By RASHAD ROLLE,
DENISE MAYCOCK
Tribune News Editor and Staff Reporter
A CELEBRATORY atmosphere gripped Clifford Park and other sites around the country as The Bahamas marked 50 years of independence from British rule late Sunday night to early Monday morning.
Thousands gathered at the park where the Bahamian flag was first hoisted to show their patriotism.
The event, a staple of independence celebrations, was grander and more elaborate than usual.
Prayers and reflections were mixed with performances from iconic singers and videos celebrating the country’s history and the unique past of various islands.
There was some frustration, too, as the programme ran late, leading to some elements of the tour around the islands and music being skipped.
Although the event ran over seven hours and featured delays, the mood remained vibrant and energetic.
The biggest cheer of the night was for a drone display featuring the 50th anniversary logo, national symbols, and the likeness of Sir Lynden Pindling.
The evening climaxed with the arrival of police, defence force and corrections officers on the field to march in formation as the flag was raised at midnight.
Fifty years ago, Sgt Irvin Taylor was the first man to hoist the Bahamian flag. His grandson, Sgt Mark Taylor, had the honour of raising the flag for the golden jubilee alongside Petty Officer Leland Smith.
After the flag was raised, fireworks lit up the night sky –– marking the start of the next half-century of Bahamian history.
The event was among several that punctuated Independence Day celebrations.
A family fun day was held at Clifford Park yesterday, and an invite-only state reception was held at Government House.
Earlier Monday, a People’s Rush event featuring 11 Junkanoo groups attracted hundreds who remained eager spectators and participants even after hours of revelry and celebration.
On Grand Bahama, there were performances by groups of various kinds featuring people of all ages.
A crowd favourite was a dance performance by the George School of Dance and Theatre.
A fashion show of straw and androsia featuring models and pageant queens was also well received.
Hundreds of Abaco residents visited the Bahamas Agricultural Industrial Corporation’s (BAIC) park in Marsh Harbour to celebrate independence.
However, the power went off as the police band performed, plunging the event into darkness.
Comments
realfreethinker 1 year, 4 months ago
Freeport was garbage
ThisIsOurs 1 year, 4 months ago
I have a hard time with this one...
I listened all day to people speaking about their wonderful experience, the committee did a great job. Whatever money they spent it was well spent.. oohh King Charles sent us a message too... and I wonder when did our priorities get so screwed up? One show host put it in the proper perspective she said basically it appeared to be a nod to the upper class and they forgot the people. That's precisely what it seemed like. The lower class got stuck in hours long traffic, relegated to walk several blocks to then be shuffled through a tiny entrance, ushered to crammed seating while the dignitaries got the police escorts, preferred seating, perfect makeup and balls gowns to cut the 5,000 dollar gold cake (I'm guessing) and to top it all off more brainwashing with a fireworks display featuring Sir Lynden... was he really the only person who fought the fight?
From the time of Caeser nothing has changed, the ruling class draped in jewels and golden robes have sought to take the minds of the people off their daily sufferings with weeks long games and festivities. I had occassion to drive through Pinewood this day after the millions were spent, and it looked the same... dismal. The giant potholes made the experience somewhat worse.
What did we celebrate? Out of touchedness?
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