The Bahamas 10 years after Independence 1973-1983
In the ten years after independence The Bahamas had made great progress which created an amazing foundation for the country we know today. Below I will list some of the notable events that took place during the first 10 years to celebrate 46 years of independence.
On July 10th 1973 a new nation was born when the Bahamian flag was raised at Clifford Park. This event climaxed a 3 hour pre independence celebration. The colours of the flag are symbolic, the black represents the vigor 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 land and sea are symbolized by the gold and aquamarine.
Between 1974-1975 The Bahamas made the Spiny Lobster a creature of the continental shelf within a twelve mile radius. This action sparked off a controversy between The Bahamas government and the Cuban American fishermen who had habitually poached in Bahamian
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In 1976 the national school of dance was established and placed under the directorship of Madame Lavinia Williams. During this time The Bahamas was involved in the Caribbean Cultural Exchange called Carifesta where music, songs and dance were performed by participating countries.
In 1978 The Bahamas emerged as the tourism giant of the Caribbean displacing Puerto Rico for the first time as the region’s leading earner of tourist dollars
On October 20th 1977 the opening of Z.N.S. T.V. 13 took place by Queen Elizabeth II ZNS has been in operation ever since
On the evening of July 9th 1973 a musical and cultural display entitled “Pages from Bahamian History” was held at Clifford park. It portrayed Bahamian Heritage through dance and music. More than 200 performers participated in the spectacular event the show was coordinated and directed by Winston Saunders. Clement Bethel was its artistic and musical director.
On July 9th and 10th 1976 the first Commonwealth Fair was held at Jumbey Village. The exhibit included native dishes, flowers, fruits and arts and crafts
Between 1977-1983 the number of industrial disputes in The Bahamas increased tremendously. In 1977 48 Bahamasair pilots went on strike for 4 days causing the National flag carrier to suspend all flight operations indefinitely. The biggest labour dispute during these years occurred in January of 1981 with approximately 3,000 teachers and their supporters marching on Bay Street for 5 hours shutting down the area around Parliament Square . There was the construction workers protest in 1979 the teachers strike in 1981, ZNS strike in 1981, the Club Med dispute and the Batelco strike march in 1982.
Dame Doris Johnson and Mrs. Janet Bostwick are 2 women that have made parliamentary history. In 1973 Doris Johnson became the first woman to be elected president of the senate and first woman to run for the H.O.A. Janet Bostwick became first woman to be elected to the H.O.A