemented her self-awareness of her worth and value from a young age.
“I used to have my money but I never worked for it,” she said. “People used to bring it to me; I never worked in my life.”
“All of my people respect me,” Milli added, “Even now.” She was well cared for before marriage, she had no need to work when she married, and after her husband, Albert Robinson died, her children took good care of her.
Curley, her youngest girl, takes such good care of her that she prays every day for the Lord to give her strength and bless her for her dutiful love and care.
“Honor thy father and mother that thy days may be long,” Millie charged. During her lengthy life’s journey, Millie recalls traveling freely, on her own, including visiting her brother Howard (aka Boobie), who lived in Green Castle, Eleuthera. She also remembers her brother Rufus, who continued to reside in Black Point until his adulthood. She had two older sisters.
Millie mothered six children - three boys and three girls: Roy Robinson; Bertie Robinson-Pierce; Rudolph Robinson; Curley Robinson-Williams; Patrick Robinson, and one who died as a baby.
She prides herself on the fact that they were all raised with manners and respect, and that her love and care extended beyond them to all people with whom she interacted. She
wishes to see more of her extended family. She can always be found chilling out on Curley’s porch in Yellow Elder Gardens, through a quiet corner with a neighbourhood spirit, where Millie is the star.
Her grandson, Brian Pearce and granddaughter Sharmaine Stuart were also on hand for her interview. Because they are regular visitors, she knows them even though her vision has somewhat faded.
She knows Brian by his laugh and walk. He said that every other week, he comes to the home to spend time with her. Sharmaine, she said, used to take her for drives and although she cannot see well, she enjoys what she can see in the change of scenery.
She is a sprightly, small woman with seemingly boundless energy. She still walks around for herself, although she may lean on the table or hold a post along the way. She feeds herself, and although her daughter helps her get dressed, she chooses what she wants to wear. Every night, before she goes to sleep, Millie recites the Lord’s Prayer. She may not remember everything in her life, but that prayer is etched in her memory and lays on her heart each night. Although she does not recall much about independence, she is proud to have received a medal from Queen Elizabeth II of England on the occasion of her 100th birthday.
She loves the country of her birth: “It’s good for me! I am in no way discouraged. I won’t go anywhere (else in the world). I will stay right here. I sit on my front porch and I spy out of my good eye. I live to myself.”
She said that being an independent nation is important, and shared great words of advice.
To the nation’s leaders, she said: “As long as you govern, govern good. Do better. Show the children cleanliness and how to act to one another. Don’t show them the wrong way. Talk to the man up there, and mean it!”
To the pastors, she said:
“They have to be clean because that’s a charge on them. If they don’t, they will have problems on their hands. If they don’t do the right thing, they will go straight to hell. They better be truthful.”
To parents, she said:
“Teach the children to have respect!”
“God will be with everyone,” she added. “He is the dealer. You can do what you want and say what you want; but that’s the man up there you have to look to.”
“Everyone knows Auntie Millie. People come from all over to see me.”
“If I die right now, God’s kingdom is gonna see me. I don’t talk nothing bad, I don’t do nothing bad. If you do bad, you ain’t looking to see God’s kingdom!”
109 year-old Matilda “Millie” Robinson (centre) with (left to right) granddaughter Sharmaine Stuart, journalist A. Felicity Darville, daughter Curley williams-Robinson, and grandson Brian Pearce.
Photo: Mark Ford/BIS
JunkaNEXT
What’s ahead for Junkanoo
By KEILE CAMPBELL Tribune Staff Reporter kcampbell@tribunemedia.net
JUNKANOO lead-
ers previewed their plans for the upcoming parade season and told The Tribune how far the art form has come since independence and where it is heading.
One Family’s communications coordinator, Tajmon Thompson, said Junkanoo has changed “visually, aesthetically, sound-wise, acoustically” over the years.
“You can look at when Junkanoo first started and even along the years we tend to say well, we were simple, you had your sponge, you had your newspaper, your elements that were easily found that you could’ve used to make your Junkanoo costume, now Junkanoo has evolved so much, taking almost a Carnival style,” he said, adding that the cost to make costumes “has almost tripled in some instances”.
“Right now, a lead costume or a stepdown costume can cost you anywhere between $10,000 to $20,000 just for one parade; an off-the-shoulder dancer can take you anywhere from $3000 to $5000 just for one parade,” he added.
