The Tribune

By DENISE MAYCOCK

Tribune Freeport Reporter

dmaycock@tribunemedia.net

THE traditional and popular Pelican Point Coconut Festival on Easter Monday drew a large crowd of residents and visitors to East Grand Bahama for the annual showcase for Bahamian culture, cuisine and music.

The event, held for the 17th time, is not only a homecoming festival that local residents look forward to but is also an integral part of the island’s tourism attractions.

Visitors feasted on conch salad, conch fritters, fried fish, and Gully Wash, a popular Bahamian drink with gin, coconut water, and condensed milk. As is the custom, there was an unlimited supply of Bahamian sweet treats made from coconut – coconut jimmy, coconut tart, jams and preserves.

Those attending got a taste of the Bahamas Junkanoo Carnival, with live performances by Music Masters contestants Terelle Tynes-Wilson and Veronica Bishop and some of the costumes featured by Bahamas Junkanoo girls and boys. Their appearance helped to promote the Carnival, on April 17 and 18 at Taino Beach. Also performing was the Grand Bahama Royal Bahamas Police Force Pop Band.

The fun activities included a coconut tart eating contest, coconut bowling competition, Gully Wash bottle sucking contest, coconut straw platting and coconut barking contests.

Betty Bethel, Director of the Ministry of Tourism in Grand Bahama, emphasised the significance of the festival to Grand Bahama, as a cultural event that brings visitors and locals together for a day of fun and fellowship and as a major economic boost for the Pelican Point community, which is expected to earn $50,000.

Free National Movement Deputy Leader Peter Turnquest, the East Grand Bahama MP, also attended and gave brief welcoming remarks.