During independence service in Miami

By MINDELL SMALL,Guardian Staff Reporter

Prior to leaving for South America on a trade mission, Foreign Affairs Minister Fred Mitchell addressed Bahamians on Sunday at St Agnes Church in Miami during a special service marking The Bahamas' 31st anniversary of independence.

He said 2004 marked the 170th anniversary of the abolition of slavery in The Bahamas, the 275th anniversary of the establishment of the Bahamian parliament and the 34th year since the coming of majority rule in the country.

He said the significant milestones indicated that The Bahamas had advanced, embracing the wider humanity of its people and their right to exist as full citizens of the country.

"Indeed the history of our country is replete with stories of those who began their lives as despised persons who were able within the context of a socially mobile society to lift themselves up to higher heights whether in government or in business," he said.

He added that the capstone of the recognition of the total humanity of Bahamians was the coming of majority rule, allowing people of former slaves, within three generations since slavery, to become the leaders of the country.

He then indicated that in 1973, that destiny became complete when, "The sons and daughters of those slaves became the masters of their own destiny. It is that mission which those who serve in the government today have the responsibility to complete."

Regarding the democratic process, the foreign minister said it was important that the present generation continue in the traditions of a liberal democracy, embracing the values of political pluralism, and being tolerant of all people regardless of who they are.

He added that The Bahamas is, and should be an example of the equality of all people, "That we are all God's children and not an example of the lack of sufferance, bigotry and incivility in our public discourse."

He further noted that all leaders in this generation, whether civic or religious, ought to fully embrace that mission. "As the victims of prejudice ourselves, we must reject prejudice, lest we betray the struggles of our forefathers," he said.

Touching on emigration, Mr Mitchell said those who came to The Bahamas and made a way for themselves were embraced even though they were strangers in a strange land. He said while the struggle was not easy for those people, The Bahamas is a society that allows people space, no matter who they are, to grow and further develop their talents.

"The great church of St. Agnes where we are today is part of the story of the upliftment of the Bahamian people abroad. I thank Canon Barry once again for hosting this event," Mr Mitchell said.

He also thanked Consul General Alma Adams and her staff at the Bahamian Consulate General in Miami for their work with the many volunteers who made the celebration a success.

Mr Mitchell left Miami Sunday afternoon for South America as part of a week-long three-nation tour of that continent, promoting matters of regional interest, including trade.

The three countries include Paraguay, Peru and Uruguay. Minister Mitchell will help CARICOM to promote Port of Spain as the headquarters for the Free Trade Agreement of the Americas (FTAA). He is expected to return to The Bahamas on Monday.

Mr Mitchell's South America trip follows a two-day mission to Havana, Cuba where he participated in a CARICOM/Cuba ministerial meeting. At that forum, a wide range of important regional issues were discussed including economic and trade relations and the HIV/AIDS pandemic.