Banknote Bahamas 50 Dollars Sir Roland T Symonette - 2019 - UNC

Uncirculated note, without defect.

Sir Roland Theodore Symonette (1898-1980) was a Bahamian politician and a significant figure in the political history of the Bahamas. Here is some information about his life and career:

1. Origins and Early Career: Roland T. Symonette was born on December 16, 1898, in Nassau, the Bahamas. He came from a family of landowners and successful businessmen. He initially worked in the family business before entering politics.

2. Political Career: Symonette was a founding member of the Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) in 1953. In 1956, he was elected as a Member of Parliament for the Montagu constituency and became the Bahamas' first black Premier when the PLP won the elections in 1967. Symonette also became the first Bahamian to be knighted by Queen Elizabeth II.

3. Political Achievements: As Prime Minister, Roland T. Symonette oversaw the Bahamas' attainment of internal self-government from the United Kingdom in 1964. He played a key role in the early stages of transforming the Bahamas into an independent nation.

4. Legacy: While Symonette contributed to the Bahamas' move towards autonomy, he faced criticism from some for his relatively moderate stance on the issue of independence. Ultimately, the Bahamas achieved full independence from the United Kingdom in 1973.

Sir Roland T. Symonette is considered an important figure in the political history of the Bahamas due to his role as the country's first black Prime Minister and his contribution to the political evolution of the Bahamas towards independence.