Bahamas News
Record turnout for Run for Pompey, more than 300 run, walk and unite for Exuma
By Diane Phillips
#TheBahamas, November 16, 2022 – Under skies that dropped a soft spitting rain and ground packed with the pounding of rubber-clad feet, more than 300 men, women, teens and children took part in the 8th Run for Pompey, November 12.
The event took place in Georgetown, Exuma, with festivities in Regatta Park and a race that took runners and walkers by the famed waters of Elizabeth Harbour and for those who ran the full half marathon, around some 13 miles of the historic island in the Central Bahamas.
“This was a record turnout,” said Run for Pompey co-founder Jeff Todd, who ran. “I think people were just so glad to see it back after two years virtual races during the pandemic. It was just great.”
The race drew runners from the far corners of the globe, many timing the trip they wanted to make to see the world-famous swimming pigs.
“It was amazing how many couples or families planned their swim with the pigs experience around the time of the race so they could do both,” said Todd, a Canadian author who co-founded the run with screenwriter and cinematographer Kevin Taylor of Nassau.
The name pays homage to the slave Pompey who risked his own life to try to protect slave families that were going to be torn apart. Today, the statue of what is supposed to be Pompey and the heritage site are the subject of renewed interest but there is little controversy over Pompey being the hero of Exuma more than 150 years after his act of courage.
Among those who made the trek from afar to participate in the run was Kathleen Whelan, a recently retired librarian from El Paso, Texas.
“I have a pot-bellied pig at home and ever since I retired in June, I have been going to as many races as I possibly can,” she said, “This one I had to do for sure because tomorrow I am going to see the swimming pigs and take a selfie with the picture of my pig and me in the water with the pigs of Exuma.” Like a globe-trotter in sweats, shorts and sneakers, she was one of many visitors who filled rooms across the island, including at luxury resorts Sandals and Grand Isle Villas.
It was also the first time a potential sister city, Cincinnati, sent race event organizers to observe.
“For us, the flying pig race is a year-round series of events that provides substantial funds for community causes, education, health and other needs,” explained Lisa Bush. The Ohio city’s acclaimed ‘flying pigs’ events grew out of its turn of the century massive stockyards and slaughterhouses.
Run for Pompey also attracted the fitness celeb circuit from the winner of the Miami Marathon Frankie Ruiz to the glamourous and strong in spirit, Mrs. Canada, Solange Tuyishime, a Rwandan refugee who went on to found Elevate international, Canada.
But it was the faces of Exuma youngsters that stole the hearts of those who watched — the speed of some, the grit and determination of others.
As one fourth grader put it, “I running hard, real hard cause my brother could maybe win the scholarship.”
In the past, Run for Pompey has raised funds to award a $5,000 scholarship to a promising student from Exuma. During COVID, the virtual run helped pay for food for hundreds of meals and purchase tablets for students to work on from home.
That Miami marathon winner, who also took the title in the last Run for Pompey, Ruiz, 44, had the fastest overall
time for the half marathon, taking the top spot among the men with a time of 1:38:14, while Caitlin Scuderi, 36, placed first out of the women with a time of 1:39:49. In the 10k, Lincoln Jolley, 59, placed first among the men, with a time of 53:54, and Melissa Goldschmidt, 47, was the first woman to cross the finish line with a time of 1:08:00.
Keith Russell, 31, took the top spot among men over 19 in the 5k, finishing with a time of 24:02. Among the women over 19, Carla Duenas, 34, placed first with a time of 27:05. But it was one the younger participants to outperformed everyone else, as 10-year-old Clinton Romer took first place in the 5k for under 18 males with a time of 23:26. Iantha Rolle, 15, finished first out of the 18 and under females with a time of 36:35.
In the 2k race, 13-year-old Jayden Clear placed first among the 18 and under males, and his time of 6:11 was also the fastest of all the participants. Nine-year-old Ra’Nahiah Charlton came first among the 18 and under females and her 8-minute finish was also the fastest time of the females in all age groups. In the 19 and over male category for the 2k race, Theodore Martin, 40 placed first, with a time of 7:50. In the 2k 19 and over female division, Lorna Pratt, 50, took first with a time of 14:46.
As for the retired librarian from El Paso, Texas, just finishing a race in Exuma in The Bahamas was a dream come true.
Photo Captions:
Header: More than 300 locals and visitors from as far away as Australia crossed the start line in the Exuma half marathon, Run for Pompey, November 12. Funds raised go to the local community and have provided scholarships in normal years, food and tablets during COVID. (Photo by Nelson Ranger)
1st insert: Triple Olympic medalist, the legendary Pauline Davis, patron of Run for Pompey, congratulates a finisher, awarding her with a medal and hug. It was the 8th Run for Pompey but the first live run after two years of pandemic-related virtual races. (Photo by Nelson Ranger)
2nd insert: The blooming Burrows sisters, Kaylee, left, and Kassidy, right, finished the 5k run with smiles, medals and memories to last a lifetime. (Photo by Nelson Ranger)
By Shakara Trott
Bahamas Information Services
GRAND BAHAMA, The Bahamas – From Tin Tubs to Jacuzzis. From Kerosene Lamps to Chandeliers. From Hand Pumps to Running
Water.
As the nation reflects on its journey, these nostalgic comparisons remind Bahamians of just how far we’ve come. On the eve of July 10th, the Grand Independence Central Lawn was transformed into a vibrant hub of celebration as scores of Bahamians, families, dignitaries, and special guests gathered to commemorate the country’s 52nd Anniversary of Independence.