He added: “Where you have the more feathered costume, you have the more jewelled costumes, you have the more elaborate costumes, so the evolution has been there. Has it always been there for the good? Sometimes.”
Mr Thompson said he wants to see Junkanoo return to pasting. He said: “What is the creative definition of pasting or what is pasting? To me, that would be crepe paper, glue, and cardboard. I’d like to see that get a better appreciation in Junkanoo right now. You have a lot of materials that have made its way to Junkanoo, making it a bit more easier, but also, at the same time, it’s taken
away from the original craft.”
As for the upcoming People’s Love & Unity Rush, One Family seeks to exhibit a unified spirit and community involvement with the theme: ‘Reset, reunite, recalibrate’.
Mr Thompson said: “You’re gonna see a lot of that throughout the year from the group, you’re gonna see a lot of togetherness, you’re gonna see a lot of activities throughout the community. We want to get every single warrior involved from over the hill to out west, out east, we want to bring that Bahamian and warrior pride back to One Family.”
Music Makers’ long-term chairman Gary Russell shared a sentiment similar to Mr Thompson’s, finding an “evolution of different types of material” and comparing this to cars being better today than they were 50 years ago.
Climate change - and how we need to change too
By MARJAHN FINLAYSON
“It’s too hot to be homeless,” I declared about five summers ago, watching a half-naked, shoeless person trek along in downtown Nassau from my car with A/C on full blast. We should not live in a society that does not strive to take care of its most vulnerable in the wake of climate change.
Rapid-intensifying major hurricanes like Dorian (2019) and Beryl (2024) are strong indicators of climate change. However, these enormous catastrophic events blind us to more insidious symptoms of the long-term disease. Living through this period of global warming means increases in heat strokes, pathogen threats to public health, higher fatality rates, higher insurance rates with flooding and home loss, etc. Once the climate pressure is on, the cooker will give way to more crime waves to accompany heat waves, more bouts of domestic abuse with loss of electricity and power, and washed away cultural artefacts as well as property damage.
Climate change is a threat to Bahamian life on many forefronts, not just when it comes to extreme weather.
What would I change for the future of The Bahamas?
Holistically, our approach to climate change must involve understanding and
responding to the physical science of climate change while counteracting biological and societal shifts. We can measure the detriment of an extreme weather event based on our investments in early warning systems and how comprehensive and well-extended our disaster response is in covering numerous sociological and biological aspects. We also must reconcile with how our dedication to the corporate industry may interfere with these efforts to uplift the most vulnerable in our communities. Are there efforts to ensure all people’s lives come before profit? Prevention, detection and protection must be at the top of our planning
objectives in disaster preparation, relief and recovery. Globally, environmentalism had become a popular political issue that centred white faces and feminine ideals, indirectly and, in some cases, directly excluding people. Social media improved activism and representation online, but in doing so, has given climate change a new face in the frame of popular culture that downplays the ugly severity of the issue. We have to go outside and meet people where they are. As climate advocates and environmentalists, it’s our responsibility to ask who our audience is constantly and if we challenge our biases enough to bring more people into the fold. I believe that it is our responsibility to learn and teach each other and ask and answer more questions so that we can demand more from our leaders. Third spaces, like libraries, are essential to these efforts. In the end, no one is coming to save us. We can not stop climate change, but the collective people of The Bahamas have to make choices to build a better for everyone if we want to survive climate change as an obstacle. Empty hope is not enough. We have to take collective action to protect each other. We will not survive if we allow any of us to perish.
“Yes, we can incorporate a lot of things to make the costumes lighter, better, but the basic like crepe paper and the way we build, stuff like that, need to remain,” Mr Russell said, noting that as new generations step up, so do new ideas. However, he warns against “shortcuts.”
“There’s discussions going around about what type of materials persons are using on their costumes and getting away with it on the parade,” he said, pointing out that the use of crepe paper is lessening.
He claimed that his group are ready to make their appearance at the People’s Love & Unity Rush, stating: “Our banner will be depicting the oldfashioned Junkanoo with Bahamian flags and paraphernalia to give an essence
of Junkanoo blend-in with independence. The choreography girls are ready, the free dancers, front line are ready, the backline are always ready, so we’re gonna be nice and uniformed and give the Bahamian people a good rush.”
Roots Deputy Chairman Duane “Bear” Ellis emphasized Junkanoo’s importance to the country’s culture.
