EDITOR’S NOTE: This historical collection of photos documenting when the colony of the Bahamas received its first written constitution was initially posted on Facebook by the Bahamas Historical Society on January 7, 2018. It was reposted today as a “Shared Memory” by Janet Cheong Albury-Simpson. Given its historical importance, we decided to share them with readers of BAHAMAS CHRONICLE as a keepsake reference document.
JANUARY 7, 1964 — The Colony of the Bahama Islands received its first written constitution.
With the new constitution several changes came into effect.
- The Bahamas was granted internal self-government
- The power of the Governor was decreased, that of the House of Assembly was increased.
- The old Executive Council was replaced by a Cabinet to advise the Premier. Its members were called Ministers and there would be a Minister for such areas as education, health and agriculture.
- The name Premier was to be used for the leader of the largest or majority party in the House of Assembly.
- The Legislative Council was replaced by the Senate. This would consist of 15 members chosen by the majority party, the Opposition and the Governor. It could only delay laws for 15 months.
Roland Symonette was sworn in as the Bahama Islands’ first Premier on that day
JAUARY 7, 1964 — The Colony of the Bahama Islands received its first written constitution.
With the new constitution several changes came into effect.
- The Bahamas was granted internal self-government
- The power of the Governor was decreased, that of the House of Assembly was increased.
- The old Executive Council was replaced by a Cabinet to advise the Premier. Its members were called Ministers and there would be a Minister for such areas as education, health and agriculture.
- The name Premier was to be used for the leader of the largest or majority party in the House of Assembly.
- The Legislative Council was replaced by the Senate. This would consist of 15 members chosen by the majority party, the Opposition and the Governor. It could only delay laws for 15 months.
Roland Symonette was sworn in as the Bahama Islands’ first Premier on that day.
