The Bahamas gained full independence within the Commonwealth of Nations on July 10, 1973.
Bahamas Independence Day
We are celebrating Bahamas Independence Day on July 10. The Bahamas is a small island nation south of Florida and north of Cuba. The island nation of the Bahamas is the ‘Commonwealth of The Bahamas.’ It is a sovereign country in the Lucayan Archipelago in the Atlantic. The country gained its independence on July 10, 1973. Prince Charles himself handed over the documentation to Prime Minister Lynden Pindling, officially making the Bahamas a fully independent nation. We celebrate the nation’s culture, traditions, and natural beauty on this day. Join us and be a part of the Bahamas Independence Day celebrations.
History of Bahamas Independence Day
The history of the Bahamas Islands starts with the Lucayans inhibiting the islands between 500 A.D. and 800 A.D. The Lucayans were a branch of the Tainos from the Caribbean islands at the time. For many centuries, they lived on their own without foreign interference until 1492. Christopher Columbus saw the islands, and Spanish ships followed him. They enslaved the native population, resulting in the island becoming deserted in 1513. English colonists started settling on the island in 1648.
The shallow water of the island made it difficult for the large ships to reach it. But it also provided easy passage to smaller ships. Pirates took advantage of this geography, and as a result, the place became a haven for pirates. Nassau on New Providence Island in the Bahamas was the stronghold of a loose confederacy of pirates between 1706 and 1718. The British took harsh measures, and the Bahamas became a colony in 1718. Further migrations happened after the American Revolutionary War. Thousands of American loyalists received land grants in the Bahamas and settled there. They also brought with them forced laborers and established plantations. Soon, the Bahamas was populated by enslaved African people. The Bahamas became a haven for the freed slaves when it abolished slavery. Today, 90% of the population are Afro-Bahamians.
The Bahamas then gained independence in 1973, led by Sir Lynden O. Pindling. Pindling’s actions earned him the name “Father of the Nation” of the Bahamas. He was pivotal in the independence of the nation. Queen Elizabeth II became the “Queen of the Nation.” Most of the country’s economy is driven by tourism and offshore finance.
Bahamas Independence Day timeline
500 A.D. — 800 A.D.
Lucayans in the Bahamas
The Lucayans reach the Bahamas after crossing the ocean from Cuba with canoes.
1492
The First Sighting of the Bahamas
Columbus discovers the Bahamas during his journey to the New World.
1706 — 1718
Pirates in New Providence Island
New Providence island hosts the stronghold of the Republic of Pirates for about 11 years.
1807
The British Abolish the Slave Trade
The British abolish the slave trade resulting in a large number of free slaves in the Bahamas.
Bahamas Independence Day FAQs
Which country owns the Bahamas?
No country owns the Bahamas. It is an independent nation that was formerly a British territory.
What is the language used in the Bahamas?
English is primarily used.
Where did the people of the Bahamas come from?
The original inhabitants of the Bahamas were the indigenous Lucayan population. They come from Hispaniola and Cuba between 1100 A.D. to 1200 A.D.
How to Observe Bahamas Independence Day
Watch the parades
The Bahamas hosts parades and musical performances to mark the day. Try to watch the whole thing. You can see them on any online news channel.
Visit the nation
If you can directly visit the nation, then by all means do that. The Bahamas is full of pristine white sand beaches and turquoise waters. Enjoy your summer!
Create a historical timeline poster
The Bahamas has a very long and rich history. Create a poster illustrating the historical timeline of the nation. Mention how the nation turned from an unknown backwater to a rich natural paradise.
5 Facts About Bahamas That You Should Know
The ocean floor is visible
In the Bahamas, it is possible to see the ocean floor that can be 200 feet below the surface.
A nation of islands
There are 700 islands in the Bahamas and only 30 are inhabited.
The third-largest barrier reef
The Andros Barrier Reef in the Bahamas is the third-largest barrier reef.
It’s almost a flat nation
Mount Alvernia on Cat Island is the highest peak in the Bahamas and is only 207 feet.
