The Tribune

By DENISE MAYCOCK

Tribune Freeport Reporter

Dmaycock@tribunemedia.net

THE first Marco City Cultural Festival was held on Saturday at the Mary Star School field, providing the opportunity for people to sell their products and services and artists to showcase their musical talent.

There were live performances by Stileet and Simeon Outten and fun activities and games for children of all ages, including a bouncing castle, face painting, sack racing and hula hooping.

Marco City MP Michael Pintard said that all of the vendor booths were occupied and that some people interested in booths had to be turned away.

The booths were provided free of charge to vendors, and Mr Pintard's constituency office covered the cost of the infrastructure and securing the grounds for the festival.

"This is essentially about bringing the community together and giving people an opportunity to generate funds, and there were games for children," he said.

Mr Pintard said that some vendors sold tickets in advance. "They were more than pleased with the results, and we believe this will continue to grow, and I am excited about what is ahead for what's to come for Marco City."

The MP stated there would be other opportunities provided for constituents.

"One of the commitments we made before the last general election is to be a part of creating economic opportunities for residents. And one component of that was to create some events where residents would be able to sell their products or services to the community - the cultural fest was one of those ideas."

Mr Pintard said that he was pleased with the variety of products and services available for sale, and took time out to greet each vendor. He said live entertainment was provided by young budding artists who were primarily from Marco City.

The MP said he knows that many people are facing financial challenges on Grand Bahama.

"I am sympathetic to them… and so it is opportunities like the cultural festival that is going to enable someone who might be at home to provide them a chance to make some resources, and we intend to have multiple opportunities like this for them," he said.

Mr Pintard said he is "cautiously optimistic" about what is expected to happen in Grand Bahama.

"In the west, three major projects are happening, and the hotel we know we are at the tail end of the sale of the Grand Lucaya. In the east, we are working through the challenges in the way in which that project (Oban) was launched, and as the PM said hitting the reset button in terms of making sure all of the correct steps are followed.

"Again, I am optimistic about what is happening in the medium to longer-term, and in the short-term cautious optimistic only because I understand that there is a sense of urgency that residents have who are having financial challenges," he said.