On the Wings of Men is a documentary film about the first ever Prime Minister of the Bahamas; Sir Lynden Oscar Pindling, and his fight against the US foreign policies in the 1980’s during the drug war.
Sir Lynden was born in Nassau, Bahamas in 1930. He was the only child to Viola & Arnold Pindling. His father was a policeman who originated from Jamaica. His parents, wanting the best education for their son, dedicated all of their resources to send him to England for a college education. Sir Lynden didn’t disappoint them, returning home in 1952 with his Law Degree from the University of London.
As a lawyer he was called to the Bahamas Bar in June 1953. Wanting to see a change in the political landscape in the Bahamas, Sir Lynden decided to join an up and coming political group known as the Progressive Liberal Party (PLP), headed by then leader and founder; H.M Taylor. Not satisfied with the direction of the party, Sir Lynden was eventually elected leader of the PLP in 1956.
Pindling showed his political talent by bringing the world’s attention to the black man’s plight. With the support from such notable black leaders of the Civil Rights Movement in the United States; Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr, Pindling continued his antics until he wore down the White Oligarchy and eventually lead the PLP to a landslide victory January 10th, 1967.
With the title of Premier (1967-1969), Pindling eventually became Prime Minister (1969 -1992) of the Commonwealth of the Bahamas. He successfully led the country to Independence from England July 10th, 1973.
In 1983, Prime Minister Lynden Pindling became The Right Honorable Sir Lynden Oscar Pindling, after being knighted by Queen.
Sir Lynden’s life wasn’t without controversy. He was accused as a drug conspirator by the United States Government. After the Royal Commission of Inquiry (1984), Sir Lynden was cleared of any and all charges. Though his reputation was scarred, Sir Lynden still lead the PLP to another election victory in 1987. He would eventually serve 5 consecutive terms (25 years).
In the 1992 & 1997 Sir Lynden & PLP were defeated by the Free National Movement (FNM).
Diagnosed with prostate Cancer, Sir Lynden eventually died August, 26th 2000. He was laid to rest in September 4th, 2000.
Sir Lynden Oscar Pindling, who many Bahamians referred to as “ Black Moses”, will forever be remembered as man, though faced with many controversies, still carries the mantle “ Father of the Nation”.
