PAGE 2, Friday, July 8, 2022
THE TRIBUNE
THE TRIBUNE
Friday, July 8, 2022, PAGE 3
THE HOUSE of Assembly in all its Independence regalia. Photo: Austin Fernander
WHAT WENT RIGHT? WHAT WENT WRONG?
WHAT NEXT? IN THE spectrum of history, 49 years is a flash in the pan, hardly enough time to locate all the relatives who might turn up in a search on Ancestry.com. But for most Bahamians alive today, the real history of this country started 49 years ago this week. And understandable as that is, it’s a shame because so much of what remains dates way, way back and by not respecting it, we risk losing it. So here is my open invitation to you. Take a moment and walk with me through what we have that we need to cherish, take a brief look at that which we achieved in less than half a century, be honest about where we went wrong and then ask yourself, what next? What do you want the next 49 years to look like?
WHAT WENT RIGHT
Achieving majority rule followed by independence went right. Bahamians became a proud people showing the world a small black majority island nation could stand on its own two hundred thousand feet. We wore the pride like a badge we had earned and we began a small social safety net called the National Insurance Board. We treasured the water, conch, crawfish and fish and historic buildings. We treated visitors as if we genuinely liked seeing them and wanted to make them feel at home. We gave birth to great musicians and artists whose talents could match those of musicians and artists anywhere. We got freedom of the airwaves. We were respectful and polite, family-oriented and churchgoing. We took parenting seriously and education even more so. We had ambitions we could point to and heroes to look up to. We had hope -- confident that better days lay ahead.
WHAT WENT WRONG
We got greedy and a bit complacent. Resentment of success festered among the poor. Government High was closed, glamourous Nassau Race Week shuttered and rain water cisterns were no longer required. All were too elite. Our work ethic slipped as our desire for easy money and fast results led us down a path of drug-running delirium. Civil servants and would-be gatekeepers built houses that didn’t match their salaries, drove boats and cars that were too expensive for their wallets. A Colombian flag flew over Norman’s Cay, only one Bahamian man swam to the cay, stared down the
By Diane Phillips unknown enemy and dared them to shoot, a signature moment that caught the attention of the world press. Shamed, we cleaned up our act but left a lost generation in its wake. After 25 years of a single prime minister, we elected a new face and promises of transparency, accountability and productivity. Islands were electrified, utilities improved, local government introduced in the Family Islands though without the right to tax and make autonomous decisions. After years of patience, we began flip-flopping governments like we were flipping pancakes. No government was given a fair chance to get every promise they made come true. Every government vowed sweeping change though despite valiant efforts none could find a broom large enough. Our DNA seemed to take on a new trait called slackness, pride in providing service gave way to a sense of entitlement. We just weren’t as particular as we once were and it showed in the growing shabbiness of our dress and our buildings. Cars and tennis shoes got fancier, attire shorter and sloppier, manners less mannerly. Women did the heavy lifting and took home the lowest salaries. Some women married foreigners only to discover that the children of their union may not be Bahamian.
WHAT NEXT
Here’s what we’ve learned. An agenda that is too ambitious is one that can and will be held against you in the court of public opinion. Until we overcome the five-year mentality, setting clearly specified goals and ticking them off is all we can hope for. Here are a few of mine: One. Name the waters the Lucayan Sea. The Caribbean is named after the Carib Indians and here we have the most beautiful waters in the world and they have no name, but are simply lumped in with the vast Atlantic Ocean. The waters of the Bahamas deserve an identity. Lucayan Sea pays tribute to the peaceful indigenous people whose peaceful nature could influence our future. Two. Name sailing the national sport of The Bahamas, with sloop sailing taking a key spot but ALL
sailing being the national sport. Hundreds of children and young people participate in sailing programs from prams to Sunfish and even some now aiming for the Olympics. Lasers. Snipes. Stars. 5.5-metres. Three. Introduce real local government with the right to tax and spend accordingly with decisions made by local stakeholders. Four. Name a mayor or general manager for downtown Nassau with responsibilities that include but are not limited to protection of historic structures, appearance of signage and style, managing events, making stakeholders active
and accountable. Five. Ensure that all persons have equal rights and yes, that includes women and children whose educational opportunities and achievements must seriously be addressed whether through better assessment, more teachers, smaller classrooms, requirement for parental involvement or pooling of volunteer time and talent. Six. Continue to restore a culture of farming, building pride in working with the land while increasing food security. Seven. Take guns off the streets through a massive rewards buyback followed by enhanced patrols of every vessel and aircraft arriving on the island with trained gun detection dogs. Eight. Create as many marine protected areas as needed to preserve marine resources. Introduce a closed season for every species, including conch. Nine. Name a
physical places board of professionals who, among other responsibilities, tackles the revolting explosion of signage that clutters our views and despoils beaches, parks and public spaces. Ten. Map an agenda for ease of doing business including faster response time, capacity building for skills especially in the trades, continuing transformative style of public service from seniority to performance ranking. Eleven. Revive and renew the National Development Plan, including advance preparation for natural disaster mitigation, forbidding new construction in low-lying coastal or flood prone areas. Twelve. Vow to end the them and us mentality, bringing to life alla’wee through volunteerism, pulling people from behind the gates to get behind the cause they wish to support. Resentment and anger fade when sun shines
in and hands unite in a common cause. Thirteen. Try something dramatic, like suggesting that MPs must reside in the area they represent to better understand their constituents’ needs. OK, good luck with that. Your list may be very different from mine and you may believe that much of what hinders us now is our own blasted stubbornness and desire to blame whatever is wrong on someone else then expect government to fix it. Whatever you feel, there is no place like The Bahamas when you weigh what went wrong with what went right and figure out what you want next. Just take a look at that Lucayan Sea or Montagu Bay or Moriah Harbour in Exuma or Calabash Bay in Long Island and think what a wonderful world this is and how fortunate we are to be in this place on its 49th birthday.
