Left to Right: Ambassador John Rood, Ms. Sharon Williams Administrator Grand Bahama Health Services, Mrs. Mavis M. Ward Chairperson Grand Bahama AIDS Awareness Committee, Mrs. Lin Glinton Co-Chairperson RRB Committee, Mrs. Odette Knowles Chairperson RRB Committee, Her Excellency, Ambassador Nicole A. Avant, Ms. Minerva Kemp Finance Officer RRB Committee, Ms. Eunce Morris RRB Committee, Mr. Oswald Ellis Media Relations RRB Committee Photo: Derek Carroll

Freeport, Grand Bahama, Bahamas - After months of planning what was truly the Social Event of the Year in Grand Bahama, held under the distinguished patronage of the Prime Minister of the Commonwealth of the Bahamas, the Right Honorable Hubert A. Ingraham and Mrs. Deloris Ingraham, the Red Rose Ball Committees’ A Night at the Taj Mahal, India was truly spectacular.

We could not have done it without the continued support of all who attend and supported over the years, for this we say, Thank you for believing in us, Thank you for your patience, Thank you for your support.

Knowing events of this magnitude can easily be met with unfortunate circumstances, the committee ably headed by chairperson, Mrs. Odette Knowles and committee members were prepared for anything unexpected. This made the successful staging of this 10th Anniversary Ball even more memorable.

The night began with cocktails at 7:00pm for all, Our Special Guests and Sponsors were hosted to a private VIP Cocktail reception where Awards for participation were presented, the VIP Guest which included Her Excellency, Ambassador Nicole A. Avant, Ambassador John Rood, Bahamas General Consul to Atlanta, Ms. Katherine Smith and Our Guest Speaker, renowned International Advocate and Executive in Medicine at Broward Health, Ms. Jasmine Shirley. Beautifully incased Miniature Taj Mahal Replica gifts were presented to our special guest. Similar replica and Awards were presented to our  Executive Sponsors – Grand Bahama Health Services, Ross University, Grand Bahama Port Authority, American Airlines, Freeport Container Port and Vopak Terminals Bahamas Corporate  Sponsors – 1.9.6. The Experience, West Atlantic Marine, First Caribbean International Bank, Bank of Nova Scotia, Polymers International, New Image Beauty Supplies and PharmaChem,  Partners – Pelican Bay Resort, Grand Bahama Shipyard and Callenders & Co.   After a brief welcome Her Excellency, Ambassador Nicole A. Avant was formally introduced by the night’s host Mr. Mark Gardiner, Extraordinaire. It was indeed an honor for the entire guest to meet Her Excellency, US Ambassador and share in the memories of her first official visit to Grand Bahama to attend such a worthy cause.   Everyone present was encouraged and thanked for their support of the Grand Bahama AIDS Awareness Committee’s slogan of “Prevention Now".

On entry to the ballroom, guests were greeted by a large mural of the Taj Mahal, which served as entry to the dinning area decorated in colors of reds and gold.   The Color Guards of the Royal Bahamas Police Force escorted the flags of the United States of America and the Commonwealth of the Bahamas in full military fashion for the singing of both national anthems by singing sensation and committee member Minerva Kemp.

The Grand Ballroom was transformed into a Bahamian inspired feeling of the Taj Mahal, if anyone wanted to experience more of India; we gave it to them in the form of a well choreographed dance production by the students of the Bahamas Dance Theatre. Mr. Jullion Collie, Artistic Director was pleased to have his students again return as the featured performance that sets the mood for the rest of the evening.   On seeing the performance one could not believe how well executed the Indian dance steps were executed in grand Bollywood style wearing authentic Indian fashion provided by 1.9.6. The Experience.   But it didn’t stop there, once seated everyone received a gift bag of Indian items from 1.9.6. as well as a special gift item from long time ball sponsor China Arts and Crafts and the Clarins Group.

Keeping our promise, that this night will be one to experience; no one was disappointed or maybe a few a little disappointed not to be a winner of the fabulous raffle and door prizes, but there is always next year. Our Theme for 2010 will be close to home.

The Radisson at Our Lucaya Staff with the able guidance of Mr. Kevin Clarke, Assistant Director of Conventions and Catering did an excellent job and kept the meal at a 5-star level, much to the satisfaction of the attendees. The music of the evening provided by The Apple Elliott and The ever popular Matrix Band was indeed exuberant as was evident by the laughter and dancing of the crowd and our out of town guest who really enjoyed themselves to the fullest. The sounds and taste and culture of India was in the room the ladies wore the finest in India attire much to the delight of our Indian residence that attended the Ball.

Yes it was another year of success for The Red Rose Ball Committee and we thank the wider community for its support. It has not been absent from our minds the importance and purpose of this event and the monies that were raised. We are working persistently with the Grand Bahama AIDS Awareness Committee to bring to fruition the construction and development of a HIV/AIDS Centre for the purpose of administering advice, support, and education to persons and their families infected and affected by HIV/AIDS.   As we continue this journey, your support is even more necessary, as we embark on the realities of this goal.

Again, thank you to our Executive, Corporate and Partner Sponsors for your belief and support in our ability to fulfill the purpose of our being which is to give unselfishly to those in need, to be our brother's keeper and to ensure that we educate our communities on the importance of "Prevention Now".

See you at the next Red Rose Ball 2010, we’ve been around the world and now we’re coming home under the Theme:  “Home Coming, All Things Bahamian”.

(Photos) The Red Rose Ball Committee delivers A Night at the Taj Mahal, India

(VIDEO) U.S. Ambassador Nicole Avant Speaks at Bahamas Red Rose Ball

(VIDEO) Interviews from the Bahamas Red Rose Ball 2009

(VIDEO) Interviews with Kay Forbes-Smith and Jasmine Shirley at the Bahamas Red Rose Ball