Posted by Nassau Guardian Editorial - 15 February 2001 on February 15, 2001 at 10:23:07:
The magic of his electrifying voice has been stilled by death’s cold hand. But the memory of his many achievements will forever live on in our national consciousness. He was Sir Lynden Oscar Pindling, the first Prime Minister in an Independent Bahamas, and undoubtedly the chief architect of our nationhood. Sir Lynden fell to prostate cancer at 70 last year after a valiant battle against the killer illness. He died as he had lived, defiant in the face of tremendous odds, yet serenely aware of his own fallibility as a human being. And so it is that those closest to him have decided to launch the Sir Lynden Pindling Foundation in honour of arguably one of the greatest Bahamian who ever lived.
“It is hoped that the Foundation will endeavour to create opportunities by reaching out through its programmes and touch all Bahamians so that they, too, could share Sir Lynden’s vision to build a strong, disciplined nation,” Sir Lynden’s eldest daughter, Michelle Pindling-Sands, said at the foundation’s launch on Tuesday.
It had always been Sir Lynden’s vision to create opportunity for all Bahamians, black and white, and to wipe every tear from every eye. His Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) government had unleashed a massive social and political revolution, creating a wealthy middle class, and opening doors of educational and social opportunities for all and sundry.
Sir Lynden, a classical political warrior, had done battle with other stellar political sons. Some he won, some he lost. But through it all, his courage under fire, calm and profound common political instincts served him well during his 41 unbroken years at the political forefront.
It was April 27, 1965 (Black Tuesday), when Sir Lynden tossed the mace out of the window of the House of Assembly. He was there on January 10, 1967 when majority rule was achieved. And he felt particular satisfaction on July 10, 1973 when the Union Jack was lowered for the last time, ushering in an independent Bahamas.
No Commission of Inquiry or allegations of Cabinet corruption could break Sir Lynden’s spirit. He faced his critics and persevered against nearly impossible odds, winning six consecutive general elections before the PLP was finally dethroned by a Hubert Ingraham-led Free National Movement in 1992. Today, Bahamians from all walks of life are just beginning to truly appreciate the vision and the measure of the man. His strength of character, humility and common sense are virtues that we would want to pass on to our children.
One of the long-term goals of the Foundation is to construct a library or museum in Sir Lynden’s honour. It is anticipated that such a building will be patterned after a Presidential library in the United States. The building would house Sir Lynden’s personal memorabilia, like his famed polka-dot tie or plaid jacket. Perhaps is should also include taped recorded political speeches of Sir Lynden at an earlier time.
We commend the efforts being made to keep the memory of his achievements alive. Lady Marguerite Pindling, Sir Lynden’s widow, has graciously decided to take the message of his life to various schools around the island. Her personal crusade is laudable, for if one forgets the past, one is bound to repeat it.