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THE TRIBUNE
‘I feel being a Bahamian represents resilience. The story of our independence and what got us to where we are now, I just feel proud. I’m proud of the talent that comes out of our country, the wealth of knowledge that we have.’ STERMON ROLLE
‘I am proud to be a Bahamian because we have some of the most creative people in the world. The world marks the manner of our bearing, in our music, in our actors, in our entertainers, in our food culture and in our history.’ BODINE JOHNSON
E B O T
‘Festivals and fun and the freedom to be myself, music and dancing, the innate movements of my body, the food, the cuisine, mmm tantalising my palate, my words, my speech, the things I say buey, muddasick all this for me is what it means to be Bahamian.’ EBONY BAHAMAS
D U O N R A I P M A
H A B
WHY are you proude to be a Bahamian? That’s the question put to a host of Bahamians - artists, influencers, movers and shakers by the Independence Secretariat in collaboration with Fincastle Media Group. Here are some of their responses - highlighting arts, food, culture, the beauty of our nation, and more.
‘It doesn’t matter where you go in the world, you’ll never find a group of people who speak like we do, that cook like we do, that express themselves in the way that Bahamians do. You can’t find any music like Bahamian music or any group of people that dance like Bahamians dance when it comes to Junkanoo or anything.’ BETHONY MCDERMOTT
‘Have you ever been to Junkanoo? That sums it up. The proudest member of One Family stands before you to say I’m not only proud about Junkanoo but I’m proud about the Bahamian camaraderie.’ K DARRON TURNQUEST
‘Our culture is so unique, down to our food, our festivals, our people and our beautiful country - there is no place like The Bahamas.’ CODY FOUNTAIN
‘I am proud to be a Bahamian because of how creative we are... there’s so many genres of talent we have. We’re also extremely funny, I love that Bahamian people can find a joke in absolutely everything.’ KAI JASMINE
‘I’m proud to be a Bahamian because of the strong, industrious people we are.’ MIMI EVANS
‘I am proud to be a Bahamian because you’re seen mostly as the underdog... you always root for the underdog to beat the person on top. I feel like The Bahamas is that in a way... I’m proud to be a Bahamian because it pushes me to do better and be more creative.’ CHRISTIAN ADAM
‘I am proud to be a Bahamian because I realise that this is the big, big modern history for the Western hemisphere that started here in The Bahamas. If you’ve lived here as long as I have, it’s such a beautiful and interesting place... it’s just the most wonderful place in the world.’ SKEEBO ROBERTS
‘Our culture is so strong, our music, our food, everything is just wonderful. And guess what, nowhere, no one can compare to our beautiful waters. We are The Bahamas and I am proud to be a Bahamian.’ STACY-ANN CAMPBELL MARSHALL
THE TRIBUNE
Friday, July 8, 2022, PAGE 5
Independence celebrations back in style By LEANDRA ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter lrolle@tribunemedia.net AFTER two years of scaled back events due to COVID-19, the Bahamas Independence anniversary celebrations is now back in full swing, with all the pomp and pageantry. The 49th Bahamas Independence anniversary celebrations, held under the theme “Proud to be a Bahamian”, officially kicked off July 1, with the traditional flag-raising ceremonies throughout the country. The day saw residents from all walks of life being adorned in aquamarine, yellow and black clothing, demonstrating their love and loyalty to the country. Celebrations continued on July 2, which was
deemed the National Day of Community service. In honour of the event, some Bahamians participated in community clean-up efforts, blood drives among others in the spirit of togetherness. Among them was Seabreeze MP Leslia Miller-Brice, who organised a community initiative in her constituency. “As we gear up to celebrate our Nation’s Independence, a community clean-up was an excellent way to show our national pride not only for our country but within our community,” she wrote on social media after the event. “Having a clean, upkept benefits all members of the community. Keeping our neighbourhood tidy can have a big impact on the
community, as well as the environment.” Other festive events held in honour of this year’s celebrations included the Bahamas Independence Beat Retreat, which took place in Rawson’s Square July 3. The event featured lively performances from the Royal Bahamas Police Force Band, the Royal Bahamas Defence Force band, Bishop Lawrence Rolle aka “the Singing Bishop” and others. Hundreds attended the event and were serenaded to festive music and other fun entertainment. Other celebrations included a national day of wellness, which was observed July 6, in an effort to promote a healthier Bahamas.