“Junkanoo is not the only culture in the Bahamas, but it is the major cultural event and it injects a lot of revenue for the country, it brings in a lot of tourist, it brings Bahamians together on the whole,” he said.
“We’ve been trying to create feeder programs, most Junkanoo groups, we have adopted certain schools.”
He said his group is excited, adding that this will be their first official rush for the Junkanoo season.
He told the Tribune the Junkanoo group met on Sunday evening to rally excitement and encouragement for the People’s Love & Unity Rush.
“We’re all excited like I said. We have some new set of costumes we want to bring to the road, and you will see some uniformity in terms of our dress and how we portray ourselves,” he said, adding that the group will maintain focus on youth involvement.
“If you look at our backline, especially if you look at our choreography section, you will find a lot of young people meaning school-aged kids, so like I said that feeder part of it has really been good to roots, we’ve had a lot of person –– second and third generation –– group members and overall it’s just giving back to the country in terms of what is needed,” Mr Ellis said. “It keeps a lot of kids on the straight and narrow, it keeps a lot of kids out of trouble.”
WHAT WOULD YOU CHANGE FOR THE FUTURE OF THE BAHAMAS?
The Tribune set a challenge to young people with a simple question about the future of the country -
“FIFTY-ONE YEARS OF INDEPENDENCE, AND THE BAHAMAS STILL HAS A CONSTITUTION THAT DOES NOT ALLOW BAHAMIAN WOMEN MARRIED TO NON-BAHAMIAN MEN TO PASS ON BAHAMIAN CITIZENSHIP TO THEIR CHILDREN BORN OUTSIDE OF THE BAHAMAS. BAHAMIAN MEN MARRIED TO NONBAHAMIAN WOMEN PASS ON BAHAMIAN CITIZENSHIP TO THEIR CHILDREN NO MATTER WHERE THEY ARE BORN.”
— Alicia Wallace
‘Nassau is the capital...’ What next for Elkin360?
By LYNAIRE MUNNINGS Tribune Staff Reporter lmunnings@tribunemedia.net
HIS song filled the radio waves for the 50th anniversary, and was sung by Bahamians across the country.
A year after his song became the unofficial theme of the 50th anniversary of independence celebrations, Elkin 360 said bookings are starting to pick up again, and he is still reaping the benefits of last summer’s hit.
Elkin Outten, 62, said he made about $50,000 from his song, “Bahamas Golden Anniversary”, through performances and streaming. That was the first time he generated a profit from his
What would you like to see in the future?
By MIGUEL FERNANDER
AS THE anniversary of independence arrives, MIGUEL FERNANDER quizzed people about the changes they would like to see in the country.
Genie Hall would like to see changes to the government system in its entirety along with the people involved. She feels as if the government right now has caused The Bahamas to end up in debt and people are suffering concerning lands, along with thieves and liars that continue to deceive the public. They want to see the people of the Bahamas unite to make our nation one that is comfortable and sustainable.
Lawrence Blatch would like to see a change from our sole reliance upon tourism. He believes it’s not sustainable and believes it’s preventing our nation from growing. Funding should be put into developing our agriculture sector which could produce longevity for the Bahamian people.
A local resident of New Providence would like to see a heavy gun control policy like in the nation of Japan or Singapore. In Japan, guns are used for hunting, though hunting is not practiced here in The Bahamas. They believe that guns are useless if they are not being used by
police officers, defence force officers, or anyone within the military.
A resident that did not wish to be named would love to see a change to our home system and Princess Margaret Hospital.
Education reform is what Rashyane Rahming would want, as well as updating the curriculum to include more practical and technological skills. This can lead to economic diversification into other sectors such as technology, finance, and maritime industries, creating more stable employment opportunities and reducing our vulnerability to global tourism fluctuations.
music. Before that, he performed only at church concerts that he had to pay to attend.
“It has enhanced my lifestyle,” he said yesterday. “I have more money in my pocket. I was able to do a lot of other things, things that I wanted to do, and I was able to do.”
“My popularity is still high, people still recognise me, people still sing my song, people still call me Elkin 360 or Mr Bahamas. I am still riding up there because of that song.”
Reflecting on last year, he said a big highlight was performing at Clifford Park during the Independence Family Fun Day.
“My mind was really all over the place,” he said. “I was just really excited about what my
song had brought to me and the country.
