07072017 independence supplement

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Friday, July 7, 2017, PAGE 1

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INDEPENDENCE SUPPLEMENT

Independence Events JULY 6-28 Bahamas Press Club Art Exhibition Central Bank 9am-5pm JULY 7 National Pride Day Rawson & Parliament Squares 10am JULY 9 44th Grand Anniversary Celebrations Clifford Park 8pm JULY 10 The People’s Love and Unity Rush Bay Street 1am

Photo by Alvin Simms | Bahamian Coins

Happy 44th Independence Day Bahamas From the Management and staff of Scotiabank (Bahamas) Limited

JULY 10 Culturama Liturgical Dance Parade & Concert Western Esplanade 2pm-6pm JULY 10 State Reception Government House 6pm-8pm JULY 15 Junkanoo Summer Festival Arawak Cay 4pm-midnight

JULY 22 & 29

JULY 18-23

Commonwealth Youth Games National Sporting Complex and National Beach Soccer Arena All day event

Junkanoo Summer Festival Arawak Cay 4pm-midnight

Trademark of The Bank of Nova Scotia, used under licence (where applicable).

®

Photo: Shawn Hanna/Tribune Staff

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INDEPENDENCE SUPPLEMENT

CHAIRMAN of the 44th Anniversary Bahamas Independence Celebrations planning committee Mark Humes MP, centre, announced plans for the independence celebrations at Cabinet Office, Churchill Building, on June 23. Also pictured from left: Supt Kendal Strachan, Cabinet Office deputy parliamentary secretary Michael Humes, and Cabinet Office senior assistant secretary Sharine Symonette, of the National Events Planning Unit.

Photo: Patrick Hanna/BIS

A memorable celebration

ORGANISERS of the country’s 44th independence anniversary celebration are promising a festive and memorable experience despite plans to have the event’s budget slashed by an estimated $900,000 as a result of the country’s current financial climate.

Fort Charlotte MP Mark Humes, who was appointed as chairman of the Independence Committee earlier this month, made the announcement during a press conference at the Churchill Building on Friday.

“The budget for this

year’s activities has again been reduced,” Mr Humes told reporters when questioned on the budget allocation for this year’s schedule of celebrations.

“I think we are aware of the economic climate in the country right now. We need to, sort of, tighten our belts.”

He later added: “A ballpark of how much it has been reduced by, I will say about $900,000.”

This would place this year’s budget at around $100,000.

The former government spent around $1m in 2016

and an estimated $1.1m in 2015.

The lowered budget is expected to cover festivities planned for New Providence, with an announcement on budgets for Family Islands and international celebrations expected in the coming weeks.

Notwithstanding the budget restraints, Mr Humes said this year’s celebration, under the theme “Toward the Rising Sun: One God, One People, One Bahamas,” will “remain at the same level or far exceed the ones we have done in the

past.”

He added: “As usual, the anniversary week is a major production carried out by a large number of individuals and so it, therefore, gives me great pleasure to introduce you and the public to some of the individuals, the movers and shakers, who have come together as programme planners, event organisers, project executors and policy advisors for this herculean effort.”

Festivities began with the start of the annual Junkanoo Summer Festival at Arawak Cay on Saturday,

July 1.

Other events in the buildup have included an event in Rawson Square at 5.30pm on July 2, followed by a National Children’s Choir concert on July 3 at the Dundas Centre for the Performing Arts.

Yesterday, officials opened the Bahamas Press Club Art Exhibition at the Central Bank, which is expected to continue until July 28.

National Pride Day celebrations are scheduled to take place on July 7 in Rawson Square at 10am.

The traditional Clifford Park events will begin on Sunday, July 9, at 8pm, with an ecumenical service and culminates with the flag raising at midnight.

The People’s Love and Unity Junkanoo parade is also scheduled for midnight on Bay Street.

On Monday, July 10, a state reception will take place at Government House from 6pm-8pm.

The celebrations come to an end on Saturday, July 29, with the conclusion of the Junkanoo Summer Festival at midnight.

SMITH: INDEPENDENCE CELEBRATIONS CAN BRING HISTORY TO LIFE

By DANIELLE BARNES

AS the country prepares to celebrate another year of independence, one of the surviving delegates of the Constitutional Conference of 1972, former Exuma MP George Smith, said he hopes more Bahamians become aware of the history leading up to the day.

There was a lot of preparation, leading up to July 10, 1973, when The Bahamas was officially declared an independent nation.

Communities that were once divided came together for the greater good of our country.

Mr Smith, a member of the official delegation who headed to London for talks on framing the Bahamas’ Constitution, sat down with The Tribune and offered critiques on the progression this country has made since it transformed into a free and sovereign nation.

Mr Smith recalled that in The Bahamas’ first few years of independence, the country accomplished great things. The nation seemed to be advancing and people started to live harmoniously with each other.

“There was complete unanimity in the country, so when we entered Independence on midnight of the 9th of July, we had great hopes that we would truly make this country the greatest in the world, small though it be.”

Mr Smith remembers Bahamians coming together to build the country from the ground up. Developments began and locals focused attention on advancing Bahamian professionals.

“Things were looking rosy, we were doing quite well and the middle class in this country grew by leaps and bounds,” Mr Smith said.

“People who were the sons and daughters of poverty from Over-the-Hill were taking their place as the new young professionals, and we looked like we were on a quest to making The Bahamas that great

country.”

Bahamians possessed a pride in this country that was like no other.

As the country prepares to relish in all the festivities that July 10th brings, Mr Smith questioned the awareness of the history that made 44 years of independence possible and people’s willingness to continue the march toward a better Bahamas.

“I’m rather disappointed that 44 years after independence, too many Bahamians don’t have any sense of their history, a history that they could be justly proud of.

“We have young people who live in this country who have all the benefits and rights and privileges that exist within the limits of the constitution and the laws of The Bahamas, but their aspirations are not being met and they are not ready to face the challenges.”

Mr Smith recalled older generations who faced the challenges to make The Bahamas what it is today. He said that Bahamians must continue the quest in making the country great by demanding change.

He urged Bahamians to “stop accepting things that they know is wrong in their country”.

“They have to first be the change within themselves and then come back and change this country, this is what the previous generations did.”

This country’s elders took the fight and seized the opportunity to build our nation, he said.

Mr Smith asked: “Why can’t we do the same?”

This change won’t happen unless demands are made and Mr Smith believes that The Bahamas has what it takes to make things right.

“I would like to see Bahamians starting to like one another again, we used to. I would like to see us feeling comfortable going out into our communities.

“I want to see respect and

a greater appreciation for our history.”

Mr Smith ended with a quote that he hoped would resonate in hearts of those Bahamians who are prepared to continue the march that our forefathers began.

He referenced a statement made by former Governor General Sir Arthur Hanna: “The heights you reach must not always be judged by how high you are, but sometimes it has to be judged by the depths from which you’ve come.”

THE SIGNING of the Constitution of The Bahamas, with George Smith (back row, third from right) in attendance.

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PRINCE CHARLES and Prime Minister Sir Lynden Pindling at the celebrations 1973.

Birth of The Bahamas DURING his visit to The Bahamas in July, 1973, arriving days before the country’s inaugural Independence celebration, the heir to the British throne, Prince Charles, summed up the birth of The Bahamas as “far deeper than (a) new flag, (and a new) anthem”.

Speaking to hundreds at the Independence Youth Rally at Clifford Park, the Prince of Wales said independence meant discovering themselves, their potential, strength, weakness and adaptability.

Today, 44 years later, that premise still holds true.

Those youngsters, now the country’s decision makers, have the Commonwealth of The Bahamas progressively aimed at discovering herself, her potential, strength, weakness and adaptability.

