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Bahamians in South Florida mark their country’s historic milestone with month-long activities

SOUTH FLORIDA – Bahamians in South Florida will mark the 40th Anniversary of their country’s Independence with month long celebrations in July.

The celebratory observances will culminate with a gala Black-tie event, to take place, July 27th at the Doubletree By Hilton, Miami Airport and Convention Center. Prime Minister of The Islands of The Bahamas, the Honorable, Perry Christie is expected to lead the list of distinguished guest.

The nearest offshore destination to the United States, The Islands Of The Bahamas celebrates its 40th anniversary of Independence on July 10th. The Black-tie gala is expected to be the featured event of the month long festivities. Slated to be an evening of elegance, the affair is being hosted by The National Association of The Bahamas (NAB) in conjunction with The Bahamas Consulate, Miami, Florida.


Among the group of Bahamian Government Officials that are expected to travel to Florida for the event, are The Honorable Fred Mitchell, Minister of Foreign Affairs; The Honorable Obie Wilchcombe, Minister of Tourism and The Honorable Ryan Pinder, Minister of Financial Services. Other VIP’s scheduled to attend are South Florida government, political and community leaders and members of the local diplomatic corps.

The Royal Bahamas Police Force Pop Band will be the headline feature for the evening of fun, entertainment, music and dance. The gala will begin with a cocktail hour sponsored by Barcadi and Co. and the evening will be topped off by the ultimate flavor of The Bahamas, the cultural sight and sounds of Junkanoo.

Events that will precede the Ball include an Ecumenical Church Service, a Gospel Concert, a Junkanoo Rushout and a picnic. A Down South, Tree Planting and Flag Raising Ceremony, to take place in Perrine, Florida, July 12th, kicks off the series of events and activities.

Rector of St Agnes Church, Father Derrick Rolle, will be among an eminent group of Bahamian Pastors and church leaders from around the South Florida area, taking part in the Annual Ecumenical Church Service, at his Parish in Miami, Sunday July 14th, at 3:00 p.m.

Other much anticipated events include a Gospel Extravaganza that will showcase Bahamian Gospel Artist, Simeon Outten and The New Life Band, but will also feature Nehemiah Heild, Nigel Lewis, Ricardo Clarke and the Classic Dancers Junkanoo Group. This gospel celebration will take place at the Sure Foundation Ministries COGOP, West Park, Florida Friday July 26th at 7:30 p.m.

A free event open to the South Florida community at large, the Junkanoo Rushout, will provide the ultimate opportunity to experience Bahamian Culture in the South Florida area. The event featuring the Freeport, Grand Bahama Classic Dancers along with local Junkanoo Groups, will begin in Overtown Miami, at Gibson Park and end at The Bahamian Connection Restaurant. The event is being sponsored by Kalik Beer and plans are underway to have vendors present to sell Bahamas Independence T-Shirts and souvenirs as well as popular Bahamian dishes (including conch salad and conch fritters).

Contacts listed below can provide ticket and events information.

Contacts:

Jeannie Gibson
Ph.954-236-9292
Email: [email protected]

Earl Miller
Ph. 954-236-9292
Email: [email protected]

Russell Carroll
Ph. 954-673-0980
Email: [email protected]

Dr. J’Ramando Horton
Ph. 305-373-6295 Extension 120
Email: [email protected]

BAHAMAS INDEPENDENCE CELEBRATIONS 2013 SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

July 12th 6:00 pm
Down South Tree Planting and Flag Raising Ceremony
The Bethel House – Bahamian-American Museum
18201 SW 102 Ct., Perrine, FL 33157
Phone 305-251-2458

July 14th – 3pm
Annual Ecumenical Church Service
Historic St. Agnes
1750 N. W. 3rd Ave, Miami, FL 33136

July 20th 12 noon – 5pm
Family and Friends Bahamian Picnic
Amelia Earhart Park,
(Parking $6.00)
401 E. 65th St., Hialeah, FL

July 25th – 5pm
Junkanoo Rushout – Featuring Freeport Classic Dancers Gibson Park, Overtown
401 NW 12th Street
Miami, Florida 33127

Bahamian Connection Restaurant
4490 NW 2nd Ave., Miami FL 33127

July 26th – 7:30pm
Sure Foundation Ministries COGOP
5530 S.W. 20th Street,
West Park, FL 33023

July 27th – 7pm
National Association of The Bahamas Black
Doubletree By Hilton
711 NW 72nd Avenue
Miami, Florida 33126

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