The marching band is on the currency
The Nassau Police Marching Band is on the $1 note.
Why Bahamas Independence Day is Important
It celebrates the history
The Bahamas has a rich and vibrant history. Learn all about its journey to independence today.
It’s an appreciation of the culture
The day is the perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in the cultural practices of the country. Watch videos and read up online to learn all about the culture.
It encourages tourism
Who doesn’t want to visit the Bahamas? The more people discover about the country today, the more it will encourage them to visit.
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Deaths In 2022 (to date)
January
5: Jessie Lee Daniels a.k.a Jessie D, 57, American singer (Force MDs)
6: Peter Bogdanovich, 82, American film director (‘The Last Picture Show’/’Paper Moon’/’What’s Up Doc?’)
Sidney Poitier, 94, Bahamian actor (‘In The Heat Of The Night’/’Guess Who’s Coming To Dinner?’
Calvin Simon, 79, American musician (Parliament/Funkadelic)
7: R. Dean Taylor, 82, Canadian singer/songwriter (‘Indiana Wants Me’/’There’s A Ghost In My House’)
8: Marilyn Bergman, 93, American songwriter (‘You Don’t Bring Me Flowers’/’The Way We Were’/’The Windmills Of Your Mind’)
9: James Mtume, 76, American songwriter/producer (‘The Closer I Get To You’/’Juicy Fruit’)
12: Ronnie Spector, 78, American R&B singer (The Ronettes)
13: Sonny Turner, 83, American soul singer (The Platters)
15: Jon Lind, 73, American songwriter/musician (‘Save The Best For Last’/’Crazy For You’)
Nino Cerruti, 91, Italian business man/stylist (founder of Cerruti)
18: Dick Halligan, 78, American musician (founding member of Blood, Sweat & Tears)
20: Meatloaf, 74, American singer (‘I’d Do Anything For Love’) & actor (‘The Rocky Horror Picture Show’)
21: Louie Anderson, 68, American comedian/actor (‘Coming To America’)
23: Thierry Mugler, 73, French fashion designer
February
2: Monica Vitti, 90, Italian actress (‘L’Avventura’)
6: Syl Johnson, 85, American soul and blues singer (father of Syleena)
8: Bamber Gascoigne, 87, English TV presenter (‘University Challenge’)
9: Betty Davis, 77, American soul and funk singer
Ian McDonald, 75, English musician (King Crimson/Foreigner)
12: Ivan Reitman, 75, Czechoslovak film director (‘Ghostbusters’/’Meatballs’)
16: Jack Smethurst, 89, English actor (‘Love Thy Neighbour’)
19: Gary Brooker, 76, English singer/songwriter/musician (Procol Harum)
22: Mark Lanegan, 57, American rock musician/singer (Queens Of The Stone Age)
24: Sally Kellerman, 84, American actress (‘M*A*S*H’)
27: MC Skibadee, 47, English drum & bass artist/MC
March
3: Denroy Morgan, 76, Jamaican singer/musician (father of Morgan Heritage)
4: Rod Marsh, 74, Australian cricket player
Shane Warne, 52, Australian cricket player
Lynda Baron, 82, English actress (‘Open All Hours’)
11: Timmy Thomas, 77, American soul singer (‘Why Can’t We Live Together?’)
