Majority Rule observed

PLP chairman calls for 'heroes day' holiday

By TAMARA McKENZIE Guardian Staff Reporter

Thirty-seven years ago today, the Progressive Liberal Party and the United Bahamian Party each won 18 seats in Parliament, but with the support of Alvin Braynen, independent, and Randol Fawkes, Labour, the PLP was able to form a government, breaking hundreds of years of political rule by a white minority.

That watershed was Jan. 10, 1967.

On Jan. 14, 1967, the election results were official and the late Sir Lynden Pindling was sworn in as premier. Today, PLP chairman, Raynard Rigby is calling on Bahamians to reflect on the country's attainment of majority rule.

Mr. Rigby said the "peaceful" march to majority rule demands public recognition, as the government gained an appreciation for the inalienable right of all Bahamians to determine which party should be entrusted with the reins of governance.

"Our somber reflections will also lead us to remember the peaceful transition that ensued after the PLP's victory and the grace and charm by which the new and first black PLP cabinet conducted the business of governance," he said.

"We remember the pragmatism of that first PLP government and its willingness and preparedness to improve the socio-economic lot of the Bahamian masses."

Rigby said in the PLP's "quiet reflection" of Jan. 10, 1967, special tribute should be paid to Randol Fawkes and Sir Alvin whose commitment to the need for political change caused them to recognize the people wanted to be governed by the majority. He said without their bravery of spirit and love for The Bahamas, the course of our political history might have taken a different path.

He said the vision that led Cyril Stevenson, William Cartwright and Henry Taylor to form the PLP was in large measure to wrestle political control out of the hands of the minority. The nation, he said, must never forget the role played by a young Lynden Pindling, who was able to move the party into a winning machine after two disappointing defeats in the 1956 and 1962 general elections.

The attainment of majority rule was a collaborative effort by all men and women who recognized the good in the PLP and joined its ranks to bring about change for the people, he said, "the 'soldiers' of that era is owed much praise for their unselfish commitment to the people and for their absolute loyalty to the principles of the PLP."

He said, "given the maturity of the Bahamian people and their appreciation for the diverse and colourful political history of the nation, the PLP renews its call to declare that Jan. 10 be memorialized as a national holiday to be called and known as "National Heroes Day."

Bahamas in Prophecy, a religious based organisation, also called on the government Thursday to appoint a special, non-partisan committee, to review and make recommendations to memorialize majority rule day (Jan. 10) and designate Jan. 14 a national holiday.

The PLP will hold thanksgiving services today at 9:30 a.m. at Mt. Tabor Cathedral, Pinewood Garden, New Providence, and at 3:00 p.m. at the East Upper Zion Baptist Church, Freeport, Grand Bahama.

POSTED Saturday, January 10, 2004

© 2003 The Nassau Guardian