Loretta Butler-Turner was a 12-year-old high school student in 1973.

The former Leader of the Opposition in the House of Parliament recalled the haze of the days surrounding that inaugural celebration as a beautiful moment of preparing.

“At the time, I was involved with all the inaugural celebrations associated with Independence. Most of the kids at that time was tasked with learning the new national anthem and pledge,” she said.

She noted that two lines in “March on Bahamaland” resonated with her more than any other element of that majestic period.

“See how the world marks the manner of your bearing. Pledge to excel through love and unity,” she sang. “Those lines are just as powerful now as they were then.”

According to the veteran politician, the fibre of The Bahamas has been ruptured. She said trivial issues, over time, has divided Bahamians; and that division has hurt the nation’s development.

“We have to come together as a people, we have to unite. If we don’t unite we can’t pledge to excel through love and unity.

Only once we unite, can we question how the world marks our bearing.”

Mrs Butler-Turner is the granddaughter of The Bahamas’ first Governor General, Sir Milo Butler.

Following the Progressive

LORETTA ButlerTurner

SIR Lynden Pindling Liberal Party’s (PLP) 1972 general election victory Sir Milo, who had spent ten years as MP for the Bain Town constituency, had been endorsed by the party to be the first Governor General of an independent Bahamas. He vacated his

seat, allowing for a by-election. Contesting that election was Norman Gay for the PLP, Clifford Cooper for the FNM and a young Wesley Campbell for the upstart Vanguard Nationalist and Socialist Party.

On the night of independ-

ence, Mr Campbell was a spirited 22-year-old with a heart for politics and a soul for nation building.

Present at Clifford Park as the British flag descended and the new Bahamian flag ascended, he said in that moment despite his joy,

he felt compelled to work harder.

The Queen’s College graduate said: “In the Vanguard Nationalist and Socialist Party our belief was that Independence without changing the socio-economic make up of the coun-

try would not meet true independence. We wanted independence just as much as the PLP, but they wanted superficial changes - the names and faces. We wanted systematic changes throughout.”

The symbol of independence has not changed our county, Mr Campbell claimed. He said as the Union Jack came down: “I realised that we had simply entered into the phase where serious work had to be done - today, it still has to be done.”

In contrast to the sentiments of Mrs Butler-Turner and Mr Campbell, prominent pastor Bishop Simeon Hall warned that despite the clear issues The Bahamas faces as a nation today, it is still strong.

“We are strong as a nation,” he said. “We have progressed significantly since 1973. Don’t mark our success by our problems, it has to marked by our possibilities and potential as a country.”

Bishop Hall said that prior to the 1964 Majority Rule movement and the 1967 election victory by the PLP young, black Bahamians could have been considered second class citizens in their own country.

“Many of us could only hope to become maids and workers in hotels. It’s okay to point out our problems, but acknowledge our possibilities. When you analyse the situation, our young people have more opportunities than they had in 1964 but it’s still more that we need to do.”

On July 7, 1973, Prince Charles said the beauty of The Bahamas offers “vast potential - so long as it is realised how vulnerable the islands can be unless careful control is exercised and that unique attractiveness sensibly preserved”.

Mrs Butler-Turner added: “Moving forward we have to work together as people to remove the impediments that exist. It is a very uneasy feeling, an unsettling feeling people living in this country are starting to develop because the issues we face every day. Our forebears didn’t work and push for Independence for us to come to this point. At the end of the day we have to ask ourselves how do we realign our compass.”

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INDEPENDENCE SUPPLEMENT

The Millenial view of The Bahamas

By DANIELLE BARNES

M

ILLENNIALS of The Bahamas are often unafraid to let their voices be heard. In fact, our young people are leading conversations that were once only discussed by our elders. Whether those conversations be about politics, business or education, young Bahamians are making an indelible mark on our country.

As we begin to celebrate 44 years of independence, a few millennials shared their love and concerns for the Bahamas.

The Tribune interviewed four millennials, three of whom are recent college graduates and one who is embarking on her final year of undergraduate studies.

With varying degrees and interests, they all have the common interest of seeing progression in this country.

Adria McCardy, Kevanté Cash, Floidira Collie and Tiless Turnquest all shared similar responses to the problems facing our country and their hopes for the future of The Bahamas.

Ms McCardy described The Bahamas as being a country filled with Bahamians who possess a resilient pride in their country.

“Being back and forth for some time now has shown me that our Bahamian culture is exceptionally unique – there’s nothing quite like the way we talk, walk, cook, dance and sing,” she said.

“We are a small country, but you can feel our country pride among us.”

To her, it seems as if this pride does not spill over into the need to make advancements for our young generation.

“I think one of our biggest obstacles to overcome is being resistant to change,” she said.

“There are so many brilliant minds out there with an abundance of knowledge and creativity, yet most of their talent falls through the cracks because our country isn’t set up to receive them.”

Ms McCardy realises that being a millennial in The Bahamas has its limits, mainly because of the fear that comes with searching for jobs. She said that one of the biggest challenges college graduates face is stepping into

Adria McCardy

Kevanté Cash

Tiless Turnquest

Floidira Collie

the sad reality of not being able to enter a job in their field.

Similarly, Ms Cash admired the beauty that encompasses our islands, but she also recognised the need for change.

“Progression. I wish for progression for my country in every possible way – even the parts we’re too afraid to talk about,” Ms Cash pointed out.

Ms Collie told The Tribune that this 44th year of independence reminds her of what it means to be a Bahamian.

“It’s simply a sense of being, an inner feeling, an identity that we carry amongst ourselves as a free set of people that are able to enjoy the things that define us.”

Yet, like the others, Ms Collie, sees the need for advancements to be made.

“Bahamians must come together as a collective body to make a serious impact on the development of the country,” she said.

Ms Turnquest took a different approach and focused on a topic that has been a part of many conversations. Her major concern for the country is its dependence on foreign help.

“My hope for the future is to have a truly independent country. A country where we are not overtly dependent on foreign help and the people not desperately dependent on government handouts. I would love to see the uprising of more Bahamian business that are supported by Bahamians.”

Despite this, Ms Turnquest is hopeful that this 44th year will become the catalyst for change saying, “I’m super excited to see our country advancing in age and advancements.”

She added: “I think that it is important to remember that we are a baby compared to other nations and that it will take time to get us where we want to be. We just have to continue working. I love my country and don’t want to be anywhere else, really.”

There seems to be a common thread in the way millennials view our country and as we commence a new year of independence, their hope lies in the creed embedded in our coat of arms; moving forward, upward, onward and together toward a new era of change.

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PICTURED is both Parliament and Rawson Square dressed in Bahamian flag colours in celebration of 44 years of Independence. Photo/SHAWN HANNA

Symbols of The Bahamas O N Wednesday, April 12, 1972, at a national conference on Independence, Hervis L Bain Jr, education officer for Arts and Crafts, gave a talk on The Bahamas’ national symbols and the importance of national pride.

The conference was held in the Baillou Hill High School Auditorium. Attending were members of the Cabinet, House and Senate as well as a crosssection of the community.

This was his speech.

“Surely this morning I can see assembled here the symbolic mothers and fathers of the new Commonwealth of The Bahamas awaiting the birth of their

The historic-cultural experiences of slavery or involuntary servitude topped by colonialism have been a systematic dehumanisation and acculturation process for the mass of the subjected Bahamian people. One must understand the nature of Colonial powers on slavery and colonialism. The colonial nations are rooted in the ideological assumptions of the superiority of western cultural values, and the moral duty of the European colonies to carry out a ‘civilising mission’.”

Bahamian Flag child with stout spirit and determined hearts on the beach of history.

