thebahamasweekly.com - The Bahamas Celebrates 46th Independence Anniversary

From:TheBahamasWeekly.com

Bahamas Information Services Updates
The Bahamas Celebrates 46th Independence Anniversary
By Betty Vedrine
Jul 10, 2019 - 10:17:30 PM

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Governor General, His Excellency the Most Hon. Cornelius A. Smith and Mrs. Smith (at right in photo) and Prime Minister, the Most Hon. Dr. Hubert Minnis and Mrs. Minnis chat as they prepare for an exciting night of events, July 9 at Clifford Park, leading up to the Flag Raising Ceremony on Independence morning, July 10, 2019 celebrating the 46th Anniversary of Bahamas Independence. (BIS Photo/Derek Smith)

Nassau, The Bahamas – Scores of Bahamians gathered on Clifford Park on Tuesday evening to attend a three-part ceremony commemorating the nation’s 46th Independence Anniversary.

In attendance, and enjoying the excitement-charged atmosphere, were: Governor General, His Excellency the Most Hon. Cornelius A. Smith and Mrs. Smith; Prime Minister, the Most Hon. Dr. Hubert Minnis and Mrs. Minnis; the Hon. Mr. Justice Brian Moree, Chief Justice of The Bahamas, and Mrs. Moree; Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance the Hon. Peter Turnquest; several Cabinet Ministers and their spouses, Senators, Commissioner of Police Anthony Ferguson, Commander of the Defence Force, Commodore Tellis A. Bethel and Mrs. Bethel; senior government officials and the diplomatic corps.

Choir (BIS Photo/Derek Smith)

Kicking off the night was an Ecumenical service with clergy representing a cross-section of Christian churches. Delivering the sermon was President of the Bahamas Christian Council, Bishop Delton Fernander. A cultural production featuring a skit was staged, and through music, song, and dance a compelling narrative of the Bahamian experience was conveyed to the audience.

The evening culminated with a series of performances by the uniformed branches, followed by a parade inspection by the Governor General. At midnight, A Flag Raising Ceremony topped off the evening at Clifford Park. The People’s Love and Unity Rush Junkanoo parade celebrated the dawn of Independence morning, July 10, 2019.

Photos by BIS Photographer Derek Smith capture some of the moments.

Governor General Inspects Guard of Honour. (BIS Photo/Derek Smith)

Cultural Show. (BIS Photo/Derek Smith)

Cultural Show. (BIS Photo/Derek Smith)

Clergy and Choir. (BIS Photo/Derek Smith)

Bands. (BIS Photo/Derek Smith)