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Bahamas: Sir Durward Knowles apologized for the oppression of the black majority in The Bahamas when the minority white Bahamians were in charge
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Apology For Racism:
By Courtnee Romer -
Nassau, Bahamas:


FREEPORT, Grand Bahama – Director of the One Bahamas Foundation Sir Durward Knowles on Tuesday apologized for the oppression of blacks in The Bahamas, which occurred decades ago.
Sir Durward spoke at a flag-raising ceremony at Independence Park where One Bahamas ceremonies were held after a five-year hiatus.

"Boys and girls, you are living in a great country. I was brought up when white people were in charge of these lands and they treated the black people very badly," Sir Durward said.

"I’m here to apologize on our behalf. Today, we’re living in a great society. We’ve [beaten] all the trials and temptations and now we’re here as one Bahamas," added Sir Durward, who said he was glad that he lived in the time of oppression because he came out better for it.

He said he appreciates all races and it was a blessing to listen to all the performances at the celebration.

The re-launch of the One Bahamas festivities could not have come at a better time, according to One Bahamas committee members, who said the aim is to unite the country after the May general elections.

Thousands of students and guests flocked to Independence Park for the event. They included former Governor General and Chairman of The One Bahamas Foundation Sir Orville Turnquest and Director of The One Bahamas Foundation Algernon Allen.

Mr. Allen said despite differences, the Bahamas and its people are one.

"We celebrate however we are, and from wherever we are, be we PLP or FNM, we are one Bahamas. Be we Methodist, Baptist, Catholic, Anglican, we are one people, under God. Be we young or be we old, be we disabled, be we black or be we white, we are one people," Mr. Allen told the crowd.

"That’s why we must learn how to live together, my darlings. Yes, there’ll be times when we divide, like when we go into things like elections or sporting events and the like. There will be times of competition, but at the end of the day, we all must know that we must embrace each other because we are still one people, one Bahamas."

Committee co-chairman and organizer, Cecil Thompson, who is also the deputy director of education, said the celebrations do not take away from the country’s premier celebration, Independence Day. He said organizers saw fit to bring the country together with a display of cultural expressions.

"I couldn’t be more pleased. This is the best one ever," Mr. Thompson told the Journal.

"The Bahamas is desperate for One Bahamas celebrations in 2007 because never before in our history have we been so apart. Never before have we been so intolerant … and motivated by politics, and never before have we been so divided. So in my humble opinion, the One Bahamas celebrations are needed now to bring the people together following the 2007 general elections."

During the event, students showcased their talents through song, dance, a cultural monologue, marching band performance and a Junkanoo rush out.

Acknowledging the display of talent, Sir Orville told students that they are the future leaders.

"It is the school children like you who must one day run this country. One day you will provide for us all the officials, the governor general, the prime minister, the ministers, all the teachers, doctors, lawyers, and carpenters and masons. You must provide everyone that will run this country which is your country," Sir Orville said.

He said he was so impressed with the students that he plans to request that they are granted a holiday.

"I plan when I go back to Nassau to use whatever influence I have to request those that make these decisions to communicate to Mr. Cecil Thompson, that because all these schools in Grand Bahama have turned out so marvelously, you deserve a one day holiday … before Christmas," Sir Orville said to students amidst applause.

5 December 2007

December 5, 2007 | 12:39 PM Comments  0 comments

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