Bahamians in South Florida will mark the 40th Anniversary of their country’s Independence with month long celebrations in July.
The celebratory observances will culminate with a gala Black-tie event, to take place, July 27th at the Doubletree By Hilton, Miami Airport and Convention Center.
Prime Minister of The Islands of The Bahamas, the Honorable, Perry Christie is expected to lead the list of distinguished guest. The nearest offshore destination to the United States, The Islands Of The Bahamas celebrates its 40th anniversary of Independence on July 10th.
The Black-tie gala is expected to be the featured event of the month long festivities.
Slated to be an evening of elegance, the affair is being hosted by The National Association of The Bahamas (NAB) in conjunction with The Bahamas Consulate, Miami, Florida.
Among the group of Bahamian Government Officials that are expected to travel to Florida for the event, are The Honorable Fred Mitchell, Minister of Foreign Affairs; The Honorable Obie Wilchcombe, Minister of Tourism and The Honorable Ryan Pinder, Minister of Financial Services. Other VIP’s scheduled to attend are South Florida government, political and community leaders and members of the local diplomatic corps.
The Royal Bahamas Police Force Pop Band will be the headline feature for the evening of fun, entertainment, music and dance.
The gala will begin with a cocktail hour sponsored by Barcadi and Co. and the evening will be topped off by the ultimate flavor of The Bahamas, the cultural sight and sounds of Junkanoo. Events that will precede the Ball include an Ecumenical Church Service, a Gospel Concert, a Junkanoo Rushout and a picnic.
A Down South, Tree Planting and Flag Raising Ceremony, to take place in Perrine, Florida, July 12th, kicks off the series of events and activities. Rector of St Agnes Church, Father Derrick Rolle, will be among an eminent group of Bahamian Pastors and church leaders from around the South Florida area, taking part in the Annual Ecumenical Church Service, at his Parish in Miami, Sunday July 14th, at 3:00 p.m.
Other much anticipated events include a Gospel Extravaganza that will showcase Bahamian Gospel Artist, Simeon Outten and The New Life Band, but will also feature Nehemiah Heild, Nigel Lewis, Ricardo Clarke and the Classic Dancers Junkanoo Group.
This gospel celebration will take place at the Sure Foundation Ministries COGOP, West Park, Florida Friday July 26 th at 7:30 p.m. A free event open to the South Florida community at large, the Junkanoo Rushout, will provide the ultimate opportunity to experience Bahamian Culture in the South Florida area.
The event featuring the Freeport, Grand Bahama Classic Dancers along with local Junkanoo Groups, will begin in Overtown Miami, at Gibson Park and end at The Bahamian Connection Restaurant.
The event is being sponsored by Kalik Beer and plans are underway to have vendors present to sell Bahamas Independence T-Shirts and souvenirs as well as popular Bahamian dishes (including conch salad and conch fritters). Contacts listed below can provide ticket and events information. About NAB The National Association of The Bahamas is in its 18th year as a Bahamian organization for Bahamians and those of Bahamian descent in The South Florida area.
The goals of the organization include: Promoting opportunities for the interaction and networking of members; Fostering growth and prosperity of businesses and individuals; increasing employment opportunities; enhancing the economic stability of the Bahamian community and encouraging and stimulating private enterprise. National Association of the Bahamas can be found at their website, (www.nabmiami.com)
By Jeannie Gibson