I am sure that there are many who share the excitement that these labour pains have come at this time and in this generation but it is true also, there might be others who have not heard or who have refused to hear the rolling tide. And so may these walls resound this morning with the stirring message: you stand on the beach of history but you will not hold back the tide.

Mr Chairman, fellow countrymen, I am to address you on the topic, National Symbols and National Pride to which paragraph 105 of the Government’s green paper refers.

Recently, in an address before another body, I made the following remark on the National Culture of The Bahamas.

“It is clear that the national culture has never been that of the people, not for that matter, is it so today. It is still, expressed or tacit, European, predominantly that of the coloniser or colonisers, but today, it is served, hopefuly to be more palatable, laced heavily with the exotic spices of Bahamian legends, Bahamian folklore and festivals. Significant changes in the Bahamian National Culture are immediately imminent and ought to be, if national sovereignty is to be a thrust of meaning and relevant for the Bahamian people.”

Bust of Sir Milo Butler

LEGITIMACY The point I am making, Mr Chairman, is that the slavery (involuntary servitude) and colonialism have left the Bahamian people with the social and cultural infliction - infliction which are psychological or intangible and infliction which are physical or tangible.

It follows therefore that Independence, cultural independence, cannot be the mere replacement of the symbols of the colonial powers by symbols selected by the new nation state.

Cultural independence must therefore transcend the physical dimensions and enter into the realms of essence and therefore provide the nexus for cultural consciousness and relevant cultural choices for the legitimacy and the national integration of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas.

Here lies the What is and What is to be of National Symbol and National Pride.

SYMBOLISM AND SYMBOLS Symbolism was born out of the conscious affinity between man and his universe.

A symbol, therefore, represents a high order of expression which penetrates the external thereunto the intrinsic.

National symbols are therefore persons, word and object which are employed by the nation-state to evoke and direct psychological energy; in other words national symbols instil and evoke pride, rapture, loyalty and patriotism for the state.

Operational national symbols support the social order through rites and

rituals that will impress and mould the young.

The use of symbols is probably as old as civilisation and no doubt many of you are familiar with symbols of the Cross or the Symbol of the Union Jack.

NATIONAL SYMBOLS Let us examine briefly the national symbols which are presently in use in the Commonwealth of The Bahamas. First I should like to point out that the design and preparation of the national symbols are governed by the conventions of heraldic design and considering that national symbols possess property status to all intents and purpose, and are therefore granted

by Her Majesty the Queen through the Royal College of Arms, the body assigned

by Her Majesty for the purpose. At present, the outstanding national symbols are: The National Anthem, The Public Seal, The National Flag, The National Coat of Arms.

Patriotism, religious sentiments, love of one’s native land are all the sources of motivation and the constituents of a national anthem. Nevertheless as a colony, The Bahamas has adopted the British National Anthem - God Save The Queen: with the coming of Independence the Commonwealth of the Bahamas will adopt a national anthem of its own. To this end, the Ministry of Home Affairs has announced a competition for the lyrics and music of the National Anthem.

The Seal - the official insignia or stamp which is used on all important national documents like all national symbols should reflect the new people of the new Commonwealth of The Bahamas and arrangements are in hand for the preparation thereof. Ministerial, Consular and other official seals might be similarly affected.

The Commonwealth of The Bahamas does not have a distinctive flag of its own; the official national flag of this land is the British National - the Union Jack - the flag with the familiar red, white and blue

THE TRIBUNE colours. However the blue and red ensigns with the flag badge of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas emblasoned thereon. The Blue Ensign can be seen flying from poles as one enters this building.

The Red Ensign is reversed for use on the sea.

The topic of the national flag for the new Commonwealth of The Bahamas has become the subject of a nation-wide competition launched by the Ministry of Home Affairs on behalf of the government. As a result, it is hoped that some Bahamians would combine the powerful symbolism of colour and the skill of heraldic designing to a flag design that can reflect the dignity worth and national consciousness of all the Bahamian people, and thereupon independence, the Commonwealth would have its own national flag, one full with meaning and pride and one that can rally Bahamian people from Grand Bahama down to Inagua, from the Berry Islands across to Mayaguana.

ETIQUETTE There is a standard design for the Governor General’s flag - a dark blue flag with the Royal Crest of the Lion and Crown in full colour in the centre and the name of the country underneath. I should point out also that the Prime Minister and other ministers may use the national flag or pendants either with or without the Coat of Arms emblazoned thereon.

It is indeed with honour that I present this national symbol, to this convention for it is a distinguished concept of the Bahamian people, conceived for the Bahamian people by a native son of the Bahamian people and approved by the Queen “for the greater honour and distinction of the Bahamian people and of the Commonwealth of the Bahama Islands.”

I pray that the Bahamian people would continue to reflect the character of the two supporters in this new Coat of Arms. It can be observed that the flamingo, the national bird, stands

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INDEPENDENCE SUPPLEMENT

Flamingo

Blue Marlin tall, stately, elegant and resplendent in the beauty of its colour; the marlin, the national fish, is the aristocrat of Atlantic game fish; the blue marlin likes plenty of room in which to throw its bulk about; it is not easily hooked and landed; the marlin is a fighter, and a fighter with style.

On closer examination, therefore, it can be seen that this national symbol is a composite of things Bahamian and things which all Bahamians, wherever be it in the fair Bahamas, can identify. This is the true nature of national identity and national pride.

And now to a more delicate matter. Some nations have carefully laid down a code of etiquette which gives precise instructions as

Bahamian Coat of Arms to how the national symbol can be used under all conditions. A case in point is the United States of America.

The Commonwealth of The Bahamas must outline a code of etiquette governing the use of national symbols and it should then be the implicit and explicit function of every national institution to propagate understanding and respect for the Nation’s symbols. It seems imperative therefore that the new Bahamas, the Independent Commonwealth of The Bahamas, must examine the structural elements of all national social institutions and practice and reform and transform where necessary.

This does not exclude the national education system of the new nation

state. Schools in the Independent Commonwealth of The Bahamas should become living, national, simple, spawning national and cultural consciousness, national pride, and a spirit of togetherness. It should spawn unceasingly, sincere loyalty to the nation state, Democracy, national identity and in essence, would the behaviour of the young and the immature into relevant social and cultural form.

In conclusion, I wish to refer to some recent developments in international relationships which no doubt will open new avenues in the world on international diplomacy.

Not long ago, you will remember that the United States sent a ping-pong team to Red China, shortly

thereafter, the President of the United States made an official visit. More recently, Cuba hosted a volleyball team from the United States. Just two days ago, the announcement came that the United States and Russia had signed a cultural agreement which would allow for academic and cultural exchanges between the two nations.

Can it be, Mr Chairman, that the new Commonwealth of The Bahamas might never see a wholesale attack on her shores by an enemy employing marine and military hardware?

Can it not be, Mr Chairman, that the security of the Bahamian people rests in the development of an indigenous culture, in the ability to recognise cultural

offensives and to communicate eloquently through the sophisticated language of cultural expressions and symbolism? Indeed this is the challenge of the new Bahamian in the new Commonwealth of The Bahamas.

Fellow country, we have reached “The Jordan” and here it is “Mount Pisgah” and take a look and those who are prepared must make ready for that glorious crossing to possess the promised land. And so, in whatever category you placed yourself, leave with you the scripture command, “Be strong and of good courage, be not afraid, neither be dismayed, for the Lord thy God is with thee, whithersoever thou goest.

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44 years later, ‘it’s still the age of’ Sir Lynden Pindling

By RASHAD ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter rrolle@tribunemedia.net

FORTY-FOUR years on from Independence, Sir Lynden Pindling remains a figure of singular significance in the history of the Bahamas.

When he peacefully led the country to majority rule in 1967 and to Independence six years later, he laid the foundation for a majority black population of Bahamians not only to have a voice in deciding their future but to have the power to realise their ambitions and desires, without permission from other sovereign countries.

