The document summarizes some of the key historical events that led to the Bahamas gaining independence in 1973, including:
1) The Burma Road Riots in the 1940s sparked labour movements against institutional racism and inequality and increased workers' wages.
2) The Contract labour system of the 1930s-40s saw Bahamians work abroad and send money home, revitalizing the economy upon their return.
3) The 1958 General Strike, led by unions and the Progressive Liberal Party, protested unfair treatment and resulted in the first labour laws and "one man, one vote" democracy.
4) Women gained the right to vote in 1962, increasing the power
The document summarizes some of the key historical events that led to the Bahamas gaining independence in 1973, including:
1) The Burma Road Riots in the 1940s sparked labour movements against institutional racism and inequality and increased workers' wages.
2) The Contract labour system of the 1930s-40s saw Bahamians work abroad and send money home, revitalizing the economy upon their return.
3) The 1958 General Strike, led by unions and the Progressive Liberal Party, protested unfair treatment and resulted in the first labour laws and "one man, one vote" democracy.
4) Women gained the right to vote in 1962, increasing the power
Original Description:
This is an article about the role of the trade union movement in achieving independence.
The document summarizes some of the key historical events that led to the Bahamas gaining independence in 1973, including:
1) The Burma Road Riots in the 1940s sparked labour movements against institutional racism and inequality and increased workers' wages.
2) The Contract labour system of the 1930s-40s saw Bahamians work abroad and send money home, revitalizing the economy upon their return.
3) The 1958 General Strike, led by unions and the Progressive Liberal Party, protested unfair treatment and resulted in the first labour laws and "one man, one vote" democracy.
4) Women gained the right to vote in 1962, increasing the power
The document summarizes some of the key historical events that led to the Bahamas gaining independence in 1973, including:
1) The Burma Road Riots in the 1940s sparked labour movements against institutional racism and inequality and increased workers' wages.
2) The Contract labour system of the 1930s-40s saw Bahamians work abroad and send money home, revitalizing the economy upon their return.
3) The 1958 General Strike, led by unions and the Progressive Liberal Party, protested unfair treatment and resulted in the first labour laws and "one man, one vote" democracy.
4) Women gained the right to vote in 1962, increasing the power
Courageous young men demonstrate during the General Strike
Photo from The Faith That Moved The Mountain
Clifford Darling Leader of the Taxi Cab Union LABOUR, AND THE ROAD TO INDEPENDENCE Date: 8 th July, 2014 By: Sheleta Collie
The Bahamas became an independent nation, 10th July, 1973, notwithstanding the jubilation of the occasion; it was not an isolated moment in history, but a culmination of events. Historical events such as, the Burma Road Riots, The Contract, the General Strike, Universal Suffrage and Majority Rule, brick by brick laid the foundation for Independence.
The Burma Road Riots, in the minds of many, was the spark that lit the fire as Bahamians rose up against institutional racism that confined them to poverty. This rage against inequality saw the first increase in wages and was a major catalyst for labour in the country.
The Contract came at a time of immense economic depression, consequently, the remittances sent home by the workers, became the lifeblood of some communities. Upon returning home, many of these individuals opened small businesses and purchased land, revitalizing the country economically and socially. Men like Clifford Darling, upon their return however, were not prepared to endure minority rule to the detriment of the majority, regardless of their power, wealth or influence. When the Government unfairly denied the taxi drivers equal access to opportunity in the transportation industry in favour of the tour companies the Bahamas Taxi Cab Union appealed to the Bahamas Federation of Labour (BFofL) lead by Randol Fawkes, for support.
As fate would have it, while in exile in the United States, Randol Fawkes was exposed to organized labour and brought those ideas home. The Progressive Liberal Party (PLP), with young radicals such as Milo Butler and Lynden Pindling, also became involved in the struggle. The masses combine their political and economic might to strike at the heart of Bay Street, and its oppressive regime in a General Strike. This show of strength and unity resulted in the first set of labour legislation and one man, one vote, forever banishing the company vote which gave the minority politically dominance. The General Strike was Please feel to use this information for educational or informational purposes. Should you like me to add you to my mailing list please send an email to sheletacollie@hotmail.com and follow or send a friend request to me on facebook (Sheleta Collie). 25 th November, 1958 the Bahamas Federation of Labour hosted Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. In his address at Federation Hall he commended the audience on their historic 19 Day Stand during the General Strike and encouraged them to Keep Moving. therefore the beginning of the end of the political dominance of the Bay Street Boys.
Bahamian women then gained the right to vote in 1962 as a result of the tireless efforts of the Suffragettes, which increased the power of the masses at the polls, making it possible for women to directly impact the election results. This was followed by the dramatic elections of 1967, which saw the United Bahamian Party (UBP) and the PLP tie with 18 seats each. Randol Fawkes and A.R. Brennen supported the PLP ushering in Majority Rule and placing the country on a direct path to Independence.
For further information about the history of the Trade Union Movement please visit www.sirrandolfawkes.com