Hon. Philip Davis, Q.C., M.P.
Prime Minister
Commonwealth of The Bahamas
Today I join thousands of Bahamians and supporters of the progressive cause in celebrating the 67th anniversary of the founding of the Progressive Liberal Party, the first political party in the Commonwealth of The Bahamas.
I pay tribute to the life, legacy, sacrifices, vision and work of its founders – Sir Henry Milton Taylor, Cyril Saint John Stevenson and William Bill Cartwright.
Built on the enduring and timeless foundational principles of social justice, economic justice, nationalism and liberation for all people, the PLP ushered in the era of party politics, Majority Rule and Independence. Remaining true to its progressive cause, the PLP established many of the public institutions that today form the modern Bahamas, including the policy of Bahamianization. This initiative singularly transformed the lives of literally thousands of Bahamians and is principally responsible for the middle class, the professional class and the precipitous expansion in the business class.
Progressive policies and pieces of legislation have served The Bahamas well over the past fifty years.
Leading this progressive movement was the father of the nation, Sir Lynden O. Pindling. We pay tribute to his life and work.
We cannot forget the significant contributions made by the suffragettes, the labour movement and the church – especially the Baptist Society. We thank them for their leadership, uncommon valour, service, sacrifice and principled stance as they stood in the vanguard of change.
As we look to the future, we must continue to protect and guard our heritage, culture and national identity. The current global and ever present threats of climate change, irregular migration and pandemics demand that we buffer ourselves from such external shocks. Food security, universal health insurance, energy independence and the use of our natural resources for the equitable economic benefit of all Bahamians loom large in the minds of Bahamians. The PLP must respond accordingly with strong leadership and we will.
We remain a thankful and blessed nation. May Almighty God continue to bless the Commonwealth of The Bahamas.
