The Tribune

‘STOP Skinnin’ Up Ya Nose at We Language’ is the title of one of the sessions at a conference marking the 40th Anniversary of Independence.

The ‘Talking Bahamian’ session is scheduled for this Thursday afternoon at ‘The Bahamas at 40: Reflecting on the Past, Envisioning the Future,’ conference at the College of The Bahamas on June 12, 13 and 14.

The conference aims to examine the context and construction of the Bahamian nation; investigate the challenges emerging in the post-independence period; discuss contemporary social, cultural, economic and political issues that have emerged since 1973 and explore future prospects for nation building and development.

Themes include the Bahamian economy, Bahamian family, crime and deviance - problems and solutions, cultural expressions, myths and stereotypes, psychology of the Bahamian experience, the role of religion and sovereignty and independence.

Each day starts at 9am and is scheduled to finish at 7pm. It is open to the public and is being held in the Michael Eldon Complex, the building with the Chapter One bookstore.

On Wednesday, topics include ‘Talking Bahamian: Examining Bahamian English’ ‘Dependent Independence: The Road to Bahamian Nationhood’ ‘The Essence of a People: Spirituality and Well-Being,’ and ‘Dream Better: Culture as Development in The Bahamas.’

Thursday includes ‘Bahamian Identity at Home and Abroad’ ‘More Talking Bahamian’ while Friday’s topics include ‘Dogmas of No Master: Changes in the Bahamian Media Landscape’ and ‘Myths, Tales and Legends: Deconstructing Bahamian Identities.’

In addition to students and college lecturers, speakers include author Patricia Glinton-Meicholas; Owen Arthur, former Prime Minister of Barbados and Inder Ruprah of the International Development Bank.