The Tribune

HAVANA – In what was dubbed a spectacular event, more than 200 jubilant patrons took part in the Bahamas’ 40th Anniversary of Independence Celebrations held at the historic Hotel Nacional in Havana, Cuba.

Officials from the Cuban government were in attendance, including: Ana Elsa Vasquez, Minister of Education; Rogelio Sierra Diaz, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs; Luis Castillo Campos, Head of the Ceremonial Department of Protocol, Ministry of Foreign Affairs; and Otto Marrero and Juan Carlos Frometa of the Central Committee.

They joined members of the diplomatic corps, representatives of the Episcopal Cathedral of Cuba, Bahamian medical students and friends of the Bahamas in Cuba.

The guests were welcomed at the receiving line by Alma Adams, Ambassador of the Bahamas to Cuba, Consul Eugene Torchon-Newry and the diplomatic staff.

The opening ceremony commenced with the performance of Barbara Janet, the special Cuban guest artist of the evening, who mesmerised the gala event by belting out songs like, “Smile” and “Natural Woman” in a voice reminiscent of Aretha Franklin.

Fast on her heels, the Royal Bahamas Police Pop Band began their performance, which could only be described as “a splash of splendour” according to Celia Ryan, a Cuban of Caribbean descendent.

She said: “the pop band 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”.

Perhaps one of the most magical moments was when lead singer Nehemiah Hield II serenaded one of the older ladies sitting on the sidelines, as she rose with her walking stick and moved toward the centre of the “ring play” to dance with him.

On Sunday at 9.30am, 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 can learn from Cuba’s zero tolerance policy to crime.

The church service was also attended by more than 200 persons, and the luncheon which followed was attended by around 100.

Each one received a copy of a souvenir booklet dedicated to the memory of the late Sir Lynden Pindling.