forth in the Charter have been met, we wish to state that we enthusiastically support the application for membership submitted by the Commonwealth of the Bahamas to become a Member of the United Nations. It is always a reason for rejoicing when a people becomes free of colonial ties and freely exercises its right to self-determination. Whenever that occurs, it renews our faith that the United Nations is truly fulfilling the duties entrusted to it in ensuring the equality of States,, great and small. Moreover, when a new State becomes a Member of our Organization the latter becomes revitalized and confirms the uni- versalist nature which was and must remain the ulti- mate goal of mankind. 80. Most warmly and happily we celebrate the in- dependence of the Commonwealth of the Bahamas, since it is always pleasant for us to recall how our own people and the other peoples of the Antilles united their efforts at the time of ,the building of the Panama Canal. It is also interesting, I think, to note that the very name “Bahamas” has historical content of great importance: it is an archipelago which was the spearhead for the conquest of the American con- tinent; and among the Bahamas-or Lucaya Islands- lies Watling Island, which was the first American soil on which Christopher Columbus landed during his famous first voyage of 12 October 1492. Watliig is the island that the aborigines had called Guanani and which the Spaniards christened San Salvador-“The Holy Saviour”. 8 1. That nation now comes to us as a s;overeign State, having gone through a long and difficult history of colonialism, We welcome it most warmly and offer our co-operation in all that might help it to achieve the ideals that link all of us in the great United Nations family. I trust that we will very soon be able 
**Analysis**
This text appears to be a formal statement of support for the Bahamas' application to join the United Nations. The language used is diplomatic and celebratory, highlighting the significance of the Bahamas' independence and its historical connection to Christopher Columbus. The text does not mention specific economic, environmental, or social issues, but rather focuses on the symbolic and ideological importance of the Bahamas' membership in the UN.

**Category**
Culture