Nassau, Bahamas – The following is the 42nd Independence Day Message from the Governor General of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas, Dame Marguerite Pindling:
My Fellow Bahamians, I greet you heartily as we celebrate the forty-second anniversary of our Independence, rejoicing in our accomplishments with jubilation, and re-committing ourselves to the further development of our Sovereign Country.
I am delighted to note this year that we celebrate under the theme “Our Children, Our Future.” This is highly appropriate, inasmuch as it provides the opportunity for reflection on the fact that the majority of our people are under the age of 25 years.
Our young Bahamians are the leaders of the future, and it is essential that they be well equipped in order to build on the foundation already established, and which, properly nurtured, will carry The Bahamas forward in the years to come. As Parents and Guardians, and indeed all adult Bahamians, we must therefore dedicate our efforts toward preparing them to assume the important role which citizenship conveys.
As we contemplate the future, I urge all of us to recommit ourselves to those values which will keep our families strong, our children safe and protected, our youth motivated to aspire to excellence, and our communities caring and supportive. Above all we must remain united and maintain the capacity to demonstrate love and respect everywhere.
Let us all resolve to unite in dedication to the maintenance of those tried and proven virtues which will bring us success, demonstrating good family values, respect for others, and upholding law and order so that we will ever rejoice as “One People, United in Love and Service”
Happy 42nd Independence Anniversary to all!
Dame Marguerite Pindling
Governor-General
