[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 151 (2005), Part 12]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages 16545-16546]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                        BAHAMA INDEPENDENCE DAY

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. CHARLES B. RANGEL

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, July 19, 2005

  Mr. RANGEL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and celebrate a 
special occasion for our neighbors and friends in the Bahamas. Last 
Sunday, July 10, marked the 32nd anniversary of the independence of the 
islands of the Bahamas. I join my friends of Bahamian heritage and the 
many citizens of that multi-island nation in celebrating the beauty and 
uniqueness of their homeland.
  On July 10, 1973, the people of the Bahamas peacefully and 
successfully gained full independence within the British Commonwealth. 
Once a colony of the British Crown, the Bahamas has emerged as an 
important voice in international and regional affairs, impacting the 
Americas and the global community.
  The Bahamian culture is an intriguing mixture of its African, 
European, and indigenous population. The celebrations of this island 
nation are welcomed festivities and commemorations of the beauty of 
international culture and merriment. The people truly embrace and 
emphasize their rich historical backgrounds, national pride, and 
appreciation of human nature. This is a place where the simplicity of 
life is fully enjoyed and its complexities are dealt with one day at a 
time.
  While still facing economic and social challenges in its development, 
the Bahamas remain a popular tourist attraction which enjoys excellent 
relations with the U.S. The country and its government have worked 
diligently to uplift itself and move towards prosperity. The islands 
offer a rich diversity of geography, history, and beauty that attracts 
visitors and guests from around the world. Tourism alone provides an 
estimated 60 percent of the gross domestic product and employs about 
half the Bahamian work force. In 2000, more than 4 million tourists 
visited the Bahamas, 83 percent of them from the U.S. With help and 
assistance from its friends, the Bahamas will continue to grow in 
prosperity, peace, and beauty.
  I congratulate the people of the Bahamas on their 32nd Independence 
Day and know that many more years of successful growth and economic 
development are ahead of them. I also wish our friends in the Bahamas 
years of peace and tranquility, independence and justice, and a robust 
and prosperous economy.

                      Bahamas Is Blessed--Dame Ivy

       Governor-General Ivy Dumont reminded Bahamians of how 
     blessed the country has been over the years, as celebrations 
     to mark 32 years of independent nationhood unfolded at 
     Clifford Park on Saturday night.
       In her Independence Day message, Mrs. Dumont said since 
     1973, Bahamians have made much progress in national economic 
     and political life. She challenged all political, spiritual 
     and civic leaders to continue to adopt the fundamental 
     doctrine upon which the country's independence was declared. 
     That principle, she said, is a national commitment to self-
     discipline, industry, loyalty, unity and an abiding respect 
     for Christian values and the rule of law.

[[Page 16546]]

       ``As a people we have many reasons to celebrate, not least 
     being the blessings upon our nation flowing from our godly 
     heritage. It is to this rich spiritual legacy that we, as 
     Bahamians, attribute our orderly and sustained economic, 
     social and political development. Accordingly, respect for 
     and service to God must remain the centerpiece of our 
     national life.''
       Prime Minister Perry Christie also noted the importance of 
     observing the founding of the nation in his Independence Day 
     message.
       He pointed out that while other nations were forged out of 
     war, revolution and bloodshed, The Bahamas emerged out of a 
     peaceful transition from colonial rule to an independent 
     state.
       ``For those of us who were witnesses to this momentous 
     occasion--the birth of a nation--the enthusiasm, pride and 
     reverence for this day will forever remain fresh in our 
     minds,'' Mr. Christie said.
       ``It is important therefore, that we seek to pass on these 
     same sentiments to the many who view the 10th July, 1973 as 
     merely an historical date, so that the sense of patriotism 
     and national pride will forever burn bright in the hearts and 
     minds of all Bahamians.''
       He recalled that Independence Day has always been a time of 
     great festivity throughout the country. Mr. Christie 
     expressed that every nation should celebrate its founding and 
     development, because nationhood embodies, among other 
     attributes, the culture, ethnicity, values, history and the 
     collective strength of a people.
       Thirty-two years ago, under the watchful gaze of thousands 
     of Bahamians, the Union Jack was lowered and the black, 
     aquamarine, and gold-coloured flag of an independent Bahamas 
     was hoisted for the first time on Clifford Park.
       The Bahamas was now a sovereign nation, having been a 
     colony of Great Britain for 250 years.

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