12: Traci Braxton, 50, American soul singer (The Braxtons) (sister of Toni)
13: William Hurt, 71, American actor (‘Altered States’, ‘Broadcast News’)
25: Taylor Hawkins, 50, American drummer (Foo Fighters)
Bobby Hendricks, 84, American soul singer (The Drifters)
29: Donald Shaw a.k.a. Tabby Diamond, 66, Jamaican singer (The Mighty Diamonds)
April
1: Fitzroy Simpson a.k.a. Bunny Diamond, 70, Jamaican singer (The Mighty Diamonds)
C. W. McCall, 93, American country singer (‘Convoy’)
3: June Brown, 95, English actress (‘Eastenders’)
12: Gilbert Gottfried, 67, American comedian/actor (‘Saturday Night Live’/‘Aladdin’)
24: Andrew Woolfolk, 71, American saxophonist (Earth, Wind & Fire)
26: Klaus Schulze, German composer/musician (Tangerine Dream)
30: Naomi Judd, 76, American singer/songwriter (The Judds)
May
6: Jewell, 53, American R&B singer (First Lady Of Death Row Records)
8: Dennis Waterman, 74, English actor/singer (‘Minder’/’The Sweeney’)
15: Kay Mellor, 71, writer/actress (‘Families’/’Fat Friends’)
17: Vangelis, 79, Greek musician (Jon & Vangelis/’Chariots Of Fire’)
19: Bernard Wright, 58, American jazz and soul musician/singer
26: Ray Liotta, 67, American actor (‘Goodfellas’/’Field Of Dreams’)
Andy Fletcher, 60, English keyboardist (Depeche Mode)
29: Lester Piggott, 86, English jockey
June
5: Dom Phillips, 57, British music journalist (editor, Mixmag)
6: Jim Seals, 79, American singer/songwriter/musician (‘Summer Breeze’)
9: Julee Cruise, 65, American singer (‘Falling’)/actress (‘Twin Peaks’)
17: Ken Williams, 83, American songwriter (‘Everybody Plays The Fool’)
22: Patrick Adams, 72, writer/musician/producer (Musique/Universal Robot Band/Inner Life/Black Ivory)
July
4: Mona Hammond, 91, Jamaican actress (‘Desmonds’/’Eastenders’)
5: Manny Charlton, 80, Scottish rock guitarist (Nazareth)
6: James Caan, 82, American actor (‘The Godfather’/’Rollerball’)
8: Tony Sirico, 79, American actor (‘Goodfellas’/’The Sopranos’)
11: Monty Norman, 94, English composer (‘James Bond Theme’)
14: William Hart, 77, American soul singer (The Delfonics)
15: Paul Ryder, 58, English bass player (Happy Mondays)
21: Taurean Blacque, 82, American actor (‘Hill Street Blues’)
23: Bob Rafelson, 89, American film director (‘Five Easy Pieces’/’The Postman Always Rings Twice’)
24: David Warner, 80, English actor (‘Tron’/’Titanic’/’The Omen’)
25: Sandy Roberton, 80, Scottish record producer (Steeleye Span)
Paul Sorvino, 83, American actor (‘Goodfellas’/’Law & Order’)
27: Bernard Cribbins, 93, English actor/singer (‘The Railway Children’/’Doctor Who’)
Tom Springfield, 88, English musician/songwriter (The Springfields) (older brother of Dusty)
30: Nichelle Nichols, 89, American actress (‘Star Trek’)
August
5: Issey Miyake, 84, Japanese fashion designer
7: Roger E. Mosley, 83, American actor (‘Magnum, P.I.’)
8: Lamont Dozier, 81, American singer/songwriter/producer (‘Going Back To My Roots’)
Olivia Newton-John, 73, English singer/actress (‘Grease’)
9: Raymond Briggs, 88, English children’s writer (‘The Snowman’)
11: Anne Heche, 53, American actress (‘Psycho’/’Donnie Brasco’)
16: Duggie Brown, 82, English comedian/actor
18: Josephine Tewson, 91, English actress (‘Keeping Up Appearances’/’Last Of The Summer Wine’)
22: Creed Taylor, 93, American jazz trumpeter/founder of CTI Records
25, Inez Foxx, 84, American R&B singer (‘Mockingbird’)
September
2: Angus Gaye a.k.a. Drummie Zeb, 62, English reggae drummer (Aswad)
8: Mavis Nicholson, 91, Welsh writer/broadcaster
12: Ramsey Lewis, 87, American jazz pianist/composer
13: Jean-Luc Godard, 91, French film director (‘Breathless’)
Jesse Powell, 51, R&B singer (‘All I Need’)
16: Marva Hicks, 66, American R&B singer/actress
22: Stu Allan, 60, Welsh dance music artist (Clock)/radio broadcaster
John Hartman, 72, American drummer (The Doobie Brothers)
23: Louise Fletcher, 88, American actress (‘One Flew Over The Cuckoo’s Nest’)
24: Pharoah Sanders, 81, American jazz saxophonist
28: Coolio, 59, American rapper (‘Gangsta’s Paradise’)/actor
October
4: Loretta Lynn, 90, American country singer/songwriter
6: Ivy Joe Hunter, 82, American songwriter (‘Dancing In The Street’)
11: Angela Lansbury, 96, English actress (‘Murder She Wrote’)
13: Joyce Sims, 63, American R&B singer/songwriter (‘Come Into My Life’)
14: Robbie Coltrane, 72, Scottish actor/comedian (‘Cracker’/’Harry Potter’)
20: Bettye Crutcher, 83, American songwriter (‘Who’s Making Love?’)
