In 1967, Lynden Pindling of the Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) became the first black Premier of the Bahamian colony. In 1968 Pindling announced that the Bahamas would seek full independence.
A new constitution giving the Bahamas increased control over its own affairs was adopted in 1968. In 1971, the United Bahamian Party (UBP) merged with a disaffected faction of the PLP to form a new party, the Free National Movement (FNM), a centre-right party which aimed to counter the growing power of Pindling’s PLP.
The British House of Lords voted to give The Bahamas its independence on 22 June 1973. Prince Charles (King Charles III) delivered the official documents to Prime Minister Lynden Pindling, officially declaring The Bahamas a fully independent nation on 10 July 1973.
This date became celebrated as the country’s Independence Day.
Stamps and Postal Products
1980 Definitive Series – $5 Independence, 10th July 1973
