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: 8th 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

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25th 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