Bahamas celebrate 51st Independence Day – “United in love and service”

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Nassau, Bahamas – The Commonwealth of the Bahamas celebrated its 51st anniversary as an independent nation on July 10, 2024.

A calendar of events planned and managed by the Secretariat of National Independence focused on the theme: “One People United in Love and Service,” an excerpt from the National Pledge.

On July 9, 2024, an ecumenical service and cultural show was held in historic Clifford Park, where the flag raising evoked emotion among spectators – many of whom were at the same spot when the nation was born in 1973.

The celebrations for the 51st anniversary of independence began with a series of pre-events, starting with National Flag Day on June 28, when Bahamians across the country donned the national colors of aquamarine, gold and black and held short ceremonies marked by the singing of the national anthem, the recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance and the ceremonial raising of the flag.

The traditional Independence celebration, Beat Retreat, was held on June 30th at Rawson Square in downtown Nassau, where a uniformed band delighted dignitaries and numerous spectators with their skillful routines and rousing music. This year, young people also took part and received thunderous applause as they sang songs by local artists.

On July 1, a National Time Capsule Packing Day was organized, with all Family Islands and New Providence participating. Residents collected historical items unique to their respective communities and placed them in time capsules. All capsules will be opened in 2049 during the celebrations of the country’s Diamond Jubilee of Independence.

The week leading up to independence was filled with activities aimed at bringing people together where they live – in their communities. Bahamians were encouraged to focus on heritage, culture, love and commonalities rather than differences.

The main event on Tuesday, July 9, at Clifford Park, attracted many visitors, who dressed fashionably in the national colors, waved pom-poms, blew whistles and held flashing lights to experience aspects of the spiritual and cultural side of The Bahamas from 7:30 p.m. to midnight.

The sermon of the ecumenical service was delivered by the Chairman of the Bahamas Christian Council, Bishop Delton Fernander, who focused on the theme of unity, love and service. The gospel singing by Bishop Denczil Rolle and his friends contributed to the devotional atmosphere throughout the park and in the area around Fort Charlotte.

Afterwards, the cultural section featured folk dances, performances by artists who delighted the audience, Junkanoo, sketches in which young actors dreamed of their future, and interviews with Bahamians who have overcome all adversities.

Minutes before midnight, Her Excellency Dame Cynthia Pratt, Governor General, reviewed the Guard of Honour. Members of the clergy gathered around the National Flag as it was raised and prayed for different sections of the community. And as the flag reached the summit, the National Anthem was played, followed by a fireworks display to usher in July 10, 2024 – the 51st anniversary of the independence of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas.

In these early morning hours, beginning at 1:00 am, the festivities continued with the Junkanoo spectacle “The People’s Rush”.

On the afternoon of Independence Day, Clifford Park hosted a “Family Fun Day” where families were treated to all kinds of activities, games, food, drinks and entertainment.

That evening, Governor General Dame Cynthia Pratt hosted a State Reception at Government House, Mt. Fitzwilliam, to celebrate the independence of The Bahamas.

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