NASSAU, The Bahamas – Bahamians from across the political spectrum attended an Ecumenical Service in Observance of Majority Rule Day held Thursday, January 10, 2019 at St. Francis Xavier Cathedral on West Street.

Among the attendees were Governor General, Her Excellency the Most Hon. Dame Marguerite Pindling; Prime Minister, Dr. the Most Hon. Hubert A. Minnis; Leader of Her Majesty‘s Loyal Opposition, the Hon. Philip Davis; Sir Arthur Foulkes, former Governor General; former Prime Ministers, the Hon. Hubert Ingraham and the Hon. Perry Christie; Cabinet Ministers, Senators, Members of Parliament, and other high level officials.

Majority Rule Day became a public holiday in 2014.  It commemorates The Bahamas gaining majority rule for the first time on January 10, 1967, symbolizing the promise of equality, a level playing field, and fair play for all Bahamians.

In his Majority Rule Day Message, the Prime Minister underscored the importance of commemorating and celebrating the historic event.

“We remember the long struggle for human dignity, equality and social justice, culminating in a new birth of freedom in The Bahamas,” he said. “We remember our national heroes and the many others who offered their service and sacrifice to create a new and more democratic Bahamas.”

Members of the Bahamas Christian Council participated in the service through scripture reading, delivering the invocation, citing a statement of purpose and offering up intercessional prayers. The congregation joined in with singing of hymns -- How Great Thou Art, Lift Every Voice and Sing (which is regarded as “The Black National Anthem"), and Great is Thy Faithfulness.

Reverend Fr. Kendrick Forbes, Vicar General of the Catholic Archdiocese, delivered the Homily, calling on Bahamians to recommit to the task of nation building, which is the vision of the country’s forefathers.

The service ended with the singing of the National Anthem – March On Bahamaland -- and reciting of the Pledge of Allegiance.

PHOTO CAPTION

Ecumenical Service in Observance of Majority Rule Day, January 10, 2019 at St. Francis Xavier Cathedral: Prime Minister, Dr. the Most Hon. Hubert Minnis is pictured delivering his Majority Rule Day Message.  A broad spectrum of officials attended.  (BIS Photos/Yontalay Bowe)