Today, despite challenges in economics, education and national security, the country that Sir Lynden built remains a bastion of democracy and stability.

His influence today is not merely academic: former prime Ministers Perry Christie and Hubert Ingraham were protégés of his who he personally encouraged to enter politics, and Sir Lynden’s influence remains strong.

The leadership styles of the two previous prime ministers, Sean McWeeney, QC, told The Tribune, were a reflection of Sir Lynden’s.

“It’s still the age of Pindling because his two greatest protégés have dominated the political landscape ever since he left it,” Mr McWeeney said. “He was unquestionably their mentor and I think their style of government is to a large extent a reflection of Pindling’s style. The tendency to micro-manage government is reflected in their style.”

Noted Bahamian histo-

“IT’S STILL THE AGE OF PINDLING BECAUSE HIS TWO GREATEST PROTÉGÉS HAVE DOMINATED THE POLITICAL LANDSCAPE SINCE HE LEFT IT. HE WAS UNQUESTIONABLY THEIR MENTOR. THE TENDENCY TO MICRO-MANAGE GOVERNMENT IS REFLECTED IN THEIR STYLE.” – Sean McWeeney, QC rian Dr Gail Saunders said: “We were lucky to have somebody of his ability and pragmatism and his idea of what an independent country should be.

“He was able to maintain stability because there were people who were against independence but he was able to calm their fears and I think he consolidated the whole setting up of a democratic apparatus in a sovereign country. Having a Prime Minister like Sir Lynden Pindling meant he was able, with his cabinet and his people, to create pride in our country.”

The list of Sir Lynden’s accomplishments is long.

After leading the country to majority rule, he became The Bahamas’ first black premier from 1967 to 1969 and then Prime Minister from 1969 to 1992.

His status as “black Moses” enabled him to weather political storms that would have consumed the careers of those with lesser legacies, with his party’s victory in 1987 amid intense scandal forever serving as

a snapshot of how indebted Bahamians felt to him at the time.

Many of the country’s most vital institutions over the past four decades were created under his tenure as Prime Minister. They include numerous schools, the Central Bank of The Bahamas, BahamasAir, the National Insurance Board, the Royal Bahamas Defense Force and the Bahamas Development Bank -institutions of a kind, Dr Saunders said, that have proved “important to the running of democratic countries”.

The establishment of some of these institutions cannot be dismissed as either customary or predictable.

“The Defence Force, now seen as vital to our security, was seen as Pindling’s army at the time,” Mr McWeeney explained. “Similarly, people were bitterly opposed to national insurance. Establishing these institutions was not insignificant.”

Dr Saunders agreed, arguing such accomplishments should not be taken

SIR LYNDEN OSCAR PINDLING

FORMER PM PERRY CHRISTIE for granted.

“For building a nation, these institutions were necessary in a way but if you had another type of leader they may not have been established so near to independence and also the respect might not have been there,” she said.

“Sir Lynden was able to identify people to lead these institutions and he put faith in many of us. I was very young when I became Director of Archives.

There was T B Donaldson at the Central Bank, for instance. He and his government were able to identify people who were capable and they had faith in them.

“We shouldn’t take his establishment for such institutions for granted. I think it took thought and experience to determine who would be capable in the instance of, say, the College of the Bahamas. Dr Keva Bethel, she was chosen to head the institution and she was brilliant. She had the skills having worked at the college, lectured at the college. In that way, Sir Lynden

FORMER PM HUBERT INGRAHAM

had great faith in Dr Bethel.

That’s your premier educational institution and it was very important. He was wise.”

Of course, the story of Sir Lynden could never be finished without a reflection on his his flaws.

“He ruled ruthlessly, as ruthlessly as you can imagine if you were his foe,” Mr McWeeney acknowledged.

But beyond a reputation for vindictiveness, his legacy was marred by allegations of protecting drug traffickers and accepting bribes. “There’s no question the first part of his political career was a lot less troubling than the later part,” Mr McWeeney said, noting that his stint as chairman of the PLP between 1984 and 1989 overlapped with what he called an immensely difficult time in Sir Lynden’s life. “He had a falling out with Arthur Hanna, whom he was always close with, and with Mr Christie and Mr Ingraham, along with having to deal with an insurgent opposition.”

Sir Lynden had been

accused of taking bribes as chairman of the Hotel Commission and of covering up for drug traffickers.

At one point, US law enforcement officials even weighed indicting him as a means of pursuing evidence that he received cash payoffs from traffickers.

Tribune columnist Larry Smith has said the PLP never fully reckoned with this aspect of Sir Lynden’s legacy and the ramifications of it.

Because of the scandal, Sir Lynden’s legacy as a man of perhaps both extraordinary greatness and extraordinary flaws will continue to outlive him. “He was the greatest leader this country has ever had,” Mr McWeeney said. “He was a man who was deeply flawed as we all are and a man who had tremendous strength as a leader. He had unparalleled vision and supported moderation with the use of power. He had the wisdom to avoid the excesses that characterised so many of the African governments of the time, for instance.”

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Friday, July 7, 2017, PAGE 9

PLAYING a game of checkers on potters cay, after giving their thoughts on the 44th anniversary of the bahamas independence.

STREET TALK

STANDING TOGETHER ON INDEPENDENCE

By DANIELLE BARNES

JEFFREY POITIER, nephew of Sidney Poitier spoke with the tribune about his thoughts about the 44th celebration of the bahamas independence. Photos: Terrel W. Carey/Tribune Staff

KENNETH MCKENZIE, owner of McKenzie’s fresh fish and conch out potters cay.

I

N commemoration of the country’s 44th anniversary of independence on July 10, The Tribune canvassed New Providence to get views of everyday people on their thoughts for the country’s future.

“I love my country, I have tourists coming every year for our independence and sit with me as we watch the fireworks from the back of this porch,” George Edward Dames, 74, an employee at The Midnight Spot at Potter’s Cay Dock, said.

He plans to bring in Independence Day as he always does, sitting with friends and taking in all the beauty the island has to offer.

Mr Dames’ biggest hope is that the Bahamas progresses to a better country.

Sidney Cargill told The Tribune that Bahamians should be proud of how far the nation has come over the past 44 years.

“Right now, the Bahamas is totally independent, we make our own decisions and Bahamians can only be grateful for what we have done as an independent nation.

“I hope we move forward. Bahamians

[are] now learning how to live together, the turmoil is over and from here on, I’d like to wish everybody a happy independence,” he said.

The Tribune also spoke to actor and producer Jeffrey Poitier. He believes the Bahamas made tremendous progress but the country still has a long way to go.

“I think for all that we’ve done, there needs to be more support all around, especially for the younger generation, the leaders of this country,” Mr Poitier said.

Kirk Sweeting expressed feelings of pride as he discussed this year’s upcoming independence celebrations.

“It feels good to be alive in the Bahamas now that the government is changed, also it looks like it’s going to be a good independence this year [and] I hope it was be represented for everyone in the country,” Mr Sweeting said.

Another resident, Elkin McIntosh, said: “I’m proud to see where the Bahamas has come from during its time because there’s a lot of nations out there which have been around longer than the Bahamas.

“There’s a lot we can do together, one of our main problems are that we don’t believe in standing together.”

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better Bahamas?

What is your hope for a

iversary, activist and As The Bahamas marks its 44th ann looked to the future Tribune columnist Alicia Wallace nted to see in the wa - and asked Bahamians what they future of the countr y. your hope for a better The question was simple - what is Bahamas?

Only when poverty is no longer perennial, when women, men and queer all alike are one day equal, when our youth no longer have to resort to crime and violence as a way of conflict resolution or when our narrative becomes more nuanced, when we de-colonise our way of thinking and making, when we truly hold up a mirror to ourselves and ask what have we become, will hope exist.

