The Governor General, His Excellency Sir Arthur Foulkes and Lady Foulkes enjoy the annual Ministry of Education Festival of Carols held at Golden Gate World Outreach Ministries. Education Minister, The Honourable T. Desmond and Permanent Secretary, Mrs. Elma Garraway (far right) also attended the services. (photo by Edgar Arnette/MOE)

Nassau, Bahamas - Students from public and private schools presented the Christmas message in song, dance and heralding the story of ‘God’s Gift to the World’ during the Ministry of Education’s Annual Festival of Carols held at the Golden Gates World Outreach Ministries on Carmichael Road on Thursday, 1^st December, 2010. This was the first time in the event’s forty year history that it was hosted outside of the city of Nassau. Minister of Education, The Honourable T. Desmond Bannister spoke at the Carol Service and stated that the shift in venue would allow students to display their talents to various communities and afford diverse groups the opportunity to experience this spectacular celebration.

Also in attendance at the event were the Governor General His Excellency, Sir Arthur Foulkes and Lady Foulkes, host pastor Bishop Ros Davis and Pastor Althea Davis; senior officials from the Ministry of Education, retired educators and scores of parents who came to see their children perform.

Reverend Trent Davis, Administrative Pastor of Golden Gates World Outreach Ministries was the keynote speaker at the event and focused on Matthew Chapter 5 verse 16. In the text, Jesus’ encouraged men to let their light shine so that others may see their works and praise God. Reverend Davis reminded the audience that they all have a power that should shine but never to be forced on others by overshadowing their abilities and rights. He further urged persons in attendance to use their light wisely and ensure that it reflected the greater light which is Jesus Christ. The young pastor proclaimed that the message of Christmas is that the glory on earth belongs to God and only when Bahamians returned to glorifying God then crime and other social ills will be reduced.

Once again the organizers of the carol service showcased the extensive talents of students throughout the island of New Providence. In order to accomplish this feat, combined bands from C.R. Walker, C.I. Gibson, and C. V. Bethel Senior High Schools along with C. H. Reeves Junior High School performed. Additionally, a combined choir and percussion group from Mabel Walker, Cleveland Eneas, Gerald Cash and Sadie Curtis Primary Schools impressed the audience with their rendition of “ Long Time Ago in Bethlehem. Government High and Doris Johnson Senior High Schools, A. F. Adderley and S.C. McPherson Junior High Schools teamed up for a handbell performance of “Worship the Newborn King”

Christian Heild, a student from the Salvation Army School for the Blind brought the crowd to its feet with his singing of “When a Child is Born” and the playing of the keyboard. Other highlights of the service were Uriah McPhee Primary School violin ensemble’s “Joy Medley” and Anatol Rodgers High School’s guitar selection of “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen”. There were also dance performances Virtue Dance Academy and Magnet students of Government High School. The Carol Service will be broadcasted on TV 13 (Channel 11) on Friday, 25^th December, 2010 at 8:00 pm.