OFFICERS during this year’s Beat Retreat as part of the Independence celebrations. Poto: Austin Fernander
LESLIA MillerBrice MP
Mrs Miller-Brice, who is also the co-chair of the National Independence Secretariat, also announced several planned events to be held in the days ahead in honour of this year’s independence celebrations, including the return of junkanoo. “For the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic, Bahamians on the occasion of our 49th anniversary of independence will share in the traditional independence celebration in true Bahamian and style under the theme ‘Proud to be a Bahamian’,” she said. “On July 10, the eve of independence, a cultural explosion and flag raising ceremony will take place at the historic Clifford Park. The official announcement of national honours recipients will be made by Sir Cornelius Smith the Governor General on July 10. Also, on July, 10, there is a
A FACE OF THE FUTURE - KELVIN IS NEW JUNIOR TOURISM MINISTER By CARA HUNT cbrennen@tribunemedia.net
AS THE new Junior Minister of Tourism, Kelvin Archer is passionate about his country and ensuring its future not just for the country’s number one industry, but for Bahamians who call this country home. Kelvin who attends St Anne’s was appointed to the role after earning first place in a nationwide contest of grade 11 students. He had to go through two rounds of competitions, including an intense interview segment as well as present a speech on the topic “Diversifying Domestic Tourism: Enhancing the experience.” Each of the runners-up will serve as junior directors of tourism on their various islands. “I wasn’t sure I wanted to participate in the contest when I first heard about it, because I was not a tourism student , but then when I heard about all the facets of the programme, I realised that it was a great opportunity, it was a long stressful process, but it was extremely worthwhile” he said, Kelvin’s role as junior minister will be to work closely with Ministry of Tourism officials offering advice and inspiration from a youthful perspective. He will also have the opportunity to travel and represent the country at a Caribbean Tourism Organisation conference later this year where he will join and compete with other junior ministers from around the region. The Junior Minister of Tourism programme was launched in 2002 to promote awareness of the country’s number one
KELVIN ARCHER industry among high school students. And as the country celebrates independence, Kelvin says he is excited to play a role in advancing the country in whatever way he can. “Being Bahamian is a major part of my identity I have a passion and pride for being a Bahamian. I love everything about our country from the music and the food to the culture. I can’t imagine calling anywhere else home.” He said that part of expressing love for the country is preserving it not just as a tourist destination but for future generations to call home as well. “In this current climate, it is very important that we focus on sustainability and this is an area where it really needs everyone not just the youth in the country to be a part and a make an effort, he said. “We know that we have the sun and the sand and the sea but we need to ensure that we protect that. You don’t want a tourist to be walking along the beach
and then cut their foot on trash, and we as Bahamians should not want to see trash either. There are things that make a big difference, but they don’t take a lot to do. We have to protect the resources that give us dominance in the tourism market.” Kelvin also said that educating young Bahamians about their country is vital so that they can have an appreciation for their country and its history which they can of course pass along to visitors. And looking toward the future, Kelvin says that technology can play a vital role in the advancement of the tourism product through the use of artificial intelligence and other advancements. “Our young people can use technology to expand the tourism industry through markets like sports tourism agro-tourism and eco-tourism,” he said. Kelvin would like to study zoology - perhaps another way he can help to build his country.