The evening featured a cultural showcase brimming with national pride—from lively food trucks to breathtaking fireworks—bringing the community together in a unified celebration of heritage, resilience, and hope for the future.
Dignitaries made a grand entrance, chauffeured onto the grounds in red-carpet, Vogue-style fashion, and introduced by the evening’s Master of Ceremonies, Wilbert Stubbs.
The festivities began with an ecumenical service led by the Grand Bahama Christian Council. Bishop Barry Morris and Bishop John C. Wallace opened with a call to worship and invocation, followed by an uplifting session of praise led by Calvary Temple’s worship team.
In a stirring keynote address, Archdeacon Earl Hepburn reflected on the spiritual foundation of the Bahamian journey. “No matter how
much effort is put in, if God is not at the center, the foundation will falter,” he said, reminding attendees that the nation’s progress must always be rooted in faith.
As the evening progressed, the atmosphere shifted to high-energy entertainment with performances by DECISION, Top Tier Band, RYCON, Sharade, The Bmes, Bahamas Dance Theatre Troupe, Wilfred Solomon, Nishie L.S., DMAC, and KB—offering a rich tapestry of Bahamian culture in music and dance.
Minister for Grand Bahama, the Hon. Ginger Moxey, carried out the traditional Inspection of the Guard, setting the stage for the ceremonial highlight of the evening.
Finally, just prior to midnight, and as Independence Day, July 10, rolled in, the Royal Bahamas Defence Force and Royal Bahamas Police Force raised the National Flag, and sounds of the National Anthem filled the air.
With fireworks lighting up the sky, The Bahamas proudly turned 52—marking more than half a century of independence, growth, and national pride.
PHOTO CAPTION: Independence Park was abuzz with excitement as the nation celebrated its 52nd anniversary. The event drew hundreds of attendees who came to mark this significant milestone in the country’s history. Minister for Grand Bahama, the Hon. Ginger Moxey is pictured as she greeted uniformed branch officers, dignitaries, and members of the community at the celebration.
(BIS Photos/Andrew Miller)
Bahamas News
Bahamas conducts grand 52nd Independence Anniversary celebrations despite turbulent weather
By Lindsay Thompson
Bahamas Information Services
NASSAU, The Bahamas — Severe weather conditions forced the much-anticipated Independence Anniversary Celebration to take on a different format from the usual exciting lineup, on the evening of July 9.
The planned traditional Ecumenical Service and the Cultural Show set for that evening at 8:00pm were impacted by turbulent weather, and organizers pivoted to meet the nation’s expectations.
Gratefully, as the rain cleared and time progressed to just past midnight, July 10 — Independence Day — the Aquamarine, Gold and Black
National Flag was raised under a calm sky, with events unfolding serenely to usher in 52 years of Independence before scores of Bahamians who assembled at historic Clifford Park.
Just hours prior, the Department of Meteorology had issued a “Severe Weather Warning” for several islands including New Providence, cautioning residents against localized flooding, strong gusty winds and tornadic activity, and to remain indoors until the passage of the storm.
Out of an abundance of caution, The National Independence Secretariat, acting on the weather warning and in consultation with the relevant agencies, made adjustments to the Independence Calendar for that evening.
As a result, the Cultural Show would be held on a date to be announced.
The Bahamas Christian Council held its traditional Ecumenical Service at Bahamas Harvest Church on J.F. Kennedy Drive, which was broadcast live on ZNS at 9:00pm.
The Flag Raising Ceremony proceeded as usual at Clifford Park, where The Bahamas had become an independent nation in 1973, on July 10.
A number of clergymen participated in the Ecumenical Service, and choirs rendered melodious and spirited gospel songs – all with a common message imbued with this year’s theme: “Together We Rise.” In attendance were high-level Government officials, and members of The Opposition.
Pastor Mario Moxey of Bahamas Harvest Church implored Bahamians to not look at the theme as merely a slogan, but instead as a call for renewed hope for our Bahamaland.
In delivering the Independence sermon, Apostle Delton Fernander, president of the Bahamas Christian Council, said that independence came about by many, who believed in the cause. He said though much has been accomplished, there is still more to do.
Tying the line from The Pledge, ‘One People, United in Love and Service,’ to the theme, “Together We Rise”, he stated, “these words instruct
us to address many of the ills facing the nation. In this vein, he called for unity as a means to achieving this.
At Clifford Park, and the Flag Raising Ceremony: Her Excellency, the Most Honourable Dame Cynthia A. Pratt, Governor General of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas, carried out the customary Inspection of the Guard despite the soggy conditions of the grounds.
Witnessing the historic events were the Hon. Philip Davis, Prime Minister and Minister of Finance; the Hon. Chester Cooper; Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism, Investments and Aviation; The Hon. Mr. Chief Justice Sir Ian Winder; Members of the Opposition, Cabinet Ministers, high level officials, guests, and spectators.
At midnight, with the Flag hoisted in the air by officers of the Royal Bahamas Defence Force and Royal Bahamas Police Force, the playing of the National Anthem by the parade band, and fireworks, The Bahamas became 52-years-old as an independent nation.
Following on — at 1:00am was ‘The People’s Rush’ by the various Junkanoo groups, which thrilled the crowds on Bay Street.
Independence Day will also be commemorated with the traditional State Reception at Government House, and a Family Fun Day at Clifford Park.
(BIS Photos/Patrick Hanna)
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