Governor General, Her Excellency the Most Hon. Dame Cynthia Pratt delivered a message commemorating the start of the new year on January 1st.

During her remarks the Governor General made an appeal to young Bahamians.  She said, “in order to benefit from their teachings and their examples I therefore urge you to shun those negative forces which work against the good of our national development. make sure that you prepare yourselves for the bright future which is yours and so you must be ready to apply the good advice and guidance which comes from within your home and from your dedicated teachers so that you will advance yourself.”