The Progressive Labour Party joins Bahamians around the world today in celebrating the Bahamas 50th Independence Day.
The historical links between our islands date back to 1648 when the first European settlers in the Bahamas were 70 disaffected Bermudians fleeing religious and political persecution brought there under the leadership of the onetime Governor William Sayle.
In 1964, Bahamas attained internal self-governance from the UK through a series of constitutional and political steps. On July 10, 1973 Bahamas gained full independence.
The Commonwealth of the Bahamas has developed over the past 50 years experiencing challenges, but also great successes as a stable democracy and vibrant economy. The Bahamas
has made its mark in global tourism, international finance, global politics, sports, the arts, entertainment and so much more.
Bermuda has always had close relations with the Bahamian people through our people, culture and history. In politics, the Progressive Liberal Party of the Bahamas and the Progressive Labour
Party have been closely tied to each other for over 60 years. The leaders of the PLP Bermuda and PLP Bahamas through Arnold Francis, Dame Lois, L. Frederick Wade, Walter Robinson and
subsequent leaders maintained personal ties with the late Rt. Hon. Sir Lynden O Pindling.
These relationships supported the early development of the PLP in Bermuda. Their guidance assisted the party’s electoral journey and preparation for the historic 1998 victory.
Last year, a contingent from Bahamas led by the Prime Minister the Hon. Philip Davis came to Bermuda to participate in the PLP Delegates Conference. This was the first visit of a Bahamian Prime Minister to Bermuda in decades, a testament to the strength of the ties between our two countries.
Recently, Bahamians living in Bermuda held a three-day celebration including a Pre- Independence Golden Jubilee Gala in support of our “sister” island. The Premier, on behalf of the Government, hosted a reception at Camden attended by Foreign Affairs Minister of Foreign
Affairs and Public Service, The Hon. Frederick Mitchell.
The Bahamas has celebrated its anniversary in a year of activities which included a Gala, the Prime Minister’s Legacy Ball, the Golden Jubilee Celebration, Ecumenical Service and Cultural show with a light show and fireworks display. The Deputy Premier and Deputy Party Leader Walter H. Roban, Party Chair Dawn Simmons, and other PLP members traveled to the
Bahamas to participate and show their support.
This relationship between Bermuda and the Commonwealth of the Bahamas is valued and cherished by many Bermudians. The PLP family in Bermuda is honored to have been included in
their glorious celebrations. We look forward to observing and being inspired by the Bahamian people as they ‘Move Forward, Upward and Onward Together Well into the future. We are also
committed to seeing the ties between our communities strengthened and grow in the future.
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