Bahamas News
BAHAMAS: Public Encouraged to Support and Enjoy Independence Events
#Nassau, June 26, 2018 – Bahamas – An “exciting” calendar of events has been prepared for this year’s Independence celebrations. Mark Humes, Chairman of the 45thIndependence Secretariat, said the public could look forward to improvements from last year.
“Every event this year is going to be a highlight. We’ve worked hard to put together an exciting week of events and we want everyone to come out, celebrate with us and show their Bahamian pride,” said Mr. Humes at a Secretariat meeting on Thursday at Churchill Building.
A week of cultural and community events has been organized to commemorate the anniversary. The celebrations begin on Friday, June 29, with the Official Launch of the Independence season by Dr. Hubert A. Minnis, Prime Minister, in Rawson and Parliament Squares; festivities end on Independence Day, July 10, with a formal State Reception at Government House.
Mr. Humes declared: “We would like the public to begin to show their Bahamian pride. Hoist flags, place flags on their cars, drape their homes with flags and clean up their perspective areas. This is our time to celebrate.”
Calendar of events
Friday, June 29
OFFICIAL LAUNCH: 6 p.m., Rawson and Parliament Squares
Prime Minister Dr. the Hon. Hubert Minnis to officially open the activities
Entertainment:
The Royal Bahamas Defence Force Pop Band
Aquinas Acers Pop Band
RUSH TO INDEPENDENCE: 7:30 p.m.
Junkanoo Rushout
Sunday, July 1
BEAT RETREAT: 5:30 p.m.
Parliament and Rawson Squares
Live Performances by:
The Royal Bahamas Police Force
The Royal Bahamas Defence Force
The Bahamas Correctional Services
Monday, July 2
COMMAND PERFORMANCE: 7 p.m.
Performing Arts Theatre
Keva Bethel Building
University of The Bahamas
Featuring:
Audrey Dean Wright
The National Youth Choir
The National Children’s Choir
The Bahamas National Youth Orchestra
The National Dance School
Audrey Dean Wright
The Bahamas National Symphony Orchestra
Thursday, July 5
QUEEN’S NEW YEAR’S HONOURS
Friday, July 6
NATIONAL PRIDE & FLAG RAISING DAY
Parliament and Rawson Squares: 10 a.m. until 8 p.m.
Flag Raising Ceremony by Her Excellency The Governor General
Historic Walk Down Memory Lane
Entertainment by:
The National Youth Orchestra
Finalists of the first National Recording Artists Search
Tropical Depression
Mount Moriah Transformers
Charlie the Yellow Man
Scorch Conch Band
Essay Finalists will read their winning essays
Announcement of winners of National Recording Artists and Essay Competitions
Bahamian food and craft vendors display and sell their wares
Saturday, July 7
NATIONAL HEALTH FUN, RUN & WALK: 6 a.m. sharp
Goodman’s Bay
Run 6 miles or walk 3 miles
$15 Registration (includes a T-Shirt)
Health Fair: featuring Junkaerobics (live Junkanoo band) doctors, fitness experts, nutritionists, glucose checks, blood pressure testing, native fruits and vegetables by BAMSI, Bahamian breakfast: boiled fish and Johnny cake, chicken souse
Monday, July 9
45th GRAND ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS TATTOO & FIREWORKS DISPLAY: 8 p.m.
Clifford Park
Ecumenical Service
Mini Concert
Tattoo and March Pass
Fireworks Display
Tuesday, July 10
THE PEOPLE’S LOVE AND UNITY RUSH: 1 a.m.
Independence Junkanoo Achievement Awards
Rush from: East Street to George Street
One lap
NATIONAL HERO’S AWARD: 11 a.m.
Government House
STATE RECEPTION: 6 p.m.
Government House
By: Kathryn Campbell (BIS)
Photo Caption: Mark Humes, Chairman, Independence Secretariat, discussed 2018 Independence Celebrations at a Secretariat meeting on Thursday, June 21, 2018 at Churchill Building.
(BIS Photo/Patrick Hanna)
This is the sixth edition of the relays and the fourth time that The Bahamas has hosted the event, which actually made its debut in The Bahamas in 2014.
