The Independence Issue

The Independence Issue by Randol Fawkes

Summary

In Independence Issue Randol Fawkes challenges Bahamian poets to write about the Bahamian national accomplishments. He mentions about the six persons that entered the house of assembly and warranted change from British colonialism. This action caused the issues to be at the forefront of persons minds so that whenever the opportunity was available Bahamians would have ability to speak out.

Mr. Fawkes addressed the assembly with the hopes of gaining an audience from the Government of the United Kingdom by appointing a Select Committee to assemble a Constitutional Conference as he mentioned to establish guidelines for the independence of the Bahamas islands. This was after there was no response from the United Nations. Mr. Fawkes was concerned with preparing the people for independence. He made illustration to his trip to Jamaica where he gave a description on his experience of the Jamaican independence. He described the feeling of the crowd as the flag was unfolded, the last words of the Royal Highness, Princess Margaret as British rule would be no more. He addressed the assembly and went on to mention that preparation for independence was vital so that the people can prepare for the future. As an example he quoted two poems from an Englishman poet and an African English poet both having the same meaning on how each individual felt towards their home.

Fawkes mentioned the different reasons for colonialism such as Christianity and power but expressed that education and participation in government are essential. He was opposed by Sir Roland Symonette whose reasoning was that the Bahamas could not manage financially and thus funds could be used for the purpose of progress and development of the Bahama Islands. In addition, Cyril St. John Stevenson of the PLP also opposed the notion of the Bahamas being colonialized. His reasoning was that the Bahamas can survive with the help of Britain. Fawkes closing remarks...