Nassau, Bahamas -  The juncture of Bay Street and Rawson Square was the place to be on July 3^rd as the rhythmic sound of percussion, wind and string instruments pulsated through the streets. The combined marching bands from three security forces of The Bahamas performed at the Annual Independence Beat Retreat thoroughly entertaining a large gathering of spectators. Among the dignitaries attending the event were Her Excellency, Governor General for the Commonwealth of the Bahamas Lady Marguerite Pindling, Deputy Prime Minister Hon. Phillip “Brave” Davis, Minister of National Security, the Hon. Dr. Bernard Nottage, and other government officials and dignitaries.

As The Bahamas celebrates her 43^rd Anniversary, this family-focused feature was part of the ongoing events slated to commemorate our Independence celebrations, under the theme “Honouring our people’s excellence”.

Staying true to the theme, under the direction of Petty Officer Matthew C. Rolle, the Royal Bahamas Defence Force band quickly captivated the audience’s attention performing a Royal Bahamas Defence Force written opening number, the HMBS Flamingo March. Captain Tellis Bethel, Commander Defence Force (Acting) gave his approval for the solemn number as it sought to honour specifically the men who gave the ultimate sacrifice when the HMBS Flamingo vessel was sunk right by Cuban MiG jet fighters in 1980. This was followed by a selection of melodious Bahamian hit songs such as Down Home by Phil Stubbs, Talking About Home by Ezra Hepburn, Bahama Rock by Ronnie Butler and West End Move by Phil Stubbs. Continuing the musical wooing, the band’s drumline dazzled the crowd with a unique display of precision drills. Leading Woman Marine Angel Reckley closed out this segment with her melodious rendition of Whitney Houston’s “I will Always Love You”.

Spectators commented on their full enjoyment of the event, as the combined performances put on by the Royal Bahamas Defence Force, the Royal Bahamas Police Force and the Department of Correctional Services marching bands engaged in a number of collaborative and individual colorful musical performances with eye-catching drills. This elite group of men and women will be performing again on the night of July 9 at the Independence parade celebrations at Fort Charlotte.