The Road to Independence, A Story through Pictures

 My theme this year to celebrate 50 years of independence is “The Road to Independence, A Story through Pictures.” I’ll be sharing photos of significant events that brought The Bahamas to July 10th, 1973

Several events have to occur for a country to become independent. One of the first orders of business would be to draft a constitution. In December of 1972, The Constitutional Conference on Bahamian Independence was held at Marlborough House in London, England.

The objective of the trip was to debate and finalize the proposed constitution and address questions relevant to statehood and citizenship

The Hon. Lynden O. Pindling is shown in the centre signing the Report on the final day of the Constitutional Conference. Looking on are the Hon. Arthur D Hanna, Paul L. Adderley, the Hon. Carlton E. Francis, Inspector Minus, the Hon. A. Loftus Roker, and Mr. George A. Smith.

Sir Milo Butler is shown in the second photo with Sir Clement Maynard

Becoming an independent nation allows a country to create national symbols that align with the vision and celebrates the beauty of a country. On December 7th, 1971, Queen Elizabeth II wrote a warrant for a new Coat Of Arms for The Bahamas. The warrant goes into great detail about the design of The Coat of Arms.

The motto “Forward, Upward, Onward” featured on the crest was made by 2 11-year-olds Vivian Moultrie and Melvern Bowe

There was a national competition to produce the motto for the coat of arms, and the competition was won by two 11-year-old schoolchildren – Vivian F. Moultrie of Inagua Public School and Melvern B. Bowe of the Government High School in Nassau. Bahamian artist Hervis Bain prepared the preliminary design of the coat of arms.

Sir Clement Maynard the then minister of Tourism at the opening of The Botanical Gardens in July 1973.

The days leading up to July 10th, 1973 included several ceremonies and social events which the founding fathers, Prince Charles, and other Bahamian delegates attended. One of the first events was a regatta that Honourable George Smith, Arthur Hanna, and Sir Lynden Pindling attended.

The Bahamas becoming independent brought Bahamians from all walks of life together at the very first military Tattoo and cultural display on Clifford Park. Sir Sidney Poitier attended the event and can be seen here greeting Sir Lynden Pindling and Dame Marguerite Pindling

Typically when a former British colony becomes independent a member of the royal family attends the events leading up to Independence Day. The then-prince, now King Charles arrived in Nassau to a crowd of spectators.

One of the most anticipated and highlighted moments in the celebrations leading up to independence is the independence ball. Pictured below are Dame Marguerite Pindling, King Charles, and a young Glenys Hanna Martin dancing in the back at the first ball in 1973

Views from the audience enjoying a police force performance at the very first Tattoo on July 9th, 1973.

On July 10th, 1973 excitement filled the air as a new nation was born. The Bahamian flag was raised and the Union Jack came down at Clifford Park for the very last time. Happy 50th independence to The Commonwealth of The Bahamas.