Bahamas News
BAHAMAS: Hope Town Music Festival Raises over $170,000 for Local Charities
#Abaco, December 20, 2018 – Bahamas – Friends of the Environment, Every Child Counts and the Hope Town Volunteer Fire Department will collectively receive over $170,000 to split evenly, thanks to the proceeds raised from the Combustion Hope Town Music Festival, held this past weekend in Hope Town. This figure exceeds last year’s intake which was $150,000.
Chris Farren, Founder and President of Combustion Music, said the festival is so special because of the island, itself.
“I bring a lot of people from out of the United States, and they fall in love with this island and they give back. None of the musicians get paid anything; they just come and donate their time so that we’re able to make money. The beach, the sun, the sand, the island, the people, it’s what I love and it’s what makes it so special. It’s just a beautiful place and nothing like this exists in the U.S.,” he said.
Every year, the world’s best songwriters and singers dedicate their time to raise money for the charities. This year was no different, as Charles Esten, better known for his role as country singer Deacon Claybourne on the popular television show, Nashville; Grammy nominee, Jon Nite; Chris Farren, and many more celebrities thoroughly entertained the crowd.
Chris DeStefano, a contemporary songwriter and Grammy winner, said there are so many things which make the festival special.
“This place is one of the most special places on earth; I just feel there’s an energy here; there’s a sense of community and connection between the locals and everybody that comes in for the event. It’s incredible and I’m humbled to be a part of this. Not to mention Hope Town has some of the best diving in the world and being able to support Friends of the Environment to protect this incredible underwater escape that you have here and the sea-life here, makes this event incredibly special,” he said.
Over three days, the festival moved from Hope Town Harbour Lodge to Harbour’s Edge, Abaco Inn and concluded at Hope Town Inn & Marina.
On Saturday, local performers such as (I will have to confirm who exactly performed) had their turn at charming the crowd and were well received. The silent auction, which was also held on Saturday, raised $50,000.
Tracy Louis, a repeat visitor from Georgia, said she is ready for next year. “The music festival has been wonderful, perfect, lots of good singers, songwriters; I had lots of fun and I’ve already bought my ticket for next year,” she 
said.
The Combustion Hope Town Music Festival is one of many festivals that are held on the island of Hope Town throughout the year. According to Manager of the Abaco Tourist Office, Wynsome Ferguson, the island looks forward to these types of festivals.
“For the island of Abaco, this is huge, surpassing their target amount of $150,000, raising over $170,000; all that will remain on island. It’s such a great opportunity to host songwriters and singers from Nashville, Tennessee and to showcase the product and beauty of Abaco to them. In return, they write songs on the island and can promote the destination to the rest of the world. It’s free public relations that we don’t have to pay for,” she said.
Release: Bahamas Ministry of Tourism
Bahamas News
Get your laugh on, March On, family drama by Gea Pierre, debut this weekend in Turks and Caicos
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.”
-
Caribbean News1 week agoBelize, Jamaica and St. Vincent and the Grenadines eliminate mother-to-child transmission of HIV and Syphilis
-
TCI News7 days agoEquity in Energy says Bahamas Energy & Transport Minister in legislative roll out
-
TCI News7 days agoFamily of 16 tourist claims negligence in Grand Turk jet ski death; Coroner’s Court hearing evidence
-
TCI News5 days agoAMERICAN MOTHER AND DAUGHTER ALLEGEDLY ARRESTED FOR TWO BULLETS
-
Caribbean News1 week agoMagnetic Media attends Caribbean Media Summit, in focus AI in Journalism
-
world news1 week agoElectricity Access for 600 Million a goal of UN Sustainability Week
-
Bahamas News7 days agoThe Bahamas Successfully Hosts Its Fourth World Athletics Relays
-
TCI News7 days agoPolice Swarm Five Cays, newest murder victim is 37 year-old man