“I was really excited because I understood I was being played all over the world in Europe, Germany, Dubai. A lot of people just was telling me everywhere they go they were hearing my song.”
“That was my first hit, like internationally and all over the world. I did an album in 2020, but due to COVID it was not really successful, but it got a lot of play after the Independence song came out.”
The
Damali-Julia Carroll wants to see more community engagement that isn’t government-controlled, government learning accountability, our tax, and base pay.
Another resident of New Providence said the cost of living in contrast to the minimum wage is hard for young adults entering the workforce or the economy to even afford to live alone, buy a car, or purchase food.
Troy Strachan wants better roads due to our roads being rocky, having holes or not enough lights.
Buddy Brown would like to see LGBT talks on radio stations, educational stuff and people learning not to be fearful of the community.
Grand Bahama native and father of seven said he intends to release two new songs this month to highlight the country’s 51st independence anniversary and compete in two song competitions.
ELKIN Outten
Forward? Or stuck in the past?
By MIGUEL FERNANDER
THE Bahamas is approaching its 51st year of independence. However, it feels like we are not progressing but rather remaining stuck in the past, as if tourism had boomed in
the 19th century. I believe the first step is to establish an age limit for positions in parliament. A new law must be enacted to ensure that the age limit cannot be changed. This should be incorporated into the legislation for running for
any position in parliament, whether it be in the upper or lower chambers. Political parties should consider having younger individuals take the lead by running for positions such as Prime Minister or Governor General, instead of sidelining
them and allowing them to be ignored.
The second step is to bring a mentor to come in and coach the young Bahamians on becoming the next generation of leaders. Bring someone who wants to see the next generation of leaders succeed and mentor them to become the next leaders of the country. Mentoring is what everyone needs when they are working towards a goal. One must crawl before they can walk and walk before they can run. For the next leader, politician, there has to be someone older who can guide the young in making better decisions that help the Bahamian people. They should not become the next ones who lie and cheat their way to fulfill their own greed or the greed of their closest supporters.
Looking to the future
THE Tribune sent out a challenge to young people for this year’s Independence supplementasking them what they would change about the nation. Hereand throughout this supplement - are some of those answers, from the generation that will run The Bahamas in that future.
To ask what I would change about The Bahamas is akin to asking what I would change about myself. It’s a difficult question that requires a lot of introspection because we only change broken things. The Bahamas is a paradise; it’s how we advertise ourselves to the world, and that statement is true in many aspects. However, I think the Bahamian people are at risk of letting our island’s resources become our only pride. Our country’s beauty is undeniable, and we do everything possible to make it known to the world. But
The Bahamas is a collective, an archipelago, yes, but also a great land that is nothing without its inhabitants. Like most people who live in paradise, Bahamians are exposed to the good, the bad, and the ugly. From the inside, looking out, we see a disparity between how much we invest in bringing people to The Bahamas and how much we invest in the people living here. We don’t dream as big as our country’s reputation, and I think the Bahamian people owe it to themselves to take a shot at more than hospitality. So, if I could change one thing
about The Bahamas, I would invest more in the industry of the Bahamian people.
Angel Percentie, age 20, Grand Bahama
As Bahamian environmentalist Joseph Darville once said, “Experience the water in the belly of Mother Earth!” These exact words awakened me, immediately changing my broken thought process of the urgency surrounding our current economic, social and environmental state. Many may not be aware that we are a thirdworld country that is ranked the sixth most expensive in the world; from a personal standpoint, this calls for concern considering our small size, population and the fact that we do not manufacture or export any products that the large masses can effectively benefit from. Nature is everywhere, literally at
The third step is to diver-
sify our main economy away from tourism. The COVID-19 pandemic has shown me that a simple event like the one we experienced, where everyone was confined to their homes and no tourists were coming in, severely impacted our economy. We need to explore additional ways of generating income. Instead of solely focusing on tourism, we should broaden our horizons and seek new sources of revenue for the country. Our new source of income should not be able to be impacted by another pandemic like before, but it should also provide jobs for Bahamians living in the country, whether they work from home or not.
