Modifications to The Bahamas' Discovery Day Unlikely before Next Election

Source: The Bahama Journal. Prime Minister Christie recently said that more discussions are needed by the National Cultural Development Commission to determine when Bahamian history month should be observed, when and how to observe National Heroes' Day, and what to do about the name and date of the Discovery Day public holiday (currently held on October 12 to coincide with Columbus Day).

Background: After his 2002 election, Prime Minister Christie appointed the National Cultural Development Commission to determine when Bahamian history month should be observed, and consequently when and how to observe National Heroes' Day. The commission yielded two reports. The majority report recommended that Bahamian history month be observed in October, and that Discovery Day (October 12) be observed as National Heroes Day. The minority report, however, recommended Bahamian history month be observed in January, and that January 10, the anniversary of majority rule, be named National Heroes Day.

Analysis: With the next parliamentary elections in The Bahamas scheduled for May 2007, it seems unlikely that the current government will tackle this rather divisive issue head-on. We can thus expect Discovery Day to be celebrated on October 12, 2007, as usual.

See also: Bahamas Public Holidays.