National

Today in History: March 1

NASSAU, BAHAMAS – On this day in Bahamian history, the United Bahamian Party was officially formed in 1958. The party published its platform in The Nassau Guardian.

Published

1 year ago

March 1, 2023

Kendeno Knowles

NASSAU, BAHAMAS – On this day in Bahamian history, the United Bahamian Party was officially formed in 1958. The party published its platform in The Nassau Guardian.

The Bahamas Historical Society notes the party was created in response to the formation of the Progressive Liberal Party in 1953, while also securing a six seat win in the 1956 general election.

UBP membership consisted of mainly white, wealthy businessmen of Nassau known as the ‘Bay Street Boys.’ The leader of the party was Roland Symonette who became the colony’s first premier.

Fast forward to this day in 2017 then Prime Minister Perry Christie said he regretted flipping his middle finger during a PLP branch meeting in Fox Hill days before.

Despite constant attacks against him and his family, he told Parliament during a brief address that if he could relive the moment, he would not have made the controversial move.

On this day in 2021, while in Opposition, PLP MP for South Andros and Mangrove Cay Picewell Forbes bid farewell to frontline politics saying he would not seek re-election.

At the time, Forbes said he decided to “walk away” after he failed to receive the proper support from the leadership of the PLP.