The final step is to revamp the education system to start teaching students how to write a resume
and gain job experience in their dream field of work. So far, schools have been teaching students how to become factory workers - when to talk, to remain quiet, and studying subjects that do not apply to their interests. High school is the pinnacle for the next generation, where it is felt that if they want to start and focus on their dreams, college would be the way to go. However, high school should be the starting point instead. It should be the beginning of working towards their goals, and more teachers should be added for students who may want to learn video editing, acting, mechanics, or even game development. High school can provide the foundation to give our students an early advantage.
the convenience of our fingertips, but how can we use it to enhance our economy and resolve our economic challenges? Simple, less talk, more action! For years’ promises were made to make the Bahamas more environmentally sustainable, yet years pass, and we aren’t even recycling; natural resources are being damaged and reduced daily, all the sand dredging stripping away our natural hurricane barriers like mangroves, large trees and natural caves, excavating out of the earth’s layers to create artificial canals causing there to be a shift in the earth’s tectonic plates noticeably strengthening the level of storm surge and irreversible damage to our ecosystem. As an archipelago of over 700 islands and keys, why are we still letting the trash pile up on populated islands and landfills, emanating toxic fumes in the air and under the earth, risking large uncontrollable fires and contaminating the water table? We can develop a system where we barge the waste to pooper recycling plants on an uninhabited key. The eyesore of conch shells laying along the docks and beach fronts can be recycled and used to manufacture tiles and other building materials—a prime example of turning trash into treasure. As Bahamians, we must expand The Bahamas’ image beyond a simple tourist destination to an affordable, clean and beautiful place. Some projects include demolishing old buildings and replacing them with solar plants and clean energy outlets or using acres of unutilized land to experiment with low-income, ecofriendly communities. Utilizing the subtropical climate to implement solar, hydro, wind, and salt energy plants is a small but incredibly effective initiative towards change. As this generation is mined and controlled by their devices and social media, they make lemons out of lemonade and find ways to use those distractions to better their external environment. As I woke up and took a look around at my country, I saw a way, a dream, a vision and someday I hope it can be a reality; someday, we can use our environment and surroundings to better our country, but it is going to take actions not just words and a whole country not just one man to secure the future of our Bahama land for everyone even the generations to come. We must stop thinking with that one-day-at-a-time mentality and reset to more of a let’s get it done now attitude to better our nation and reinvent the Bahamas as a great country that stands on its own not only recognised for its beautiful waters and unique sand but how such a small country can make a significant change and set itself aside from all other nations positively and effectively every day.
of climate change and the last generation to do something about it” - Barack Obama. As a child, I always felt strongly about the environment. You could always find me at the beach admiring the crystal-clear waters or just outside. Growing up learning about coastal erosion and climate change, I had many questions. My schoolbooks and teachers could answer most questions, but a majority were left unanswered. Incorporating environmental learning into all schools is crucial to answering what I would change for the future of The Bahamas. Learning about the environment of their country is essential for youth as it equips them with the knowledge and skills to understand sustainability, take responsibility for natural resources, and tackle local environmental challenges. Incorporating environmental learning into school systems can ensure the future ecological health of The Bahamas. It would allow students to gain a deeper understanding of ecological principles and develop critical thinking abilities to address complex environmental issues such as pollution, habitat destruction, and climate change. This education empowers young people to become informed advocates for environmental stewardship within their communities and beyond. In the context of The Bahamas, where pristine marine ecosystems are vital to both the economy and cultural identity, investing in environmental education ensures that these natural treasures are valued, protected, and sustained for generations to come.
allow other islands to provide a new experience.
Xaria Ingraham, Age 15, Grand Bahama
If I could change one thing for the future of The Bahamas, it would be the issue of littering and waste management. Hearing stories from back then about how beautiful and lively our islands were, it would be hard to imagine the next generation experiencing the same beauty and cleanliness due to the alarming amount of trash that has plagued our country. Here in Grand Bahama, it has been way too normalized to see our beaches, canals, and streets filled with litter, which is detrimental to our scenery and natural environment. Even sadder is that many don’t see a problem with carelessly disposing of their trash as they depend on Sanitation Services to clean up the mess. A cultural shift is needed where citizens and residents should take responsibility for their waste, keep others accountable, and consciously reduce the pounds of trash added to our landfills.
“We are the first generation to feel the impact
Azaria Louis, Age 15, Grand Bahama
The Bahamas would be a much more exciting and diverse country if tour ism were concentrated not only in New Providence. Each island should be given its own identity and entitled to the same things as the capital. People only picture Nassau or Paradise Island when they think of the Bahamas. This is not good because I believe every island of our Bahamas is extremely beautiful and unique but has not entirely been allowed to showcase all it has to offer. I came up with this idea called “Bahama Starline.” This would be a new cruise line/ferry company that would focus on showcasing the hidden gems of our country. It would start in Freeport Grand Bahama and go down to great Inagua. This would be a new way to bring tourists to Paradise Island and the entire Bahamas. It will also educate the world about the uniqueness of every island of the Bahamas.
