First Black Government Is Installed in the Bahamas
The installation of the first black government in the Bahamas marks a significant milestone in the nation's history. On January 16, 1967, the Progressive Liberal Party, led by Lynden O. Pindling, assumed power following a period of political evolution that began with limited independence from Great Britain in 1964. This change occurred against a backdrop where nearly 90% of the Bahamian population is of African ancestry, a demographic shaped by a legacy of slavery and colonialism.
Historically, the Bahamas was settled by the British in 1647, and slavery was officially abolished in 1833. Despite the end of slavery, political representation for the black majority remained limited until the rise of the Progressive Liberal Party. Pindling's leadership not only propelled the black majority into governance but also laid the groundwork for the Bahamas to achieve full independence on July 10, 1973. Pindling's tenure as prime minister lasted nearly two decades, solidifying his role as a pivotal figure in the transition to self-governance. Today, the Bahamas continues to reflect the rich cultural heritage and diversity of its population, with Nassau as its capital and largest city.
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First Black Government Is Installed in the Bahamas
First Black Government Is Installed in the Bahamas
Although nearly 90 percent of the populace of the Bahamas—officially, the Commonwealth of the Bahamas—is of African ancestry, because of its legacy of slavery and forced relocation of much of its population from Africa, it was not until January 16, 1967, that the nation's first black-dominated government was installed. The Bahamian islands, on which Christopher Columbus had landed in 1492, were settled by the British in 1647. Slaves were imported from Africa to work on island plantations and serve the British settlers, and in 1787 the Bahamas were officially made a British colony. Slavery was abolished in 1833, but persons of African ancestry have remained a majority of the population.
In 1964 the Bahamas secured limited independence from Great Britain in the form of a grant of internal autonomy, with the result that the Progressive Liberal Party formed by blacks began to dominate local politics. Shortly thereafter the British authorized nationwide general elections, which the Progressives won. Their leader was Lynden O. Pindling, who became prime minister after his government was installed on January 16, 1967. Subsequently Pindling became the first head of state of the new nation of the Bahamas after it achieved full independence on July 10, 1973. He served for nearly 20 years until he lost power to the Free National Movement in the elections of 1992 and was succeeded by Hubert Ingraham.
Today, the population of the Bahamas is roughly 300,000, of whom approximately 170,000 live in Nassau, the capital and largest city, on New Providence island. Freeport, with some 27,000 people, is the only other major urban center.