The Tribune

FRIDAY’S concert and fireworks display were “fundamentally all about remembering our history”, Prime Minister Perry Christie said during the free-for-all event that started The Bahamas’ 40th Anniversary of Independence celebrations.

“I want to thank Sir Sidney, Lady Poitier, Sir Sidney’s children and the other members of the Poitier family, especially his brother and sister, for joining us,” said Mr Christie.

Mr Christie thanked the Bahamian artists who performed including up-and-coming pop artist Angelique Sabrina and Puzzle, who has been making huge strides in Bahamian music.

Following the show, the Sir Sidney Poitier Bridge was illuminated by the biggest fireworks display outside of Atlantis’s New Year and US Independence Day displays.

Mr Christie said Bahamians could be inspired by Sir Sidney, and could play a part in helping to grow their country. He called Sir Sidney’s presence a “link.”

“This link from one generation to the next is what is so vital, so critical, to the preservation of our cultural heritage and national identity,” he said.