The Tribune

Some 200 patrons recently attended a ‘Taste of The Bahamas’ reception held at the African-American Research Library and Cultural Centre in Fort Lauderdale.

The event, which showcased the diverse culture of The Bahamas, with special emphasis on Freeport, was part of the Broward County Library Destination Friday’s programme facilitated by the Ministry of Tourism and Aviation (BMOTA).

The event featured Bahamian entertainment, including a live performance by the Sunshine Junkanoo Group and DJ Levon Rolle. A bush tea specialist, known as Mr Bush Tea (Fenrick Russell of Freeport, Grand Bahama) spoke about the historic use of the bush teas for medicinal purposes.

Guests also had the opportunity to speak with Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line, Balearia Cruise Line, and the Grand Lucayan’s Lighthouse Pointe.

Betty Bethel, the Ministry of Tourism’s director of sales and marketing for Florida, said: “The opportunity to promote The Bahamas’ destination and culture at the historic library was most appropriate and timely, as it also showcased the many assets as well as differentiated the product offerings in The Bahamas from the other competing destinations.

“Here we used the allure of our culture - food, drink, music, storytelling, industry partners workshop and live Junkanoo ‘rush out,’ which no other destination can match. This event was a hit, and it resonated very well with the many visitors and second and third generation Bahamians who now reside within the South Florida communities, and have planned home reunions in The Bahamas in 2019,” she added.

“The Bahamas has always enjoyed a wonderful relationship with the African-American market, especially with the people in Florida, as many of its natives share a heritage affinity with The Bahamas, the birth place of some of their forefathers, who sought better financial opportunities and migrated to Florida during the ‘contract’ day. This event was also an opportunity to begin developing diaspora travel from Florida.”