CHARLESTON, South Carolina — The journey to The Bahamas’ 50th anniversary of the independence was highlighted on Thursday evening, June 29, in Charleston, South Carolina by His Excellency Wendall Jones, Bahamas Ambassador to the United States, and Dr. Chris Curry, an Associate Professor at the University of the Bahamas, as they addressed a crowd gathered in the Beatty Centre of the College of Charleston.
The Carifest symposium was hosted by Mrs. Malika Pryor-Martin from the newly commissioned International African American Museum.
Ambassador Jones told the audience that included some faculty members of the College and members of the Bahamian diaspora in the area that the story of The Bahamas, one of the most beautiful and progressive nations of the world, is full of intrigue and is colourful and rich.
Delving into the history of The Bahamas, Ambassador Jones said a group of Americans called Loyalists from Carolina settled in many areas of The Bahamas, bringing with them slaves to develop cotton plantations.
“It is said that the Loyalist migration to The Bahamas left a lasting heritage, which is still on evidence today,” Ambassador Jones said. “The transformative architectural influence of the Carolinas is seen in the Bahamian parliamentary building constructed in the 19th century. They model comparable buildings in the Carolinas.”
Ambassador Jones added, “What Bahamians have become and have contributed to the social and economic enrichment of the Americas is extremely impressive for a small nation. Over the past five decades, The Bahamas has undergone a remarkable transformation. The success is a testament to the indomitable spirit of the Bahamian people and…their unwavering faith in God. “