Josephine Melville, 61, English actress (‘Eastenders’/’The Bill’)
24: Leslie Jordan, 67, American actor (‘Desperate Housewives’/’Will & Grace’/’Ally McBeal’)
27: Geraldine Hunt, 77, American R&B singer (‘Can’t Fake The Feeling’)
28: Jerry Lee Lewis, 87, American singer/musician (‘Great Balls Of Fire’)
November
1: Takeoff, 28, American rapper (Migos)
3: Noel McKoy, 62, English soul singer
5: Aaron Carter, 34, American singer
Tyrone Downie, 66, Jamaican keyboardist (Bob Marley & The Wailers)
7: Leslie Phillips, 98, English actor (‘Doctor In The House’/’Carry On’ films)
8: Dan McCafferty, 76, Scottish rock singer (Nazareth)
9: Gal Costa, 77, Brazilian singer
11: Keith Levene, 65, English guitarist (The Clash/Public Image Ltd.)
Rab Noakes, 75, Scottish musician (Stealers Wheel)
21: Wilko Johnson, 75, English guitarist (Dr. Feelgood)/actor (‘Game Of Thrones’)
25: Irene Cara, 63, American singer (‘Flashdance’)/actress (‘Fame’)
30: Christine McVie, 79, English singer/songwriter/musician (Fleetwood Mac)
December
5: Kirstie Alley, 71, American actress (‘Cheers’)
Jim Stewart, 92, record producer/co-founder of Stax Records
6: Jet Black, 84, English drummer (The Stranglers)
9: Ruth Madoc, 79, English actress (‘Hi-De-Hi’)
10: J. J. Barnes, 79, American R&B singer
11: Angelo Badalamenti, 85, American film and TV composer (‘Blue Velver/’Twin Peaks’
13: Sol Amarfio, 84, Ghanaian drummer (Osibisa)
16: Rick Anderson, 75, American bass player (The Tubes)
17: Mike Hodges, 90, English screenwriter/director (‘Get Carter’/’Pulp’/’Flash Gordon’)
18: Terry Hall, 63, English singer (The Specials/Fun Boy Three)/songwriter (‘Our Lips Are Sealed’)
Martin Duffy, 55, English keyboard player (Felt/Primal Scream)
19: Sonya Eddy, 55, American actress (‘Barbershop’/’Daddy Day Care’/’Coach Carter’/’Seinfeld’)
20: Iain Templeton, English drummer (The La’s/Shack)
21: Harvey Jett, 73, American guitarist (Black Oak Arkansas)
22: Thom Bell, 79, Jamaican-born American artist/songwriter/arranger/producer (‘Betcha By Golly Wow’/’I’ll Be Around’/’You Are Everything’/’The Rubberband Man’/’La-La (Means I Love You’))
23: George Cohen, 83, English footballer (member of 1966 World Cup-winning side)
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Our dear Queen: never alone THE MONARCHIST LEAGUE OF CANADA 🍁🇨🇦
FOR TOMORROW, OUR QUEEN'S ACTUAL BIRTHDAY,,,We invite members to respond by return email by completing one of the following sentences in no more than 25 words of which we will publish an assortment of the most interesting tomorrow. You never know what might happen if yours is judged best. NB: this challenge is not the place to express condolences to The Queen or refer to her recent loss, which we each will do in our own way, with a full heart and no interest in publicity or reward.