President, World Athletics, Sabastian Coe said after three very successful editions from 2014 to 2017, the World Athletics Relays has quickly become one of the World Athletics vibrant competitions, developing a culture of fun and innovation that gives it a unique flavour.
He thanked the Bahamas Government, the local World Athletics Relays Bahamas 24 committee and the Bahamian people for agreeing to host the relays. However, his main thanks were to the “world’s best sprinters” travelling from all the continents to compete in preparation for the road to Paris, France, in two months’ time.
During the opening ceremony, the athletes were given words of advice from Carl Lewis, one of only four Olympic athletes to have won nine Olympic gold medals, who is widely recognized as one of the greatest athletes of all time.
He said, “Keep it simple, do not try to do anything extra. Do what your coaches said. Leave on time, leave on time, leave on time.”
The athletes and crowds were treated to the sounds and sights of Junkanoo at the end of the opening ceremony. The Junkanoo performers stuck around for the two days of competitions, playing for the sprinters as they competed on the track.
Teams competed in the Women’s and men’s 4x100m, and the women’s men’s and mixed 4x400m. A total of 14 teams at the World Athletics Relays Bahamas 24 automatically qualified for places at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. Both days of competition were important, as day two offered another chance for qualifications for those teams unsuccessful on day one.
Bahamians were made proud as the country set a new national record during the mixed 4x400m relays thanks to the efforts of 16-year-old Shania Adderley, a student of Tabernacle Baptist Academy.
The team came first in their heat on Sunday evening after not being able to gain a spot for the Paris Olympics on the first day of competition.
Other sprinters on the team included Alonzo Russell, as well as Olympic champions Steven Gardiner and Shaunae Miller-Uibo.
NASSAU, The Bahamas – During his remarks at the Opening Ceremony for the World Athletics Relays 2024, on May 4, Prime Minister and Minister of Finance the Hon. Philip Davis welcomed the special guests, athletes, officials, and “all lovers of athletics from around the world” to the Thomas A. Robinson National Stadium here in the “vibrant heart” of Nassau, Bahamas.
“This weekend, the world’s finest athletes gather on our shores to embark on a journey that is not only about speed and strength but also about dreams and determination,” Prime Minister Davis said. “From the serene beauty of our islands to the historic grandeur of Paris, this event marks a crucial path to the Olympic Games in Paris 2024.”
He added: “Here in The Bahamas, we are no strangers to world-class athletics or the warmth and exuberance that such international gatherings bring. It is a distinct honor to once again welcome the World Athletics Relays back to our islands. This event holds a special place in our hearts, symbolizing a bridge between nations brought together by the universal language of sport.”
Prime Minister Davis noted that that year’s theme, “Paradise to Paris,” captured the essence of that journey.
“It is here, amidst the splendor of our sun-kissed beaches and the rhythmic sway of our palms that the chase towards Olympic glory begins anew,” he stated. “We are thrilled to offer a backdrop of unparalleled beauty, where every sprint, every baton pass, and every victory lap is set against the picture-perfect canvas of our islands.”
He added: “To our athletes, I say this: as you stand on the precipice of your dreams, ready to catapult yourself into the annals of history, know that you are part of a legacy of excellence and determination. This weekend, you are not only competitors but also ambassadors of your countries and the spirit of sport. We are especially proud of Team Bahamas, who carry the weight of their performance and the hopes and pride of our nation. You embody the spirit of The Bahamian people, and we are behind you every step of the way.”
Prime Minister said that to the international visitors, he extended “the warmest Bahamian welcome”.
“Over the next few days, as you revel in the thrill of competition, take a moment to bask in the beauty of our island,” he stated. “Discover why we proudly say, “It’s Better in The Bahamas.” Whether it’s the hospitality of our people, the tranquility of our waters, or the rhythm of our culture, you are in for an experience that captures the heart and rejuvenates the soul.”
“Let us celebrate the unity and friendship that sports foster, cheering every athlete and savoring the spectacle of human potential at its best,” Prime Minister Davis added. “I hope the races are swift, the results are inspiring, and the memories are lasting.
“Welcome to The Bahamas, the paradise where champions chase their dreams to Paris. As your host, it is my immense pleasure to declare the World Athletics Relays Bahamas 2024 officially open. Let the games begin.”
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