[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 96 (Friday, July 17, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1338]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


             FORWARD, UPWARD, ONWARD TOGETHER--THE BAHAMAS

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. DONALD M. PAYNE

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, July 16, 1998

  Mr. PAYNE. Mr. Speaker, on July 10, the Commonwealth of The Bahamas 
celebrated the 25th anniversary of independence. On Saturday, July 18, 
an Independence Luncheon will be held under the direction of Consul 
General Dr. Doswell C. Coakley. The Honorable Minister of Tourism, 
Cornelius A. Smith will serve as the guest speaker. As a long-time 
world traveler who respects cultures and globalism, I would like to add 
my congratulations and best wishes on such an auspicious occasion.
  As one of the premier independent nations of the world, we, recently 
celebrating our independence, can certainly relate. The 275,000 people 
who live on the 700 islands of The Bahamas are predominantly of West 
African descent. Their ancestors were slaves brought to the islands to 
work cotton plantations until 1834, when Britain abolished slavery in 
all of its territories. Most white residents are descendants of the 
first English settlers who emigrated from Bermuda in 1647 to gain 
religious freedom. Some are also related to the Loyalists who fled the 
southern United States during the American Revolution. After the 
abolition of slavery, life in the islands changed drastically. The 
plantations were dissolved, and both blacks and whites turned to the 
sea or tried to farm.
  Bahamians have a rich cultural legacy. Religion is an integral part 
of Bahamian life. Even the tiniest village has a church, sometimes two. 
The citizen's religious zeal and high regard for education are evident. 
Music is also very important. Here you can hear the elements of African 
rhythms, Caribbean Calypso, English folk songs and the Bahamian Goombay 
beat.
  Its government is a bicameral parliamentary government composed of a 
Senate and a House of Assembly, a Prime Minister, an Attorney General, 
and an independent Judiciary, including a Supreme Court and a Court of 
Appeals. I'm sure we all recall seeing pictures of Bahamian policemen 
who pride themselves on their starched uniforms.
  Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to give a bird's eye view of the people and 
culture of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas. As the world becomes 
smaller in terms of travel, I hope many of our citizens will visit our 
good neighbors to the South.

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