1) I find The Queen's most endearing trait to be...
2) If I could ask HM one question, it would be...
3) If I were asked to give one piece of loyal advice to our
Sovereign, I would say...
LEAGUE POETRY COMPETITION
ON THE NINETY-FIFTH BIRTHDAY OF THE QUEEN
THREE WINNING POEMSWe were surprised and delighted by the number of entries in this first poetry competition of the League. But then, given its subject, perhaps we should not have been taken aback. The sentiments were universally heartfelt and the loyalty clear. We are therefore awarding three prizes. Two were written in English and one in French: naturally, we are not translating them! The first is a subtle evocation of The Queen’s sense of duty and her love of horses - the poet’s reference to giving up riding was of course an allusion to HM’s ceasing to ride at Trooping the Colour - she enjoys riding as relaxation to this day! The second is true to the spirit of Holst’s stirring melody, known to many as “I Vow to Thee, My Country.” And the third, the winner, explores HM’s Realms whimsically with a touch of gravity by means of their national foods.
The poems could not be more different - which is as it should be. Our thanks to all who entered the competition!
SECOND PRIZE TIED
by Tom MacGregor, Ottawa
ON QUEEN ELIZABETH’S 95th BIRTHDAY
On her ninety-fifth birthday,
I think of the Statue on Parliament Hill
Of her confidently seated
On a horse named Centennial
Given to her by
The Royal Canadian Mounted Police.
The small woman unveiled it
In 1991 after she had given up riding.
Still, she carried on
More than 60 years as Queen
And 95 of service.
FIRST PRIZE
by an anonymous member who is
donating the value of the prize to
supply a food treat to the homeless
today in honour of The Queen’s birthday
QUEEN OF THE SIXTEEN REALMS
On the 95th birthday of Elizabeth II PROLOGUE Elizabeth, to your Realms grandmother, sister, friend and Queen:
How can we embrace you, and today let you know
That we would your sorrow share, wish you could lean
On our sixteen hearts, like the drums, beating slow.
We look back as you must on Philip’s decades:
Your strength and stay during storm and fair days.
We gaze also to our future wish: grief ‘midst memories fades
To joy of life full-lived, walked on the fields of praise.
So follows our birthday wish, from Realms richly diverse,
Who now tune their heart-strings to the happier times
Which will follow, dear Ma’am, as sure as sunrise:
A great truth of life, which we need not more rehearse,
But, rather, assure you: north, west, east, southern climes
Gather round to uphold you, dear Queen - loving and wise!
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Elizabeth, our Queen and friend, the nations’ joy and pride,
Her 95th today is hailed through Realms both far and wide;
And since all share in most fond wish to serve special birthday treat -
These lines some local fare suggest - loyal banquet so replete!
In ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA, small islands to be sure,
But big in heart and loyalty - FUNGIE ‘tis special allure:
Polenta-based and spicy hot, with pepperpot ‘tis served,
A treat for their beloved Queen, one surely well deserved!
Down Under, AUSTRALIAN mates present their VEGEMITE:
This brewers’ yeast extract not yet the world’s delight!
But served on toast throughout the land, a tribute singular - quite -
Antipodean Queen finds on Aussie plate a most distinct delight.
THE BAHAMAS offers special dish: folk there pluck CONCH from sea:
And dressed with lime and vegetables - ‘tis rich in Vitamin C! Bahamian Sovereign will enjoy devouring “Queen Conch” recipe,
Dressed with fruit, offered with love and Island loyalty
BARBADOS, amidst disloyal dance, bakes up its famed RUM CAKE
On which Monarch’s pain at such dalliance might well her sweet tooth slake;
Since toothsome confection is topped up with frequent rum infusion:
EIIR hopes (though’d never say) “Drink deep: to republican confusion!”