Our landfill is another part of the problem – it’s becoming the tallest peak in Grand Bahama. Our islands desperately need a solid recycling plan and sustainable waste management practices. While it might be cliche to hear that we have a littering problem, we must reiterate it because not much is being done, and its consequences will affect us sooner than we think. The Bahamas’ beautiful scenery goes hand in hand with tourism. If we can’t prioritize a cleaner future for the country, we risk losing what defines us: clear and clean waters, healthy marine life, and scenic natural environments.
Gianna Malabanan, Age 20, Grand Bahama
The residents of Pinder’s Point, Grand Bahama, wake up every morning to a pungent odour from an industrial facility close to the community. Research has shown the odour to be harmful, with many community members experiencing cancer, reproductive harm, and other health issues. The company has stated that they are working to eliminate the odour, but the situation has not improved, leading to complaints from residents and business owners.
“Bahama Starline” would also be a ferry boat that circles the Bahamas, stopping at the main family Islands. I’m allowing Bahamians to travel by boat to the different islands of the Bahamas.
“Bahama Starline” should be accessible to all Baha mians, not just tourists.
In conclusion, this small but effective change can widely increase revenue coming into the Bahama Islands. Still, it can also
The question at hand is how we can address this issue. We will unite alongside the government to eliminate the problem or evacuate residents from the immediate area. Proper education of the residents will empower them to understand how to help and what they should avoid doing. Let’s take concrete action and work together to find effective solutions for the betterment of our community.
Cyrie Carey, Age 14, Grand Bahama
Matari Turnquest, Age 14, Grand Bahama
WHAT WOULD YOU CHANGE FOR THE FUTURE
OF THE BAHAMAS?
The Tribune set a challenge to young people with a simple question about the future of the countrywhat would you change? Here - and throughout our Independence supplement - are some of those answers.
William Godet
Age 9
Vice President of Hillcrest Academy Eco-Club
Hillcrest Academy is the most recent Eco-School in The Bahamas to receive a Green Flag Award
The one thing I would change for the future Bahamas is having an Eco-club for each school. Imagine The Bahamas with these three things: gardens, greenhouses, and litterfree school grounds. This would be a major upgrade for The Bahamas, leading to food security and cleaner air. This would also help the number one industry, tourism by reducing pollution. This new mindset will hopefully keep our future students interested in environmental protection for planet Earth.
Eliana Bowe Age 13
Treasurer of St. John’s College Eco-Club
BREEF Young Reporters for the Environment Competition Winner (2022)
To safeguard the future of the Bahamas, I would encourage a significant shift in the way we educate. One of the main barriers to climate resilience and adaptation on a national level is limited human capacity – which is essential for addressing the climate crisis. The number of young Bahamians currently engaged in climate-focused careers is insufficient to secure our country’s future. This is a direct result of an education system that is no longer building capacity that supports the current needs of our people. We need to redefine why we teach so that we can determine what to teach and how to teach it.
Lauren Scriven Age 16
Member of Lyford Cay International School Eco-Club BREEF Young Reporters for the Environment Competition 2nd Place Winner (2024)
When I think about what I would change for the future of The Bahamas one thing stands out to me - the prevalence of plastic use in The Bahamas. This harms our marine animals through ingestion and entanglement. We need more aggression from the government to put policies in place for the eradication of plastics. We can start by using alternatives to plastics like glass, wood, and paper to help this ongoing issue.
Implementing comprehensive environmental education in schools is key. Educating young people about climate change and sustainability will inspire a generation committed to preserving our natural heritage.
Farah Flowers Age 18
Incoming BREEF/Island School Bahamas Environmental Steward Scholar (BESS) (2024/2025)
As a young Bahamian woman, I have lived through countless days, watching the care we have put into our Bahama land decline; from environmental neglect to the overdevelopment of commercial areas. This leads to water pollution, habitat loss, coastal erosion, and many other unfortunate and damaging effects. I envision a future for The Bahamas where
we embrace sustainable practices to preserve and protect our unique marine environment. Fostering a culture of care and responsibility, especially among younger generations, would be a highly impactful first step.
