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The islands of the bahamas. BRIEF HISTORY. European Arrival Island originally called Guanahani by the Lucayan natives. San Salvador. THE “DISCOVERY”. Christopher Columbus - First recorded “explorer” ( migrant) in 1492. Native extinction followed exploration.
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BRIEF HISTORY • European Arrival • Island originally called Guanahani by the Lucayannatives. San Salvador
THE “DISCOVERY” • Christopher Columbus - • First recorded “explorer” • (migrant) in 1492. • Native extinction followed exploration
ARCHIPELAGO The Islands of The Bahamas • Other island of “New World” (archipelago) • Post Revolutionary War migration • Cultural imposition for almost 500 years. • Very little preserved from culture, traditions, and languages of original natives • Museum exhibits some native artifacts.
Facts about the Bahamas • Officially known as the Commonwealth of the Bahamas • There are over 700 islands and cays • Currency: The Bahamian Dollar but US dollar is accepted • Population is over 300,000 • The capital is Nassau on the Island of New Providence • Gained its independence from the United Kingdom July 10th 1973 • English is the official language – strong Bahamian dialect exists and is unique to each island
The Coat of Arms & Flag The colors represent the people, sand, sun, and sea Designed by a Bahamian Artist and Clergyman – Rev. Dr. Hervis L. Bain
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE I Pledge my allegiance to the flag and to the Commonwealth of The Bahamasfor which it stands,one people united in love and service.
TRADITIONS • Junkanoo is a street parade of beautiful bright costumes hand made from crepe paper • It takes place on Boxing Day and New Year’s Day beginning at 2 a.m. under dawn • Regattas – are huge on the family islands • Pineapple Fest in Gregory Town, Eleuthera • Crab Fest on Andros • A form of folk magic - obeah is practiced by some Bahamians but, mostly the Haitian-Bahamian community • Straw plaiting – baskets, hats, bags • Summer Goombay
ETHNIC GOUPS • Afro-Bahamians are Bahamians whose primary ancestry lies in West Africa. The first Africans in the Bahamas came from Bermuda with the Eleutheran Adventurers as freed slaves • European Bahamians, or Bahamians of European descent are descents of English Puritans and American Loyalists • There is a prominent Greek Bahamian culture – Greeks who were labourers who came to help develop the sponging industry in the 1900s • The term Bahamian is the only one used – many Bahamians are of mixed descent
POLITICS • The Bahamas is a parliamentary constitutional monarchy headed by the Queen of England • Political and legal traditions follow those of the UK and the Westminster system • The two main parties are the Free National Movement (FNM) and the Progressive Liberal Party(PLP). • The Prime Minister is the head of the government • Governor General – serves at her majesty pleasure
NATIVE FOOD - FRUIT • Cocount • Genip • Guava • Sapodilla/Dilly • Seagrapes • Soursop • Sugar Apple • Tamarind • Juju