BELIZE proffers its BOIL UP, reminiscent of the pie in rhyme:
No blackbirds for its Queen today, but fish, eggs, veggies: good time!
Tis topped with broth and dough, then baked - a treat fit for a princess,
The Central American domain diverse could offer her no less!
CANADA may indeed be home to most loyal Maple Throne:
Thus on this day POUTINE shall stand in prominence, alone:
Like the Dominion, flavours many, with toppings beyond measure -
As each in own way toasts our Queen, the True North’s splendid treasure!
GRENADA’s OIL DOWN, savoury-sweet, a one pot dish of stew,
With coconut leaching flavours out to make each casserole new
To taste - and variegated ever for all this island nation.
Which prospers under Reign of she whose birthday brings elation!
Next in our roll of Realms, JAMAICA, island, of many peoples, blest
To keep cool ‘neath tropical sun with ACKEE AND SALTFISH zest:
Its spices mirror nation’s mix, from planters to Bobsled team;
And dread-locked Rasta men, who share deepest love of Queen.
PAVLOVA is NEW ZEALAND’s gift to the arts culinary,
Its Kiwi, cream, meringue mix cherished by settlers as by Maori;
Whether Hobbits share such taste, brave Frodo first and foremost,
We know not - but all in the island realm drink to EIIR a toast!
If MUMU you were offered while exploring PAPUA NEW GUINEA shore,
Polyglot island lines hot coals with leaves - adds meats, fruit, veg and more,
To make a stew from ground oven of savour nonpareil,
Thus honouring their Queen and friend with two Hemispheres’ “hooray.”
SAINT KITTS AND NEVIS to birthday brings STEWED SALTFISH, which they blend
With coconut dumplings and plantains for feasting without end,
As no close they ever sight in good Queen’s service to tiniest sovereign state
In Hemisphere - large they be in duty, love - thus this day they fete!
SAINT LUCIA pairs fish and fig, GREEN FIG AND SALTED COD!
Antilles population takes a week to give the nod
To stew that melds, as island does two seas, Atlantic and Caribbean,
And mix a Bounty cocktail to raise their glass to Queen!
A BREADFRUIT ROASTED in iron pot, add fried jackfish for great repast,
Is SAINT VINCENT & THE GRENADINES’ entrée, not easily surpassed:
Its thirty-two islands celebrate their Monarch’s special day,
Sing “...Land, so Beautiful” to big drum, calypso, steel pan and reggae!
Now Taro roots make sticky POI, SOLOMON ISLANDS’ favorite food,
The wise old King lends his name to 900-strong island brood;
Thus Melanesian Queen presides, with Governor-General elected:
Their birthday bouquet beauteous, as from 200 orchid strains selected!
TUVALU brings to feast PULAKA, swamp taro cooked for hours:
Raising ocean discourages cultivation - ‘tis time for Commonwealth powers
To use their world wide fellowship to save this crop essential:
Their Queen fears global warming looms, Polynesian threat potential.
The UNITED KINGDOM is Elizabeth’s home, of sixteen Realms The Queen:
No longer a colonial power, but from Empire’s legacy yet seen:
Its “national dish” CHICKEN TIKKA MASALA now claims pride of place,
Transcending old-style differences of climate, Raj and race!
~! ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
EPILOGUESo, all hail, dear Queen, gracious Lady: your true realms lie deep within,
Not geographic, to be sure, but values kingly. gracious, human;
Constant Commonwealth care for its nations great and small,
Reflects deep-reciprocal, hailed to your heart, one voice echoed by all!
So here’s to Elizabeth - long may she reign, long live our monarch so great!
Here’s to her courage in fair weather or foul, duty done, chosen not - happy fate!
Here’s to the faith ever kept, beyond clamour of sectarian creeds;
Here’s to the hope she brings all, so nourishing humankind’s needs;
Here’s to her ninety-fifth birthday, her years’ gift to us, thus today we proclaim:God willing, all your Realms do their duty
And each subject in turn do the same!
GSTQAOBC 🇨🇦🇬🇧🇦🇺🇳🇿
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