I recall the exuberance and the exhilaration as we patiently waited on Clifford Park on July 10, 1973, exactly fifty years ago, when this archipelagic nation began a new journey as an independent nation. After being governed by the Spanish and British, the Commonwealth of The Bahamas declared its independence from Great Britain.

After fifty years, The Bahamas continues to achieve milestones in Politics, Tourism, Education, Sports, The Arts, and Religion. The Bahamian flag continues to be proudly raised throughout the world as the color black in the flag represents the determination, force, and vigor of its people. The gold signifies the rich resources of the sun, and the aquamarine represents its beautiful blue seas. These combined colors remind us to lift our heads high and press forward, upward, and onward as we march to loftier heights.

Throughout these fifty years, the journey was not altogether smooth. Our nation's character experienced blemishes in specific areas, such as the crime rate. Thankfully, monumental steps have been taken by our armed forces to lower the crime statistics of our commonwealth.

While the preamble of our Constitution states, "the people of this family of islands recognizing that the preservation of their freedoms will be guaranteed by a national commitment to Self-Discipline, Loyalty, Unity and an abiding respect for Christian Values and the Rule of Law," it appears that some have forgotten that "Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people," Proverbs 14:34. As a nation, we must uphold our Christian morals and values and surrender our will to Jesus. Only then will we be in right standing with the Almighty God.

Once we have surrendered as a nation to Him, we will be able to stand against the tide that seems to be sweeping over the other nations of the world. We will boldly proclaim Godly teachings as enunciated by the Word of God, the BIBLE!

If The Bahamas is to continue its trek for another fifty years, God must be the center of the national ethos of The Bahamas. As citizens and residents, I pray that we determine in our hearts to live Godly lives daily, as examples for our blessed offspring and little darlings as they look to us for guidance and direction. May our Almighty God continue to Bless the Commonwealth of The Bahamas!

-Pastor Kenny Deveaux, President, South Bahamas Conference of Seventh-day Adventists