Search this site powered by FreeFind

Quick Link

for your convenience!

 

Human Rights, Youth Voices etc.

click here


 

For Information Concerning the Crisis in Darfur

click here


 

Northern Uganda Crisis

click here


 

 Whistleblowers Need Protection

 

26 Years of Bahamian Independence


Notes for remarks by Hon. David Kilgour, M.P. Edmonton Southeast, Secretary of State (Latin America & Africa)
to the celebration of Bahamian Independence Day
Edmonton, July 11, 1999

It is a great pleasure to join you in celebrating the 26th anniversary of Bahamian Independence and to bring greetings on behalf of the Government of Canada. No doubt the streets of Nassau and towns throughout the Bahamas experienced lively celebrations yesterday, and probably the party still continues. Here today, in what for many of you is your new home, you can try to recreate some of that festive flavour.

To most Canadians, the name "Bahamas" conjures up images of a tropical paradise with thousands of islands and cays, palm trees and sandy beaches. We all know that tourism is the biggest industry of the Bahamas, and that it is the most popular tourism destination of the Caribbean region. The attraction though, is not just the sand and sun. Rather, it is the Bahamian people.

The laid-back attitude, sense of humour, and enjoyment of life that characterize the Bahamian lifestyle is an example for all of us. So too is the cheerful friendliness. It has been my great pleasure to meet many Bahamians both here in Edmonton and in my travels as Secretary of State for Latin America, Africa and the Caribbean.

Bahamians and Canadians have many shared historical experiences that have brought our peoples together. These have also made it easier for those Bahamians who have become Canadians. We share a common English language and past experience of British colonization. This has left us with many similar political and legal institutions. Bahamas enjoys a parliamentary democracy and political freedoms similar to its Commonwealth Caribbean neighbours.

The Bahamas has an important seafaring tradition, given its nature as a group of islands and its location on the Gulf Steam trade routes. Because of this, there is a long history of trade and other contact with Canada, particularly with our Atlantic provinces.

This weekend we celebrate the more than a quarter century of Bahamian independence. Independence in the Bahamas came about later and more quickly than Canada’s, so our experiences differ somewhat. Still, it has been a successful independence given the resourcefulness of the Bahamian people. Not only is the Bahamas a major magnet for tourism, but it is also a major banking centre of the region, and a participant in the global economy.

Here in Canada, Bahamians are actively involved in the Canadian West Indian community and the community at large. Most Caribbean Canadians have come in the period following the Second World War, especially in the last few decades, so ties with the old country remain very strong. The vibrancy of West Indian culture has added spice to Canadian culture, enriching what we often speak of as "the Canadian mosaic."

Canada’s greatest source of wealth is its enrichment by cultures from around the world. Those of you who live in southeast Edmonton, the riding I represent, know that it is a microcosm of the world. This interaction of Canadians from diverse backgrounds allows us to learn from each other, and the sum is greater than the parts.

Canada has been a multicultural nation since its beginnings. As in the Bahamas, when the first Europeans arrived here, they encountered a diverse range of native peoples. Since that time, Canada has been built by many peoples of diverse origins coming together and learning to live under one roof.

In the United States, the melting pot has often been held up as an ideal – people from many backgrounds blend together into a single identity. One can argue whether or not that is the reality, but there is clearly social pressure for the newcomer to assimilate.

Such pressure exists to some extent, of course, in Canada too, but in part because of our history there has been greater tolerance of cultural diversity. The Canadian policy of multiculturalism is one that has served us well, and is a great strength in this new era of global communication. As Bahamian Canadians, you not only enrich Canada with your culture, but you are well placed to foster greater economic ties between Canada and the countries of the West Indies.

I know you are anxious to continue your celebrations. Let’s today celebrate not only 26 years of Bahamian independence, but also the great contribution of Bahamian Canadians to this country.

Thank you.

 
Home Books Photo Gallery About David Survey Results Useful Links Submit Feedback