Jeffrey Meris

I envision a Bahamaland full of pride, every Bahamian wanting to contribute to a brighter and better Bahamas. Socially, improving our interactions with others to decrease violence. And environmentally, ensuring our oceans and marine life are protected for the future.

I think about people coming together to create sustainable and efficient local economies that can add vibrancy and perpetual growth to our Family Islands.

I would like to see the focus of national growth more spread out - not myopically targeted towards our nation’s capital. I would like to see encouragement and effort placed on economic avenues that Bahamians Amelia Peterson are intrinsically passionate about, and people’s passions grow into new, robust business sectors that can add more variety to the limited job market that our Democratic reform and youth are thrust into every summer. better governance do not I would like to see projects and practices put in place that simply happen because broaden the awareness and understanding of the variety of we think, wish and say it people, cultures and traditions that make up what a Bahamian should. And we would be is, in the 21st Century. I would like to see a shift in the ways unwise to leave it to the that we interact with, interpret and respect the vast individurare chance that those in alities and personalities of our fellow countrypeople with the power will feel inclined same reverence we interact with, interpret and respect those contain their own authority that visit our country. and subject themselves to A better Bahamas is made up of individuals who are aware rigorous oversight. No, civil of our rich history, proud to be Bahamian for reasons detached society must be intentional from being a tourism product, and shamelessly pass down the and relentless in working practices, stories, knowledge, passion, traditions and culture for deeper democracy, and of what it means to truly be a Bahamian. envisioning and demanding Arthol Gibson better systems. Democracy is everyone’s to safeguard.

This conference, then, is born of real hope and optimism; we believe that we can reason together as lovers of this country from all walks of life and imagine an achievable, better future.

Dr Ian Strachan, Chair of 2nd Future of Democracy Conference (July 21-22) My hope for a better Bahamas is that we jump on board this solar initiative!

There are so many exciting possibilities for young people to innovate the country if we can make the steps toward renewable energy that drive ecotourism in other countries like Costa Rica. Of course, we don’t have the same luscious surroundings, but we have that devastating “sun sand and sea”, the paradigm we’ve lived under for decades.

If we can evolve our own thinking on what it is we are “providing” we can change the tourism model that leaves so many of us in crippling living conditions.

This means appreciating the beauty that we have in our public spaces - downtown art murals are fantastic but the general ambience is depressing & dirty - maybe there need to be more public garbage cans so that it’s not an option to litter. We need more solar in the very hub of our city.

Lisa Lawlor

44th

GLEVINA McKENZIE

SHAWN-GABRIELLE GOMEZ

SHEILAGH PRITCHARD

ASHLEIGH SEAN ROLLE

NICOLE BEDFORD

LISA LAWLOR

rooted in three things necessary for growth. Metaphorsis a steady process that begins with stasis and ends in complete transformation. Innovation that fosters new ideas, stimulates creativity that will help diversify our output as a nation. Education it is time that we embrace the age of information and take the leaps and bounds we need to compete in the global arena.

Nicole Bedford

tive entrepreneurship. My hope is that we create an environment where young Bahamians feel safe enough to fail, knowing that their community will motivate them to try and try again.

Ashleigh Sean Rolle

My hope for a better Bahamas is a Bahamas where the strongest concentration of Bahamian students, that is: our public school kids, do not attend school for 12 plus years, with the strong propensity of ultimately flunking. Hence, I hope for an educational system that appropriately addresses a spectrum of learning styles, personalities and broad circumstances. This ideal Bahamas presents a society with a diversely skilled working population (diverging from the focus on hospitality and finance related professions), with the unique needs and interests of ‘the individual’ having been fostered from a prime age.

Glevina McKenzie

My hope for a better Bahamas is that we as Bahamians fall madly in love with our country and not just some of it but all of it.

So much in love that we stop throwing old furniture and even simple things like plastics around the island, when we go on the beach we think of our love and don’t leave trash and bottles everywhere. Become so in love that we allow our country to love us back by using the sun as our main power source and growing our food is preferred over importing.

It sounds simple and some may scream the government needs to... but we don’t need the government to tell us to stop littering and harming our environment. So in all my hope is that we love our country so much that we stop harming it and start embracing our beauty instead faking loving it for tourism dollars.

Shawn-Gabrielle Gomez

As a Bahamian living abroad, my hope and aspirations for a better Bahamas is

My hope for a better Bahamas is one where we foster and encourage innova-

I think a better Bahamas cannot exist without a better informed; educated, entrepreneurial society. What knowledge, skills and behavior changes do we wish to change in the short or medium-term years? We must simultaneously address the social, environmental, economic, healthwell being and citizen engagement changes which we’d like to anticipate.

A variety of educational methods-activities should be utilised and we must move away from the antiquated approach of “preach and teach” toward a focus on engaging and retaining the attention of children from primary years.

Ongoing principal-teacher assessments are critical with a stronger focus on children successfully learning primary skills. In addition, it is imperative we offer educational clubs to youth and adults within their communities where they have an opportunity to experience new hobbies, skills and potential careers which are led by caring, safe, trained adults who are oriented to communicate effectively Shelagh Pritchard 4-H Youth Program Manager.

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Friday, July 7, 2017, PAGE 13

Steady

Sunward...

Lifting our heads to the rising sun, Celebrating the spirit of Freedom, we trudge forward, upward, onward, together toward higher, loftier goals.

www.fidelitygroup.com

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GRAND Bahama is also set to get in on the independence celebrations - pictured above is the Independence float motorcade from the 39th anniversary celebrations. Throughout July, Grand Bahama will also host the Goombay Summer Festival. Held every Thursday in July, from 6pm to midnight, you will be able to experience the local culture as you listen to the sweet sounds of Goombay, dance to the beat of Junkanoo and discover the work of local artists and craftspeople.

Photo: Erik J Russell

Celebrating Independence: MP calls for self-sufficiency in everyday life of all Bahamians

By ROBYN ADDERLEY Bahamas Information Services

FREEPORT, Grand Bahama – All Bahamians should be able to believe in and sustain themselves for total independence, as the country celebrates its 44th Anniversary of Independence, Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry of Works and Member of Parliament for Central Grand Bahama Iram Lewis said on Sunday.

The Independence Church Service was held at Mr. Zion Baptist Church in West Grand Bahama; also speaking were Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, the Hon. K. Peter Turnquest, and Parliamentary Secretary for Communications and Information in the Office of the Prime Minister, Pakesia Parker-Edgecombe.

“Let me also hasten to say as my colleague from West, Grand Bahama and Bimini (Pakesia ParkerEdgecombe) often points out, the election is over and we are now about building a country of which we can all be proud and where everyone can fend for themselves.

“That is what we are here to talk about and celebrate this evening. We should be about talking and believing in ourselves.

“I see total independence as being self-sufficient, selfsupporting, self- sustaining, self-reliant, self-standing, able to stand on one’s own two feet.”

Mr. Lewis said that the country and its people must strive to obtain the goal of experiencing this independence in their everyday lives, no matter their political persuasion or religious beliefs.

“That in great proportion is what these Independence Celebrations are all about; celebrating the things that unite us as a people, whether in our dance, our food, our dress, the way we worship our God and the way we appreciate and try and help one another.”

He continued, “Today we are reminded that our national symbol, the Flag, is the one outstanding symbol around which we must rally.

It belongs to all of us as Bahamians.

“And you know that Flag is not just a piece of cloth decorated it black, gold and aquamarine. It has a meaning.

“The yellow strip in the middle of the Flag represents the sun as well as the sandy beaches that line our 700 islands and cays.

