MESSAGE OF HIS EXCELLENCY ELLISON E. GREENSLADE, QPM, HIGH COMMISSIONER OF THE COMMONWEALTH OF THE BAHAMAS TO THE UNITED KINGDOM OF GREAT BRITAIN AND NORTHERN IRELAND ON THE OCCASION OF THE 47TH ANNIVERSARY OF INDEPENDENCE OF THE COMMONWEALTH OF THE BAHAMAS
My fellow Bahamians, and friends of The Bahamas, I am delighted to bring greetings from The Bahamas High Commission in London on The Bahamas’ 47th anniversary of Independence. I also welcome this opportunity to express gratitude to our Honorary Consuls in parts of Europe and to The Bahamian diaspora and friends of The Bahamas in the United Kingdom and parts of Europe, for the excellent representation that they continue to give on behalf of our beloved Country.
As we celebrate this year, we are patently aware that these are unprecedented times fraught with significant health, social, economic and environment challenges. It is therefore fitting to commend the Independence Committee for choosing such an appropriate theme which aptly reflects the need for “pressing onward: a time of hope, triumph, and transformation.”
Since our recorded history, the people of The Bahamas have demonstrated resilience, perseverance, and the strongest resolve in the face of adversity. Our motto of “forward, upward, onward together” grew out of this strong sense of national identity and community spirit. I have no doubt that, together, we will surmount the challenges of the coronavirus pandemic and the existential threats of climate change and that we will reset our economy and reposition our lives to embrace “the new normal.”
On behalf of my wife and all staff at The Bahamas High Commission in London; Honorary Consuls in Italy, Germany, Greece, Sweden, France, and Malta; the Director and staff of the Bahamas Tourist Office Europe; the CEO and Managing Director and staff of the Bahamas Maritime Authority; the President and members of The Bahamian Diaspora in the United Kingdom; and the President and members of “Friends of The Bahamas in the United Kingdom,” it gives me great pleasure to congratulate the Government and the people of The Commonwealth of The Bahamas on this 47th Anniversary of Independence.
May God continue to bless the people of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas!
