United Bahamian Party

political party, The Bahamas

Also known as: UBP

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July 14, 2026

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The United Bahamian Party (UBP) was a political party in The Bahamas, formed in 1958 by British-descended politicians. It emerged in response to the Progressive Liberal Party (PLP), which was founded in 1953 by Bahamians of African descent to advocate for majority rule. The UBP was a significant force in Bahamian politics, particularly during the period leading up to and following independence. The party eventually merged with alienated anti-independence members of the PLP to form the Free National Movement (FNM) in 1972.12

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The Bahamas
Independence of the The Bahamas
…party of their own, the United Bahamian Party (UBP), controlled by British-descended politicians. As the political battle progressed, the PLP raised the cry for majority rule. The climax came after the general elections of 1967, when the PLP, under the leadership of Lynden Pindling, was able to form a government…
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…party of their own, the United Bahamian Party (UBP), controlled by British-descended politicians. As the political battle progressed, the PLP raised the cry for majority rule. The climax came after the general elections of 1967, when the PLP, under the leadership of Lynden Pindling, was able to form a government…
Read More

Sir Roland Theodore Symonette
…to represent the mainly white United Bahamian Party (UBP). After becoming leader of the UBP, Symonette became the first premier of The Bahamas in 1964, when internal self-government was introduced. He was one of the “Bay Street Boys,” a financier group that opened up The Bahamas to tourism and investment,…
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…to represent the mainly white United Bahamian Party (UBP). After becoming leader of the UBP, Symonette became the first premier of The Bahamas in 1964, when internal self-government was introduced. He was one of the “Bay Street Boys,” a financier group that opened up The Bahamas to tourism and investment,…
Read More