Jervon Sands, 22 Bahamas Climate Change Youth Ambassador MSc. Environmental Change Management, Oxford University
Heather Brockbank Age 20 Outreach Officer, Bahamas Reef Environment Educational Foundation BREEF Bahamas Environmental Steward Scholar (BESS) (2024/2025)
I envision a future where The Bahamas leads the way in marine conservation, with all Bahamian students educated on the critical importance of climate action and coral reef conservation. By fostering a deep understanding and appreciation for our marine SEE PAGE 23
BOWE
JERVON SANDS SAMANTHA RAMIREZ
HEATHER BROCKBANK JAYDEN PRATT
THE BAHAMAS just missed the trip to Paris for basketball, but there’s still a lot more to look forward to from these players as they continue their journey in the NBA and college. With the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles, California just around the corner, you can bet that The Bahamas will not just be knocking on the door, but we should be one of the contenders participating in the games for the first time.
CELEBRATING ANOTHER INDEPENDENCE WITH SOME VINTAGE PERFORMANCES AND EXPECTATIONS FROM OUR ELITE ATHLETES
By BRENT STUBBS Chief Sports Editor
What a way to celebrate another Independence with some vintage performances and expectations from our elite athletes competing around the world.
There was a lot of national pride exhibited for the gallant efforts of our men’s national basketball team, who fell short this weekend of making history as the first team from any discipline to make it to the Olympic Games.
With so much talent with players dating back to 1978 when Mychal “Sweet Bells” Thompson cracked the mould and became the first foreign born player to be drafted number one in the National Basketball Association, we have seen countless players
following in his footsteps.
This weekend, we had three NBA players - Buddy Hield, Deandre Ayton and Eric Gordon - headlining the men’s basketball team at the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament in Valencia, Spain.
They’ve added another NBA prospect in VJ Edgecombe, who is headed to play for the Bears at Baylor University, in their quest to make the final cut for the Olympics in Paris, France from July 27 to August 11. Spain, by virtue of winning the final game played in the tournament, advanced to the Olympics, but The Bahamas certainly made its presence felt and all of the players and the coaching staff should be commended for the effort to get to this point.
For years, we’ve been yearning for the possibility of the Bahamas Basketball
Federation assembling a team to make a shot at the Olympics.
The quest became a reality in August in the National Sports Arena in La Banda, Argentina when the Bahamas stunned fourth world ranked Argentina 101-89 to win the FIBA Americas Olympic PreQualifying Tournament to earn their berth in the 2024 Olympic Games Qualifying Tournament.
It was again the NBA trio of Hield, Ayton and Gordon, who carried the nation’s dreams and hopes on their shoulders with NBA’s Golden State Warriors’ assistant coach Chris DeMarco as the team’s head coach.
What’s significant is the fact that DeMarco was a part of the coaching staff in Golden State where Klay Thompson played a major role in helping the Warriors
to win four NBA titles.
But during this year’s free agency, Thompson opted out of Golden State and many were hoping that he would have gone to the Los Angeles Lakers to continue the legacy his father left behind with his two championship rings in 1987 and 1998.
Instead, Thompson decided to take his talent to Dallas where he will team up with Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving, who powered the Mavericks to the NBA finals, only to lose out to the Boston Celtics.
There were some more wheeling and dealing during free agency as Hield left Philadelphia in a sign and trade to go to the Warriors and was replaced by Gordon on the 76ers roster.
Imagine what it would have been like to see any two of these combinations of Bahamians end up playing on the same team at the same time for the upcoming NBA season.
The only player who didn’t get shuffled around during free agency was Ayton, who will remain with the Portland Trail Blazers after they acquired him in a trade last season.
Kai Jones, who is missing from the men’s team in Valencia, is also p-latying with the Los Angeles Clippers.
The Bahamas just missed the trip to Paris for basketball, but there’s still a lot more to look forward to from these players as they continue their journey in the NBA and college.
With the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles, California just around the corner, you can bet that The Bahamas will not just be knocking on the door, but we should be one of the contenders participating in the games for the first time.
Olympic Games
Every year since Frank Rutherford clinched the historic bronze in the men’s triple jump in Barcelona, Spain in 1992, the Bahamas has come away with at least one medal at the Olympics.
The question is who will continue the streak of eight gold, two silver and bronze in Paris, albeit, we have two defending champions and a world indoor record holder expected to lead the charge.
