The Tribune

By ALESHA CADET

Tribune Features Reporter

acadet@tribunemedia.net

SPANISH MUSIC was heard from the roadside at the National Art Gallery of the Bahamas (NAGB) last Friday, as the Commonwealth Writers hosted an “Evening in Barcelona” event.

Vera Poitier-Chase of Commonwealth Writers said the event was held to assist in educating Bahamians about the country’s historical connection to Spain. She said while it was informative, it was also held to give people a taste of a fun Spanish fiesta.

Attendees were asked to dress in the colours red, white, yellow or black. Ms Poitier-Chase said they did not turn anyone away for not wearing the colours, but they wanted the atmosphere to feel as if it was actually being held in Spain itself.

“We are trying something different in the community with these events. Instead of having the same thing over repeatedly, we wanted to do something out of the ordinary,” said Ms Poitier-Chase.

She said members of the organisation thought this was a good time for them let the public know the Bahamas is very much connected to Spain.

“Apart from the well known island San Salvador, Christopher Columbus also named some of the other islands. We revealed these islands that once had Spanish names. For example Long Island was once called Fernandia, after the King Ferdinand of Spain. We also have some other names like Ragged Island and Rum Cay that once had Spanish names in the beginning, but they were changed when the English came, “ said Ms Poitier-Chase.

At the function, students gave an overview of the history of the Bahamas. Representatives of the Spanish government gave an overview on Spain’s past, present and future in terms of it connection with the Bahamas.

“We had Spanish music and Spanish food. It was not only a talking event, it was a fiesta. The talking part of it lasted only for about twenty minutes inside of the NAGB. People also got to see and view the Bahamian collection at the gallery. I am one of those faces included in the portraits of the Bahamian collection,” said Ms Poitier-Chase.

In addition to the Spanish music being played, Ms Poitier-Chase said there was also a mixture of various music selections throughout the night. The Rake n Scrape band The Three Amigos performed and greeted patrons as they walked through the event’s entrance.

With our group, the Commonwealth Writers of the Bahamas, we often hosts historical events like this, this is not our first time. We hosted the storytellers convention at the Atlantis last year. Our focus is to highlight Bahamian history and culture in a fun filled way,” said Ms Poitier-Chase.

She encouraged readers to look out for their next planned event “Pirates Return To Nassau For A Friendly Visit”, to be held in November at Rawson Square Downtown.