Nassau, The Bahamas — Bahamian youth put on a cultural display at a youth rally in honour of the visit of Prince Harry on Monday, March 5.
An estimated 12,000 youth representing schools and youth organizations in New Providence and seven Family Islands packed the Thomas A Robinson National Stadium and gave Prince Harry a taste of Bahamian culture. The event was in recognition of the diamond Jubilee Celebrations of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.
The three-hour show included a cultural extravaganza featuring The Bahamas National Boys Choir, Bahamas All Stars, a combined violin ensemble, rake ‘n’ scrape and Junkanoo performances.
Also participating was a combined high school choir and the Royal Bahamas Police Youth Band. Anna Albury, a visually impaired student of Hope Town School in Abaco and Primary School Student of the Year gave remarks. Among those in the audience was Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs the Hon Brent Symonette; Education Minister the Hon Desmond Bannister; Youth, Sports and Culture Minister the Hon Charles Maynard and various senior Government officials.
Prince Harry, on behalf of his grandmother, offered words of encouragement to the young people in their endeavours including civics, sports and education.
He congratulated the young people on living up to The Bahamas’ motto of “Forward, Upward, Onward, Together” and thanked them for making his stay in The Bahamas such “fun”.
During the rally, Prince Harry ascended the bleachers and interacted with students sharing light conversation and occasional jokes.
Two students presented him with gifts of a Junkanoo crown and cape during the ceremony.
The event concluded with a Junkanoo-Rush Out with participating schools.
By: Kathryn Campbell
Bahamas Information Services
BIS photos by Patrick Hanna and Letisha Henderson