If we look at the latter, Devynne Charlton has already given us many reasons to celebrate and to anticipate a great showing at her second appearance at the games.
Her victory in the 60m hurdles at the World Indoor Championships in Glasgow, Scotland in March with her world record breaking performance has carried over to her success so far in the outdoor season.
So all eyes will be on her in her quest to pick up her first Olympic medal.
Steven Gardiner, coming off an injury that hampered his performance at the last World Championships, has rounded back into shape and is eager to defend his title from Tokyo, Japan in 2020.
The big question, however, surrounds Shaunae Miller-Uibo, who has not made her presence felt on the global stage since her
has given us many reasons to celebrate and to anticipate a great showing in her second appearance at the
return from the birth of her son, Maicel Uibo Jr last year. She ran extremely well in her split of the mixed 4 x 400m relay team, along with Gardiner, Alonzo Russell and teenager Shania Adderley at the sixth World Relays here in May at the Thomas A Robinson National Stadium.
Unfortunately, the mixed relay is the only team competition that the Bahamas will compete in at the games as neither the women’s 4 sx 100 nor the men’s 4 x 100 or 4 x 400m teams qualified.
The jury is still out on the final team selection as the Bahamas Olympic Committee has yet to release the official list of athletes, some of whom are being awarded a spot in Parios based on their world rankings after they also fell short of attaining the qualifying standards.
So like the debate on who will win the first NBA title between the big trio, there will be many conversations heading into Paris as to who will emerge as an Olympic medalist.
Only time will tell, but let’s prepare for some more exhilarating performances as Bahamians have shown every four years cycle of the games, that they can rise to the occasion and advance on the podium with a medal.
For the record sake, it was the rise of the Golden Girls in 1996 in Atlanta, Georgia, when the team of Eldece Clarke, Chandra Sturrup, Sevatheda Fynes, Pauline Davis and Debbie Ferguson-McKenzie claimed the silver in the women’s 4 x 100m relay.
As fate would have it, the same team climbed the ladder to the top of the podium as gold medalists in 20000 in Sydney, Australia, while Davis was eventually elevated from silver to gold in the women’s 200m after American Mario Jones tested positive for the used as a banned substance and was stripped of her gold. The men’s 4 x 400m relay team of Avard Moncur,
Troy McIntosh, Carl Oliver, Chris Brown and Timothy Munnings were not left out as they joined the party in celebrating their bronze medal.
In Athens, Greece in 2004, Tonique Williams snatched the Bahamas’ first women’s 400m gold and Ferguson-McKenzie got her first individual medal with her bronze in the women’s 200m as the Bahamas ended up tied for 52nd with Israel.
Tied for 68th place with Algeria, Morocco and Tajikistan in Beijing, China in 2008, the men’s 4 x 400m relay team of Andretti Bain, Michael Mathieu, Andrae Williams, Brown, Moncur and Ramon Miller took the spotlight with their silver and Leevan ‘Superman’ Sands got the second medal ever for the country in the men’s triple jump with his silver.
Then in London, England in 2012 came the big shocker with the Bahamas finishing tied with Algeria, Bahrain, Grenada, Uganda and Venezuela for 50th with the quartet of Brown, Demetrius Pinder, Mathieu and Miller striking for the gold in the men’s 4 x 400m relay. Shaunae Miller-Uibo emerged on the Olympic stage with her gold in the women’s 400m and the men’s 4 x 400m relay team of Brown, Steven Gardiner, Mathieu, Stephen Newbold, Demereitus Pinder and Alonzo Russell had to settle for the bronze as the Bahamas ended up tied for 51st with the Independent Olympic Athletes and the Ivory Coast in 2016 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. And in 2020 when the Bahamas finished tied with Kosovo for 42nd in Tokyo, Japan, it was the double gold medal performance from Miller-Uibo and Gardiner in the women and men’s 400m respectively that has us holding our breaths and waiting to scream for more celebrations as we head into Paris at the end of the month. Happy Birthday Bahamas!
DEVYNNE Charlton
Olympic Games.
THE BIG question surrounds Shaunae Miller-Uibo, who has not made her presence felt on the global stage since her return from the birth of her son, Maicel Uibo Jr last year.
STEVEN GARDINER, coming off an injury that hampered his performance at the last World Championships, has rounded back into shape and is eager to defend his title in the 400 metres.