“The two aqua blue stripes on the top and bottom represent the ocean water that surrounds the islands and the rich resources of the sea.

“Then there is the black equilateral triangle on the left side of the Flag that points right and symbolizes

IRAM LEWIS, MP for Central Grand Bahama, speaking in The House of Assembly during the Budget Debate.

Photo: Shawn Hanna/The Tribune a Bahamian nation unified in vigour and force.”

Stating that he is proud to be a Bahamian, Mr. Lewis noted that he would like to see a better Bahamas, and it is hoped that with the efforts of all, both leaders and people of the country, The Bahamas will become “the jewel of the world.”

Mr. Lewis took the opportunity to share with

residents that on Monday morning, the clean up campaign that he launched in Central Grand Bahama will move into the Eight Mile Rock Constituency, and it will then continue with Marco City, Pineridge, and East Grand Bahama.

He closed by inviting residents to participate in all of the Independence activities.

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GIFT TO BAHAMIAN PEOPLE: A view of the new $30m Thomas A Robinson National Stadium - a gift from the People’s Republic of China - which some say has become the envy of the region.

Bahamas ‘numero uno’ in sport, envy of the Caribbean region OVER the years, The Bahamas has celebrated countless athletes who excelled on the international scene, from track and field, softball, baseball, basketball, volleyball, swimming, tennis, golf, powerlifting and bodybuilding, just to name a few.

Even today, we continue to reap the harvest of the forerunners and trailblazers like Thomas A Robinson, Andre Rodgers, Churchill Tener-Knowles, Kingsley Poitier, Kevin ‘One Ton’ Woodside, Sir Durward ‘Sea Wolf’ Knowles, Mychal ‘Sweet Bells’ Thompson, Oswald ‘Elisha Obed’ Ferguson, Charlie Major

The country has a world-class sporting facility of which to be truly proud, says Tribune Senior Sports Reporter Brent Stubbs Sr, John Sands, Frank Rutherford, Elizabeth ‘Betty’ Cole, Ed Smith, Richard ‘the Lion Heart’ Johnson, Glenroy ‘Flo’ Saunders and Carl Minns.

As a small country, we have indeed produced some great athletes.

In the words of our first Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture Rev Kendall Nottage, the Bahamas is “numero uno”, a phrase he coined after the triumph

of our team at the popular Carifta Games in the 1970s.

Additionally, The Bahamas has been blessed with some gifted coaches, managers and administrators who have been able to occupy some of the highest offices locally, regionally and around the world, including Sir Arlington Butler, Dr Bernard Nottage, Alpheus ‘Hawk’ Finlayson, Pauline Davis-Thompson, Churchill Tener-Knowles, Martin

Lundy, Deacon Leviticus ‘Uncle Lou’ Adderley, Tom ‘the Bird’ Grant, Arthur ‘Old Art’ Thompson, Frank ‘Pancho’ Rahming and Livingston Bostwick.

But none of these accomplishments would have been possible without the proper facilities to give our athletes the same opportunities as their peers around the world to stay at home and train and compete.

The Bahamas government negotiated with the People’s Republic of China for the construction of the new $30m Thomas A Robinson National Stadium, which has become the envy of the region.

The 15,000-seat arena, located in the heart of the Queen Elizabeth Sports Centre, is now a historic landmark as visitors to our shores can be seen stopping as they traverse our streets to get a glimpse of the magnificent edifice.

No matter from what direction you view it, it is a beauty to behold from the outside just as it is on the inside.

The history of the stadium is complicated because it came at a huge price and the detriment to a few other sporting organisations, which have been given lesser priority.

In order to make space for the facility, the government had to demolish both the Andre Rodgers Baseball Stadium and the Churchill Tener-Knowles National Softball Stadium.

At the time of their demolition, the government had projected that the two new facilities will be constructed at new sites within the QESC, but so far there has been no ground breaking and the first block has not yet been laid down.

Fast forward to 2011. The date: Saturday, February 25. The event: the official opening of the new TAR Stadium.

For the historic event, the Free National Movement government, headed by Prime Minister Hurbert Ingraham, hosted a free-forall four-hour extravaganza.

Then Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture, Charles Maynard, spared no expense in pulling off the spectacular that drew droves of people from all walks of life, who just wanted to be counted in the numbers when the roll was called.

Back track to a decade earlier. During their tenure in office under the Progressive Liberal Party, Prime Minister Perry Christie and his Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture Neville Wisdom travelled to China where they negotiated for the construction of the stadium.

It was under Wisdom’s

NO matter from what direction you view it, the new stadium is a beauty to behold. term in office that the construction commenced and the promises of the new baseball and softball stadiums replaced after they were both demolished. Today, the new TAR Stadium is complete.

There are all sorts of figures thrown out for the cost of completion of the complex that featured the assistance of local architects Iram Lewis and Michael Forster. Coupled with the fact that the government had to dig into its kitty again to replace the entire surface on the track.

The jury is still out as current Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture Dr Daniel Johnson has promised a full disclosure. It’s going to be a wait-and-see process as it is for the replacement of the two national stadiums.

Credit must be given to Thomas A Robinson and Winston ‘Gus’ Cooper, then Director of Sports at the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture, for the role they played in the completion of the stadium that is now being run by the National Sports Authority (NSA), a private entity that has been set up by the government.

Unfortunately, the two passed away in 2013, just after the hosting of the first major international competition when the NSA entertained the Tottenham Hotspur soccer team from England in a friendly match against the Jamaican National team.

In 2014, the NSA opened its doors to the launch of the International Amateur Athletic Federation (IAAF) inaugural World Relays - which became a repeat event for The Bahamas.

The NSA has also hosted the Bahamas Bowl, a National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) sanctioned division one col-

lege football game.

The stadium is a Bahamian national treasure and now the rest of the world is flocking here to either view or compete in it.

The stadium comprises just over 190,000 sq ft. It has 15,000 fixed seats, including sky boxes and a number of disabled-friendly seats and a section for the media, implemented for the hosting of the IAAF World Relays.

Other features include a state-of-the-art security surveillance system, audio/ visual equipment, meeting rooms, offices and suites.

Adjacent to the main stadium is the original Thomas A Robinson Stadium, which has been renovated to be used as a warm-up track for international competition and which services all local meets.

It also has an eight-lane straight facility for athletes to use in preparation for their events. It’s the only one of its kind with such proximity to each other in the region.

The Chinese broke ground for the stadium on July 10, 2006. The following month a construction contract was concluded with Qilu Construction Group Corp Construction did not proceed, however, as the government sought a number of modifications to the design.

The construction documents were finalised in October 2007 and construction commenced on the stadium in July 2009.

The construction project, carried out by Chinese nationals, employed some 326 personnel. More than 100 Bahamian companies provided goods and services for the stadium’s construction.

According to reports, some $9.5m – roughly a third of the total cost – was injected into the Bahamian economy over the two-year construction period.

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Progress but still untapped potential after Independence THE Bahamas has not fully lived up to its potential ‘post-Independence’ in the business arena, despite some notable advancements over the past four decades, according to some local businessmen.

“Certainly the reality has not met the expectations of those who were the Members of Parliament who would have voted for Independence,” said prominent local businessman Sir Franklyn Wilson.

As to some of the positive developments in business since 1973, the Sunshine Holdings Ltd chairman noted the maturity of certain institutions such as the Central Bank and the formalisation of capital markets by the formation of the Bahamas International Securities Exchange (BISX) and related entities.

“I would wish to see a recreation and deepening of some of the fundamental elements of the spirit which supported and indeed fuelled the march, first to Majority Rule and then to Independence,” said Mr Wilson, on his hopes for the future.

“This would include a wider acceptance of a commitment to the reality that self-reliance today is the key to tomorrow; to greater appreciation for increasingly strong bonds of family and community; and a rekindling of the need to work harder and save more.

