Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, the Hon. Peter Turnquest and Mrs. Turnquest along with other guests in the audience get ready for 45th Anniversary pre-Independence extravaganza at Independence Park in Freeport on Monday, July 9. (BIS Photo/Lisa Davis)

FREEPORT, Grand Bahama -- Photo highlights show Pre-Independence Celebrations in Freeport, Grand Bahama, on Monday, July 9, 2018 observing the 45th Anniversary of Bahamas Independence, which the nation celebrated on July 10.  (BIS Photos/Lisa Davis)

Members of the uniformed branches were out in full force on Monday night and became a big part of celebration of the country’s 45th anniversary of Independence at Independence Park, Freeport. (BIS Photo/Lisa Davis)

THE GOSPEL – A short sermon during celebration of the country’s 45th Anniversary of Independence on Monday, July 9, 2018 at Independence Park. Delivering the sermon was Rev. Robert Lockhart, president of the Grand Bahama Christian Council. (BIS Photo/Lisa Davis)

COMEDY DUO – Will Stubbs and Miss Daisy were lively hosts of the Pre-Independence celebrations. (BIS Photo/Lisa Davis)

GUN SALUTE – Before the Bahamian Flag was raised, there was an official gun salute. (BIS Photo/Lisa Davis)

Young Bahamians play a pivotal role in Pre-Independence Celebrations at Independence Park on Monday, July 9, 2018. Members of the children’s combined choir and band are performing. (BIS Photo/Lisa Davis)

RAISING THE FLAG – Officers the Royal Bahamas Police Force and the Royal Bahamas Defence Force hoist the Bahamian Flag at midnight -- at the dawn of Independence Day -- July 10, 2018, at the height of celebrations at Independence Park. (BIS Photo/Lisa Davis)