In the wake of disgust displayed by a cross section of Bahamians who are displeased with the social and economic state of the country 43 years after independence, Free National Movement Leader Dr. Hubert Minnis said yesterday that Bahamians despite the circumstances, need to display more national pride going forward.

Although he has recently voiced concern and disappointment with the economic state of the country, the FNM leader during observance of the Independence holiday yesterday, did not look at his country in that light, but rather, he said he had a strong sense of national pride.

In an interview with The Bahama Journal, Dr. Minnis said upon observation, it is his hope that going forward, Bahamians generally, display a greater sense of national pride.

“Independence Day is a day that the whole Bahamas should admire, look forward to and respect. After all, it’s a very important and significant day in our country’s history,” Dr. Minnis said.

I’d like to see all Bahamians going forward show more respect and pride in their country; because if we were to demonstrate that pride in our country that would speak volumes for the Bahamian society itself,” he added.

Meanwhile Democratic National Alliance Leader Branville McCartney yesterday had somewhat of a different focus.

Mr. McCartney said after coming to another critical juncture as a country, while many have excelled, many have fallen, failing to address “cracks in the system and losing sight in family values”.

He added that Bahamians have become an angry people unable to settle differences without violence.

Additionally, the DNA leader asserted that the country has been betrayed by “those elected to guard their interests”, adding that the government system has failed to adapt to the evolving needs of the Bahamian people.

“Even in the face of these challenges however, we can have hope. Our forefathers also faced injustices but from those injustices was born a movement which propelled our country forward,” said Mr. McCartney.

“Now more than ever, we must not allow injustice to defeat us. Instead, we must be spurred to action, to continue the journey to Freedom which began 43 years ago. We must remember who we are, and tap into the powerful lessons handed down by those that came before,” he said.