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Last Updated: Feb 13, 2017 - 1:45:37 AM |
Receiving the Hon. Philip Brave Davis Urban Renewal Service Award during the 90th anniversary celebration of The Bahama Brass Band on Sunday was Vanderson Ferguson. Making the presentation on behalf of the Deputy Prime Minister was Deputy Director of Urban Renewal, Ms. Michelle Reckley. Also shown at from left are Durel Ferguson and at right is Trevor Ferguson. (BIS Photo/Vandyke Hepburn)
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FREEPORT, Grand Bahama – The Hon. Dr. Michael Darville, Minister for Grand Bahama, on Sunday evening congratulated The Bahama Brass Band during the 90th anniversary celebration for their continued successes and generosity.
Held under the patronage of Her Excellency Dame Marguerite Pindling, Governor General of The Bahamas and Mrs. Ann-Marie Davis, wife of Deputy Prime Minister the Hon. Philip Davis, the event was at the Grand Lucayan Ballroom under the theme, "The Sounds of Harmony 5 - The Journey Continues.”
Minister Darville said that the band has, over the years, provided an avenue for Bahamians to showcase their talents. "When one considers what 90 years equates to in terms of service and commitment, I am sure you would agree with me that this band has been blessed by the Almighty God to have lasted for this length of time.
Receiving the Michael Darville Service Award during the 90th anniversary celebration of The Bahama Brass Band on Sunday was Pedro Missick. Minister for Grand Bahama, the Hon. Dr. Michael Darville made the presentation. Also shown from left are: Billy Dickerson, Mrs. Missick and Pastor Barry B. Morris. (BIS Photo/Vandyke Hepburn)
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He continued, "The Bahama Brass Band is knitted in the fabric of Bahamian history. A stroll through the history of this band reveals a lengthy record of proud Bahamians who saw it as their duty to develop their talents and use them through service by becoming ambassadors, both at home and abroad, for God and country."
Over the years, the band has represented the country in the United Kingdom, throughout the Caribbean, Southern Africa and the United States of America. They also performed during the country's first Independence celebrations, on July 10th, 1973.
"When I first learned of this programme," said the Minister," and how it serves not only to entertain patrons of band music but has a higher purpose, which is to help raise much needed funds to assist charitable organizations and community projects, I was moved with pride and immediately sought to lend my voice and support to this particular event."
Part proceeds from the event are to be donated to the Cancer Society of The Bahamas, to which Dr. Darville noted, "as a medical doctor who has practiced in Grand Bahama for many years, I have a great concern for the health and well being of the residents of this island. I have seen incidences of cancer and non- communicable diseases increase so drastically that it would be almost safe to say that just about every family has been affected by these deadly diseases." The donation is to assist with the establishment of a new oncology centre on Grand Bahama, for patients suffering from cancer in need of assistance.
Mr. Kenny Grant (centre) was the recipient of the Ann-Marie Davis Lifetime Service Award on Sunday during the 90th anniversary celebration of The Bahama Brass Band. Also shown from left are: Pastor Barry B. Morris and Billy Dickerson. (BIS Photo/Vandyke Hepburn)
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"At a time when it seems like our young people have lost interest in service and the performing arts, the members of this band continue to demonstrate, through their gifts, talents and resources great citizenship, and set an example for generations to come."
One of the notable things about the Bahama Brass Band, said the Minister, is that over the life span of the band, it has had over 500 members, none of whom have ever been sentenced before the courts or spent time in Fox Hill Prison. The Minister said this is commendable and added that he believes that involving youth in positive activities is one of the solutions to crime in The Bahamas.
In closing he said, "one of the hallmarks of any progressive society is the level to which its civic and religious organizations rise to support the cultural expressions and social well-being of its citizens on a consistent basis. This is the legacy of The Bahama Brass Band - not just a group of musicians, but an institution of dedicated nation builders covering the length and breadth of our beloved Bahamas imparting their 'music and spirit' and giving selflessly to assist the community."
During the concert, a number of awards were presented, honouring those who contributed greatly to the growth and development of the organization.
Vanderson Ferguson (centre) received Honourary Doctorate Degree from Dr. Eric Burton (far right) of Global Evangelical Christian College and Seminary in Alabama during the 90th anniversary celebration of The Bahama Brass Band. Also shown from left are: Bishop Franklyn Ferguson, Pastor Barry B. Morris, and the Hon. Dr. Michael Darville, Minister for Grand Bahama. (BIS Photo/Vandyke Hepburn)
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Bishop Romeo Ferguson was presented with the Governor General's Award on Sunday during the 90th anniversary celebration of The Bahama Brass Band. He received the award from Minister for Grand Bahama, the Hon. Dr. Michael Darville. Also shown is Bishop Ferguson's wife, Nathalie. (BIS Photo/Vandyke Hepburn)
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