Negotiations on independence commenced eight years later, when the Progressive Liberal Party emerged victorious in the 1972 elections after campaigning in favour of sovereignty.
[2][5] One of the first public occasions where the anthem was played was at the midnight flag hoisting ceremony held at Clifford Park in Nassau on 10 July 1973, marking the end of British rule over the Bahamas.
[5] That anthem was twice played by mistake at the 1982 Commonwealth Games medal ceremony,[7] when Shonel Ferguson won gold in women's long jump.
[7] Source:[9] Lift up your head to the rising sun, Bahamaland; March on to glory, your bright banners waving high.
Pressing onward, march together to a common loftier goal; Steady sunward, tho' the weather hide the wide and treacherous shoal.