Forward progress in these areas will help to reduce the expectation that somehow it is the role of the Government, regardless of party in power to empower Bahamian businesses, and spread more widely the awareness that businesses are built by entrepreneurs who find solutions to problems, often despite Government action or inaction.”

Among the younger gen-

Natario McKenzie sounds out views on how business has prospered in The Bahamas during the last 44 years “THE CROP OF ENTREPRENEURS THAT ARE COMING OUT, EVEN THOUGH THEY HAVE AN IDEA, THAT’S ONLY FIVE PER CENT OF WHAT THEY NEED. WE NEED TO REFORM THE SYSTEM SO THAT THEY ARE BETTER EDUCATED ON HOW TO MANAGE MONEY AND HOW TO MANAGE THE CRAFT IN WHICH THEY ARE GETTING INTO.” — Christian Sawyer

A VIEW of downtown Nassau, also known as New Providence, the capital of The Bahamas. eration of Bahamian businessman, Christian Sawyer, President and CEO of Sunryse Information Management, formerly Sunryse Shredding, said that while the country has done well in the tourism sector, with a model being emulated across the region, the Bahamas has still not progressed as much as expected. “We have fallen short in a number of areas. We have fallen short in the labour force, in that we do not have a sufficiently trained labour force to meet the demands of a global economy. I think that we have fallen short in areas of financing and providing ready capital for young businesses. We have not diversified the country’s economy sufficiently in the last 40 years to keep pace with the global demands. When we diversify,

our work force will become educated in different industries and that broadens the sector and increases opportunities for individuals,” said Mr Sawyer.

He added: “Successive governments have gotten too much in the role of providing jobs as oppose to providing careers and facilitating the environment for companies to grow. Businesses develop when there are fewer taxes, more incentives, and reduced expenses. I just don’t think that there are enough incentives for small and medium business to survive and thrive.”

As to the positive developments that have emerged for Bahamian businesses Mr Sawyer said: “I would definitely say advancements in telecommunications. Is there work that still needs to be done? Absolutely but

I think that in the past 40 years, all forms of communication have had an impact on how businesses operate.

This has aided businesses to be able to relate to other companies and vendors locally and around the world.

Even within in the past 10 years we see how social media has enhanced the way entrepreneurs are able to interact with customers.

This has helped businesses to promote their products and services through various channels in a cost effective way.”

Going forward, Mr Sawyer said that improving the business environment for budding entrepreneurs is key. “Despite setbacks in our economy, I still think that we are a resilient nation and we continue to be creative. There are people who have a lot of good ideas, in particular when they see the need. You’ve had vehicles like the Bahamas Entrepreneurial Venture Fund that has assisted persons with funding. But we need additional avenues to provide funding for people to birth new businesses.”

He added: “If I could wave a wand, here’s what I would I like to see for the next generation of Bahamian entrepreneurs: I would like to see reduced taxes for three to five years for new Bahamian businesses and minimum import duty

taxes for three to five years.

I’d also like to see greater access to Crown Land so that business can set up shop. It would be great to have a commercial campus where persons could go and have an incubated process, where they can go on that campus and instead of having to rent a building, they could rent machines within the building to kick out their products.

“This way they do not have the high overhead costs that come along with starting a business. I would also like to see the cost of financing to become lower.

From an institutional level, I’d like to see the government’s platform for the next 20 years to reduce the ease of doing business in the Bahamas and to make it comparable to that of nations such as Singapore.”

Still, he noted that success of a business must not only be left to the institutions. “It’s also up to the entrepreneur. They have to educate themselves on their industry and be responsible with the funds they are given in order to make a success of their business venture. Education and mentorship is needed. A lot of people need help in running businesses and they need good, strong mentorship. In the next 40 years, in order for this country to survive and thrive, we

have to reform education.

The crop of entrepreneurs that are coming out, even though they have an idea, that’s only five per cent of what they need. We need to reform the system so that they are better educated on how to manage money and how to manage the craft in which they are getting into,” said Mr Sawyer.

“From a business development perspective, entrepreneurs should look at getting into services and industries that will be relevant over the next 40 years, like sustainable energy to reduce our reliance on energy created by fossil fuels.

We should be getting into solar systems heavily and using it on islands like Andros where they can be selfreliant and off the grid. We also need to look at wind and ocean-generated energy. The whole recycling industry is huge as well. And I would definitely like to see that, within the next 40 years, we are producing and sustaining our own natural food supply.

“We need to look at areas where we can diversify the economy further including medical tourism and possibly creating a technology hub, providing incentives to attract major players in the technology industry like Google and Microsoft to set up operations in The Bahamas.”

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Starting off

in style

BAHAMIANS enjoyed the Sunday afternoon Beat Retreat downtown that launched the week of Bahamas 44th Independence Celebrations to the theme, “Toward the Rising Sun: One God, One People, One Bahamas.”

Governor General Dame Marguerite Pindling, Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis and his wife, Patricia, attended (pictured right).

National Pride Day - a day of ceremony, music, food, and fun - will take place today in Rawson and Parliament Squares, from 10am into the night.

Photos: BIS

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The financial services sector 44 years on

By HEATHER L THOMPSON Higgs & Johnson (with Brett Higgs)

THE Bahamian financial services sector, anchored as it is in the provision of wealth management vehicles and services, has endured and prospered notwithstanding numerous changes.

Traditionally, trust structures, such as discretionary trusts, have formed the backbone upon which practitioners have crafted solutions to meet client needs. With the passage of time, relatively new solutions, such as private trust companies and non-charitable purpose trusts, which can offer clients a greater degree of asset protection and financial privacy, have been devised.

However, the ability to create, engineer and implement well-structured estate planning solutions is today influenced by developments and decisions occurring far outside of our borders. “Sovereignty” has been eroded by concepts of internationalism, the expanding powers of international institutions, and the prevalence of extra territorial legislation; and the era of “secrecy” has come to an end. Today’s landscape has been irrevocably altered due to the introduction of stronger compliance policies and reporting requirements spurred on by governments seeking to claw back lost tax revenue. The push for stronger compliance regulation and reporting is also due in part to the need to limit the avenues available for individuals to launder money.

It is in this environment that we in The Bahamas must rethink the concepts of financial privacy that were the hallmarks of the profession a decade ago. Today’s market is one where client needs must be tempered with managing expectations as to what is feasible.

Rather than viewing the changing tides as a storm to be weathered, practitioners should focus on innovating and reimagining the possible applications of current estate planning instruments whether in conjunction with newer structures or as stand-alone solutions.

HEATHER THOMPSON, of Higgs & Johnson.

Compliance Issues The unavoidable reality of today’s environment is that regulatory bodies now require much more information, not only about ultimate beneficial owners, but also about settlors if they are different. Furthermore, with the growth of Tax Information Exchange Agreements, the Common Reporting Standard, and FATCA, wealthy persons can no longer dodge the tax bullet by transferring funds offshore. Statutory and regulatory requirements for financial institutions to provide reports to oversight bodies are now entrenched, and allow regulating authorities to verify that wealth management structures are validly created and administered in accordance with the rules.

However, these requirements also enable foreign governments to discourage tax avoidance vehicles and to identify individuals and businesses who would try to mitigate the tax laws of their home jurisdiction.

Much has been written about the impact that compliance regulations will have on the private client industry. What is of importance is the recognition that though clients may no longer take advantage of some tax mitigation measures available in the past, they will still be able to avail themselves of the asset protection and estate

planning benefits of legal structures.

The modern requirements pose a host of challenges to persons seeking the financial privacy features inherent in trust structures. FATCA was enacted to de-incentivise United States tax residents from using foreign structures to evade tax.

