Nassau, 10 January 2022 (TDI): The Majority Rule Day is celebrated on the 10th of January every year. This day in the Bahamas is regarded as a day of Political Independence as it marks the great emancipation and the independence of the Island country as a British Colony.
The Bahamas have faced a history of evolution, slavery, occupation and dependence.
Background
Christopher Columbus on October 12, 1492, discovered the Bahama Islands. The Island was home to Lucayan Tainos. These were peaceful people who spoke the Arawakan Language.
However, after discovering the Island Christopher formally took hold of the Island while giving control to Spain. Later the Spanish raiders came and took the natives to work in the Hispaniola mines. The Island faced depopulation for more than a century. Until the first English settlers came to the Bahamas.
During the mid of the seventeenth century, Britishers gained interest in the American Islands. The Island later faced a history of religious conflicts and pirate raids. The Bahamas faced a rigorous history of Slavery until 1834 when the United Kingdoms Abolition Act was established. The freed African slaves were settled on the Island as citizens of the country. They contributed to 90 per cent of the countries population.
A conference was held in London in 1963 that allowed the natives of the Bahamas to form a government of their own. The government had the right to formulate the defence and foreign affairs of the country.
However, the ruling politicians made little effort in economic and social development in the region. Although the slavery trend had come to an end the Island country was still stuck in the under or little development phase.
Formation of PLP
A political party called the Progressive Liberal Party was formed (PLP) in the 1950s. The goal of the party was to take down the existing British politician ruling the Bahamas. The PLP reiterated to the public the importance and necessity of majority rule. Fortunately in the elections of 1967, PLP under the leadership of Lynden Pindling was successful in forming a government with a majority.
Moreover, after winning the elections the party made serious efforts for the Island country. The PLP replaced the foreign labour with the local Bahamians. The PLP worked to improve the social conditions of the Island country. They tried boosting the economy, improving the standard of living and reducing unemployment. The majority movement was a public movement. This movement helped in putting an end to the sufferings of the residents of the Island country.
Later in 2014, honouring the Majority rule day, the government of Bahama announced 10 January as the ‘Majority Rule Day’ for the people of Bahama. On this day the Bahamians come together to celebrate the sacrifices their elders gave to bring freedom and equality to the country.
The holiday also celebrates the independence of the Bahamas from being a British Colony. On this holiday the Bahamians dance and eat. This holiday is a celebration of a greater achievement for the country, a truly historic monumental event.
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