The Tribune

By RASHAD ROLLE

A BAHAMIAN flag will travel through the Bahamas and will be raised at Clifford Park before Independence Day as part of activities to mark the 40th Anniversary of Independence.

The independence flag will be carried by the Royal Bahamas Defence Force and the Royal Bahamas Police Force to every island in the country, members of the Secretariat for the 40th Bahamas Independence Celebrations said yesterday.

Arlene Nash Ferguson, member of the Secretariat, said: “40 days of excitement will begin at 6pm on Friday, May 31 at Rawson Square. The official Bahamian independence flag will journey throughout the islands for 40 days. The flag will return to the capital on July 9 where it will be raised on Clifford Park.

“The flag is a symbol of unity. Every island will have the opportunity to raise the flag for at least a day.”

Ms Ferguson is encouraging Bahamians to help them celebrate independence. She said: “We want you to drape your homes and neighbourhoods and cars with Bahamian colours. Every Friday during the 40 days before Independence should be flag day.”

Chief Administrator of the Independence Secretariat, Jack Thompson, said a number of activities to “excite the country” will take place during the 40 day lead-up to independence.

“40 day rush to independence is going to excite the country,” he said.

“Downtown business people are catching independence fever and will start decorating their stores. People are showing their colours early.”

There is also an independence jingle called “Bridge to the Future,” performed by Region Bells, a gospel group that will be celebrating its 65th anniversary in a service on July 7.

This will be the first gospel event in the lead-up to independence.

Charles Carter, co-chair of the Independence Secretariat, said: “I would encourage everyone to attend and would also like to invite persons to go on our interactive website to make contributions regarding what independence should mean and to stay up to date with events that are taking place. From regattas on the islands to fairs and plays, there are many things taking place to celebrate independence.”

• How should we celebrate independence? See page 8 and 9.