The Tribune

THE Bahamas 40th Anniversary of Independence Celebrations at the historic Hotel Nacional in Havana, Cuba, were enjoyed by more than 200 people.

Officials from the Cuban Government, Her Excellency Ana Elsa Vasquez, Minister of Education; His Excellency Rogelio Sierra Diaz, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs; His Excellency Luis Castillo Campos, Head of the Ceremonial Department of Protocol, Ministry of Foreign Affairs; Otto Marrero and Juan Carlos Frometa of the Central Committee, members of the Diplomatic Corps, Representatives of The Episcopal Cathedral of Cuba, Bahamian medical students in Cuba and friends of The Bahamas in Cuba, were welcomed by Her Excellency Alma Adams, Ambassador of The Bahamas to Cuba, Consul Eugene Torchon-Newry and the Diplomatic Staff.

Barbara Janet, mesmerised Thursday’s Gala Event with songs like, ‘Smile’ and ‘Natural Woman,’ reminiscent of the music of Aretha Franklin.

It was followed by a performance by the Royal Bahamas Police Pop Band who stole the show for most of the evening with their wide range of music, interpreting Cuban and Caribbean classics, which moved guests to dance all night long.

One of the magic moments of the night came when lead Police Pop Singer, Nehemiah Hield II serenaded one of the older ladies sitting on the sidelines and she rose with her walking stick and moved toward the centre of the ‘ring play’ to dance with him.

Bahamian food, music and messages from Sir Arthur Foulkes, Perry Christie, were a perfect blend of ‘Dose Tings Behamian’.

On Sunday the Episcopal Cathedral of Cuba resonated with the sounds of both the Cuban and Bahamian National Anthems.

The Celebrant of the Independence Holy Eucharist was Dean Jos� Angel Guti�rrez, while the Rev Terrance G. Morrison, Pastor of Zion Baptist Church, in Nassau, delivered a powerful message, noting the future potentials of both countries, while observing how The Bahamas could learn from Cuba’s zero tolerance of crime in its country.

The church service was also well attended with over 200 worshippers inclusive of Embassy Staff, and a lunch which followed, attended by some 100 guests. Each person present at all events, received a copy of a souvenir programme booklet, dedicated to the memory of Sir Lynden Pindling.