True National Independence:
By: Andrew Edwards -
Nassau, Bahamas:

There she was, a bastion of hope wrapped up in frustration, misfortune and institutional neglect. Through her youth she represented the nation's bright future and yet highlighted some of its greatest challenges. As I prepare to share my thoughts, I could not help but feel saddened by the sight of a little girl that I recollect from around this time a year ago, no more than four years of age "toting" a one-gallon container of water home from the public pump.

Indeed this is an everyday occurrence for thousands of Bahamians throughout our archipelago. This little girl in her tattered clothing and bright wide smile withstanding the humidity and blazing heat really hit a soft spot. She seemed happy and such was her Bahamian reality as we embarked on this celebratory period in our country last year.

Next week thousands of Bahamians will commemorate our 34th Anniversary of Independence. Through Independence, we celebrate our nation's sovereignty, and our ability to stand on its own and determine our own destiny. Undoubtedly we have come a mighty long way.

More so than the progress of the nation, Independence celebrations are about the advancement and achievements of the Bahamian people over the past 34years. A nation, by definition is the sum of the hearts, minds, culture and aspirations of its people. True national independence is therefore only real when manifested in the lives and daily reality of a nation's people.

There is no doubt that 34 years after gaining our independence from Great Britain, collectively we as a Bahamian people are able to lift our heads high and proud. Our country has progressed much in terms of economics, education, infrastructure, political maturity, constitutional rights and social mobility.

Although still in the prime of our nation's youth, we have developed many national institutions such as The College of The Bahamas, National Insurance and The Central Bank of The Bahamas, which should conjure pride amongst all Bahamians. On the international stage we have rightfully earned our seat as equals and can self-assuredly walk shoulder-to-shoulder with any other nation.

Individually there are telling signs of our national independence amongst the lives of our people. Many of our people are working, earning a fair wage and living their Bahamian dream. The rags-to-riches and other success stories are indeed too numerous to detail.

As we look around in our Bahamas today such are the fruits of the toil and vision of our national leaders past and present. The likes of Sir Lynden Pindling, Sir Milo Butler, His Excellency A.D. Hanna, Paul Adderley, Perry Christie, Hubert Ingraham, Sir Cecil Wallace-Whitfield, Dame Doris Johnson and countless others have made us more independent and self-reliant as a people and as a country.

As so many of us celebrate control of our own destiny next week, I am sadly reminded of that little ray of hope represented by the young lady several I recollect. Thirty-four years after the attainment of Independence, life remains a struggle for this little girl and others in her situation.

Successive governments, both PLP and FNM, in their own fashion and way have made attempts to carry out the idealistic yet compassionate and noble vision of our present Governor General when he espoused that our duty is simply "to wipe every tear from every eye". Through the bright smile of this little girl as she struggled with her water container, although hidden there is no doubt that there were genuine tears present. But for good fortune and the grace of God there go I.

We have come a mighty long way but we have so much further to go as a people. There are many who are suffering from the shackles of poverty and lacking those basic things we too often take for granted, like access to running water. When any member of our community goes without, then the entire nation suffers as a result.

It saddens my heart further to know that while some of our neighbours are struggling to survive daily, that the dire straits of our brothers and sisters are being perpetuated through the greed of others. In the 21st Century Bahamas, and in metropolitan Nassau in particular, some persons do not possess electricity, drinking water or food to eat and yet key nation builders are fighting tooth and nail for outrageous salary increases that the nation cannot afford to pay. Where is the humanity in it all?

Celebrating Independence is a good thing. In fact, I intend to fully take part in the various national events next week. On the other hand, we must realise than we are not a truly independent nation in every sense of the word until each Bahamian, no matter their race, class, gender or neighbourhood can stand on his or her own two feet and chart their own course.

Our leaders and forefathers have done much and we stand as living proof. This Independence each of us is called to take hold of the baton and play our part in wiping every tear from every eye. Our work is not complete until every Bahamian in pride can lift their heads to the rising sun, indeed the struggle continues.

Long live The Commonwealth of The Bahamas! Happy Independence!


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