It has also acted as a further stimulus for other jurisdictions to implement legislation similar to FATCA, such as the Common Reporting Standard which was designed by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development to obtain financial information of account holders. The automatic exchange of tax information under these programmes would effectively do away with a large swathe of the privacy to which clients had been accustomed.

It should be noted that while information is exchanged with governments under these programmes, the information should not become part of the public domain and continues to be protected from public disclosure by confidentiality obligations. However, given cybercrimes such as hacking, the potential misuse of the information collected by governments is the greatest threat to this protection.

In light of these changes, privacy can no longer be looked at from the viewpoint

of the client keeping the world at large away but instead the client keeping the general public from knowing.

The following vehicles still provide the opportunity to manage assets in a sophisticated manner.

Private Family Funds In the Bahamian context, there are a number of options for structuring private family funds, such as the ICON, trust, or through a corporate entity. One of the more popular structures for private family funds in the Caribbean is the Bahamian Specific Mandate Alternative Regulatory Test (“SMART”) Fund. SMART funds come in seven permutations. In particular, a category four SMART fund allows wealthy families to consolidate complex cross jurisdictional assets into a flexible investment structure while limiting the investor pool to a maximum of five participants.

This is excellent when used in conjunction with other wealth management structures to ensure constant and effective valuation while imposing structure in relation to how assets should be pooled to achieve greater returns.

We can anticipate that taxing authorities will become more and more aggressive, and that as a consequence, professional funds will become more popular. External investment banks do not subject professional funds to the same compliance requirements as private investment companies.

Such funds also benefit to a greater extent from pooling.

Single Family Private Trust Companies Private trust companies (PTCs) offer clients a greater degree of flexibility and control than institutional trustees.

A major advantage is that the PTC can be used as a holding structure for multiple family businesses and assets which may not be feasible for an institutional trust company.

This flexibility is exemplified in the PTC’s corporate entity structure. The client has the potential to decide who will act as the directors of the board in control of the PTC. This allows the client the opportunity to ap-

point trust associates or family members who may have a more intimate understanding of the client’s intentions.

A PTC has the added benefit of generational planning, which can be further augmented through the use of a family constitution governing the way in which family members interact with each other and with the company itself.

Finally, a PTC can be incorporated and thus shield its owners from possible unlimited liability in the event of bankruptcy or insolvency. This has the added benefit of protecting the settlor from third parties who would first have to pierce the corporate veil to establish a connection between the settlor and the PTC. Purpose Trusts Purpose trusts are excellent standalone tools for settlors to create a vehicle that is free of certain constraints normally applicable to a discretionary trust. The most distinct feature of a purpose trust, which is absent from other non-charitable trusts, is the fact that it can be created to fulfil a beneficial purpose rather than to benefit a specific beneficial class.

To ensure that a purpose trust is run in the manner the settlor intended, an enforcer is usually appointed to give effect to the settlor’s wishes.

The settlor can appoint a trusted associate who can carry out this role.

A purpose trust is also free from the rule against perpetuity, which allows it to take on the possible role of a dynasty style trust vehicle. A practical disadvantage of a purpose trust is that, like other orphan structures, it can prove difficult to satisfy the compliance requirements of banks.

Corporate Entities Corporate entities provide a different estate planning solution. For example, a corporate entity can have two or more different share classes.

One class, A, can carry with it all of the voting rights, while the other class, B, carries with it all of the rights to dividends.

Thus, the client can retain control of the voting shares while a trustee holds the other class of shares.

In this way, the settlor can retain control over how the assets are used and distributed while the economic interests remain in the hands of the trustee.

Some corporate structures may also benefit from concessions afforded to special types of corporate entities, such as a Cayman Islands exempted limited company, which is exempt from certain taxes for a specific period of time.

Many Vehicles One Purpose Each of the vehicles mentioned above may be used in isolation to achieve the goals of the settlor. However, they can also be used to complement each other.

A good example of this is the PTC structure, which can be controlled by a purpose trust and also used as the holding company for underlying trust and corporate structures.

Although it can be complex, it exemplifies the options available to clients.

Conclusion While clients may continue to press practitioners for structures which are tax-driven, practitioners must be mindful of the new global regulatory regime in which we operate.

In doing so, we as practitioners must focus our attention on explaining the benefits from a structuring and an asset protection stand point while re-educating clients on what is now feasible. In some instances, a trust may not be the ideal vehicle and in others it can be more than adequate for the purpose. It is also important to remember that no matter how well designed a structure is, its substance will be the determining factor in whether it can withstand challenges from beneficiaries or third parties.

The Bahamas financial services industry continues to innovate and engineer creative solutions to the wealth management needs of the local and international client. While there have been encroachments on our sovereignty and inroads into the secrecy on which the industry used to be based, The Bahamas continues to offer excellent solutions for those wishing to protect their assets and privacy.

44

YEARS OF UNITY, LOVE AND SERVICE.

The Partners, Management and Staff of HIGGS & JOHNSON join with all Bahamians in celebrating the 44th anniversary of an independent Bahamas.

The Bahamas Cayman Islands

HIGGS & JOHNSON Counsel & Attorneys-at-Law Honor Et Integritas

A full service international commercial practice www.higgsjohnson.com

PAGE 26, Friday, July 7, 2017

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INDEPENDENCE SUPPLEMENT

THE NEW hangar at Odyssey Aviation.

Letting the future take flight THE future will have a new look at Odyssey Aviation.

The company recently signed a contract with Island Industries (Bahamas) Limited, distributers of Butler building systems in The Bahamas since 1968, for the construction of Odyssey’s new hangar.

The hangar features 200ft clearspan allowing wide open interior hangar space to accommodate aircraft.

A 180ft by 28ft rolling door can be powered closed quickly in inclement weather and is enclosed in pockets when open. In addition, there will be 3,000 square feet of office available to Odysseys’ hangar tenants. The roof will be Butler building system MR24 standing seam roof, the number one choice of roof specifiers.

Odyssey’s CEO Steven K Kelly said” “When it was time to select a builder for our new state-of-the-art hangar, Island Industries was the wise choice with a

Butler building erected by their own experienced, all Bahamian crew. Island Industries has the most experience with large clearspan metal buildings in The Bahamas so we know we can rely on them to get our hangar built within our budget and without problems”.

Groundwork is underway

by BHM, the premier civil works contractor and the site will be ready for the building superstructure in September 2017 with an expected completion by November 2017.

Odyssey Aviation’s new hanger and ramp expansion is part of their ongoing commitment to provide the best in aviation services throughout The Bahamas, now with the completed 20,000-sq-ft hangar it will allow the Rubis-branded service provider to shelter more ultra-long-range business jets. This will be Odyssey’s second hangar, and when completed will increase the total hangar

space to approximately 50,000 square feet. Both hangars will handle up to and including the new Gulfstream G650.

In addition, an extra 60,000 sq ft expansion of its lighted ramp, bringing the total footprint to more than 600,000 sq ft, almost double the size of any FBO at Nassau’s Lynden Pindling International Airport.

LPIA tops the list of the busiest airports in the Caribbean and consistently falls in the top 20 in the world. Odyssey Aviation Nassau has the only private property on the field and handles the highest amount of general aviation traffic.

The added space will create room to park 20 to 25 more aircraft which will significantly aid in the flow of traffic during peak season.

Michael Donald, president of Island Industries, said it is a privilege working with Odyssey on the construction of such a prestigious project, a new landmark for LPIA.

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Friday, July 7, 2017, PAGE 27

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3rd & West Terraces, Centreville – P. O. Box N-8200, Nassau, Bahamas Telephone: (242) 323-7750 or (242) 502-1400 - Fax: (242) 323-1422 Website: www.phabahamas.org

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