Symbols Of A New Nation

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NASSAU, BAHAMAS – In December of 1972 the Bahamian and British governments convened the Constitutional Conference in London, and produced the new Constitution.

This constitution became the supreme law of The Bahamas based on democracy, freedom, Christianity and the rule of law.

As the official date of Independence drew near, national symbols were needed to replace the

British national regalia. 

The Coat of Arms created by Dr. Hervis Bain bearing the words – Forward, Upward Onward Together. A rallying cry for the people, the crest comprises the light pink conch shell – a symbol of our natural beauty. Wavy palm fronds –  for the natural vegetation and. Christoper Columbus’ Santa Maria.

Bain also designed the national flag. The black equilateral triangle against the mast is superimposed on a horizontal background. Black, represents the vigor and force of a united people.

The triangle pointing towards the body of the flag represents the enterprise and determination of  

Bahamaians to develop and process the rich resources of land and sea – symbolized by the

gold and aquamarine. 

The colors, symbolic of the bright tropical region of sea and sun.

Accomplished Bahamian musician Timothy Gibson submitted his 1969 creation “March On Bahamaland” and two others for consideration for the national anthem.

The new anthem to replace the familiar British “God Save The Queen”

On the morning of July 10th, Gibson’s composition became a symbol of pride for a new nation.

The yellow elder was selected as the national flower with its distinctive brilliant yellow blossoms and seed pods.  Trees can reach up to 20 feet blooming between December and October.

The unmistakable, slender, long-legged, long-necked, rose, pink water bird , with black-tipped wings known as the flamingo, was selected as the national bird. Described as gregarious, wary and seldom allowing people to approach. It wades in and out of shallow water and sits with a dancing movement.

The national fish chosen is among the largest and most recognizable in the world. The blue marlin is a standout with its cobalt blue and silvery white body.

Its spear-shaped upper jaws make it a unique ocean find. The largely predatory fish is often found in waters off Bimini and the southern Bahamas. It’s a favorite among sports fishermen. Found on the Bahamian $100 dollar bill, nowadays the term “marlin” is used to refer to the note itself.

Its name means the tree of life. The lignum-vitae is described as the most famous of the blue-flowered Bahamian trees. The extremely hard and heavy self-lubricating wood is especially adapted for bearings or bushings of propeller shafts on steamships and also used for bearings in steel mills, bowling balls, and pulleys.