Bahamas News
State Reception celebrates the 49th Independence Anniversary of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas
By: Lindsay Thompson
Bahamas Information Services
#TheBahamas, July 12, 2022 – A State Reception was held celebrating the 49th Independence Anniversary of Commonwealth of The Bahamas, under the theme “Proud to be Bahamian”.
The event was staged at Baha Mar Convention Centre on Monday, July 11, 2022, which was observed as the holiday.
Scores of guests gathered in the convention centre which was adorned with Bahamian flags hanging from the ceiling and attached to walls and columns with patriotic fervour. An added attraction was that of artists painting images on site.
Table centerpieces of flowers also reflected the aquamarine gold and black colours of the National Flag, while tasty treats from the buffet included conch fritters, crab cakes, grouper; and a pale blue-coloured sky-juice concoction, wine and other drinks were served.
Her Excellency Leslia Miller-Brice, Bahamas Ambassador to CARICOM and Chairperson of the National Independence Committee, received dignitaries at the entrance of the convention centre, upon their arrival.
The guest list was headed by Governor General His Excellency the Most Hon. Sir Cornelius A. Smith, and Lady Smith; Prime Minister and Minister of Finance the Hon. Philip Davis and Mrs. Ann Marie Davis; Deputy Prime
Minister and Minister of Tourism, Investments and Aviation the Hon. Chester Cooper and Mrs. Cecilia Cooper; Chief Justice Sir Brian Moree and Lady Moree; Leader of the Opposition the Hon. Michael Pintard; and dignitaries and guests from a cross-section of the community.
Once in the ballroom, the Royal Bahamas Police Force Pop Band played the National Anthem, ‘March On, Bahamaland,’ followed by the ceremonial ‘Cutting of the Independence Cake and Toast’ by the governor general.
The State Reception capped off days of activities marking the 49th Independence Celebrations, which kicked off on July 1 with National Pride Day Flag Raising Ceremony throughout the country.
The 49th Independence Celebrations are being held with anticipation of the 50th anniversary jubilee Independence celebrations in 2023. A National Independence Committee was formed with Her Excellency Leslia Miller-Brice as Chair for the 49th, 50th, and 51st Independence Celebrations.
Photo Captions:
BIS photos/Kemuel Stubbs
Header: Governor General His Excellency the Most Hon. Sir Cornelius Smith raised ‘the Toast’ during The State Reception commemorating the 49th Independence Anniversary of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas, under the theme, “Proud to be Bahamian”. The event was staged at Baha Mar Convention Centre on Monday, July 11, 2022. Pictured from left are Leander Brice; Her Excellency Leslia Miller-Brice, Bahamas Ambassador to CARICOM and Chairperson of the National Independence Committee; the Hon. Michael Pintard, Leader of the Opposition; Mrs. Ann Marie Davis; the Hon. Philip Davis, Prime Minister; Sir Cornelius; Lady Smith; Sir Brian Moree, Chief Justice; Lady Moree; the Hon. Chester Cooper, Deputy Prime Minister and Minster of Tourism, Investments and Aviation and Mrs. Cecilia Cooper.
Insert: A cake cutting ceremony during the State Reception commemorating the 49th Independence Anniversary of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas under the theme, “Proud to be Bahamian”. The event was staged at Baha Mar Convention Centre on Monday, July 11, 2022. Pictured from left are Leander Brice; Her Excellency the Hon. Leslia Miller-Brice, Bahamas Ambassador to CARICOM and Chairperson of the National Independence Committee; the Hon. Michael Pintard, Leader of the Opposition; Mrs. Ann Marie Davis; the Hon. Philip Davis, Prime Minister; Sir Cornelius; Lady Smith; Sir Brian Moree, Chief Justice; Lady Moree; the Hon. Chester Cooper, Deputy Prime Minister and Minster of Tourism, Investments and Aviation and Mrs. Cecilia Cooper.
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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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