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Last Updated: Dec 4, 2019 - 11:19:58 AM |
FREEPORT, Grand Bahama — The Ministry of Tourism & Aviation’s Religious Tourism Department recently welcomed 60 gospel artists to Grand Bahama for an afternoon of music, dining and fellowship at the Manta Ray Beach Club. The group comprised recent winners in the Prayze Factor Awards, a global initiative that recognises and promotes the best unsigned gospel talent around the world.
The visit marked Prayze Factor’s fifth consecutive trip to Grand Bahama. Each year, following the awards ceremony, the winners are invited on a tour across the U.S. that culminates in a cruise aboard Carnival Cruise Lines to The Bahamas. Dubbed the “Inspirations at Sea” cruise, the voyage brings the group to Grand Bahama and Nassau, where the artists spend their time on island performing for locals.
This year’s delegation included performers from Georgia, Florida, North Carolina, New Jersey, Texas, Wisconsin, and Minnesota. They embarked on a very brief tour of Grand Bahama, en route to the Manta Ray restaurant, where they not only enjoyed some authentic Bahamian cuisine, but also performed a number of uplifting songs intended to give residents a sense of hope and joy. The visitors also got a chance to learn about Junkanoo, bush medicine, and other aspects of Bahamian culture from local tourism practitioners.
Photo: Derek Carroll
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Overall, it was a lively afternoon for guests and locals alike. Music, applause, and shouts of praise filled the air while smiles could be seen on every face as the group entertained and connected with staff and patrons.
Apostle Dr. Teresa Jordan, chief executive officer for Prayze Factor, explained that this exchange of culture and support is a major part of why the organisation continues to visit The Bahamas. This year, in particular, Jordan said her team was especially determined to come to Grand Bahama.
“We were compelled to make this visit a give-back situation. We were trying to get as many people to come as possible,” Jordan said. “We’re here to give the artists an opportunity to share their gifts, but at the same time make sure we are our brother’s keeper, that we’re giving back to the economy here and what greater time than this.”
Senior Executive of Guest Services on Grand Bahama Aulenna Robinson said the Ministry of Tourism was honoured to receive the Prayze Factor artists who have made The Bahamas their choice destination for their vacation-ministry trip.
“The group has been coming to The Bahamas for years and made it a point not to overlook Grand Bahama when an opportunity was given to return,” Robinson said. “It goes to show that our island and people have made a lasting impact on these visitors. We are pleased to see that religious tourism is alive and well here, despite the recent challenges we’ve faced.”
In addition to supporting local businesses on Grand Bahama, the Prayze Factor group plans to raise a collection in Nassau to assist with hurricane relief.
Photo: Derek Carroll
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