49
dynamic gospel explosion planned for Clifford park featuring various gospel artists and choirs.” “This is one you don’t want to miss and not to be left out of any Bahamian celebration, my all-time favourite – the people’s junkanoo love and unity rush that will take place on Monday, July 11, which is observed as our official holiday. Junkanoo is back. A national independent state reception will also take place at Monday evening at BahaMar convention centre.” “I also wish to advise that no link in the Bahamian chain will be left out of these celebrations. Every island in The Bahamas will be apart or organised events. We are also happy to facilitate opportunities for our local and family island vendors to capitalise on business opportunities linked to the celebrations.”
WEBSITE READERS HAVE SAY ON FUTURE OF NATION
ON tribune242.com, we asked readers what their hopes were for the future of the nation. Godson hoped for unity: “For there to be a general sense of belonging and unity among the citizens of The Bahamas. Howbeit, this may call for a political and social revolution. “Secondly, for there to be a general but truthful understanding, and declaration, as to whether or not we are indeed a ‘nation’. “What regional, global or domestic definition truly defines our collective identity? “Whatever the nearest and most precise definition of collective identity that is, be truthful to the people of The Bahamas about what that is.” Dawes said: “Enforcement of the laws already on the books. The country would be much better just by doing that.” Moncurcool had this to say: “For competent leadership in government and civil service, and members of parliament who put people before party.” And there was this from Proguing: “Hoping that the Bahamas can be truly independent and not have its policies dictated by other countries.”
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THE TRIBUNE
A LONG WAY TO GO BUT WORKING TOGETHER CAN TAKE US THERE
By YOURI KEMP Tribune Business Reporter ykemp@tribunemedia.net
A
prominent church leader says that, for him, independence means “freedom” and is a very important and valued right. Rev CB Moss, pastor at Mt Olive Baptist Church, said that while the country is “technically not fully independent,” independence still means “the ability to participate more fully in the decisions on where The Bahamas is going”.
He said: “Unfortunately, many Bahamians are not utilising it in the best way. And so, for me, independence means taking advantage of all of these opportunities and being responsible for the full application of these advantages. In other words, we need to be more accountable for the implementation of policies and actions that will move The Bahamas forward and as we approach our 50th anniversary of independence next year, this is even more critical.”
The country cannot continue to operate in “silos” where people are off doing their own thing, there needs to be more “interaction” between the people, Rev Moss urged. He said: “So, the fact that we are independent, still does not benefit us the way it should, because there are various areas in our society we are not a part of whether by choice or by just outside decision.” He continued: “But we need to come together as a country. I am disappointed that there is not more
REV CB Moss says we need to unite and work together as a country for the common good.
REV CB Moss and Mrs Francisca Moss. unity, not more interaction between the various sectors. I mean the make-up of our society, the racial makeup, the economic make-up, the religious make-up, we seem to still be functioning as separate entities and that will not benefit The Bahamas to the extent that it could and should because we are still functioning in a very divisive way.”
‘WE’VE DONE WELL IN CERTAIN AREAS, WE MUST BE MINDFUL THAT WHEN IT COMES TO THE DEVELOPMENT OF A SOCIETY OF A PEOPLE, 49 YEARS IS STILL A SHORT TIME BECAUSE SOCIETIES DEVELOP AT A SNAIL’S PACE IN TIME, EVEN THOUGH STRIDES WOULD BE MADE, BUT WE COULD DO BETTER. I PREFER TO VIEW OUR PROGRESS AGAINST OUR POTENTIAL AS OPPOSED TO MEASURING IT BY SOME NON-DEFINED YARDSTICK.’ — REV CB MOSS
REV CB Moss has called for more unity and more interaction between the various sectors of Bahamian society - young and not so young. Independence should provide a way for all sectors of the country to “come together” and hurdle over these class and racial barriers. “While there will always be differences, we need to work within the framework of unity to minimise these differences and where we can minimise them to accommodate them and live with them,” he said. “The country has come a long way within the last 49 years despite having much more to do and we have to keep that in mind. “Developed countries didn’t have success overnight with settling into a social structure that provided for stability. “Ancient civilisations like those in China and some parts of Western Europe have been at nation building for millennia and have had many revolutions since they identified their nationhood.” Rev Moss added: “We’ve done well in certain areas,
we must be mindful that when it comes to the development of a society of a people, 49 years is still a short time because societies develop at a snail’s pace in time, even though strides would be made, but we could do better. “I prefer to view our progress against our potential as opposed to measuring it by some nondefined yardstick. “Have we achieved what we could have and should have and have we benefitted as much as we could and should have for the past 49 years, to me, that’s the question? And in that regard, my response would be, okay, yes. “But we could have done better and rather than looking back in any final way, I say we should use the last 49 years to assist us in moving forward so that the next 50 years would be even better for our people, because at the end of the day, that’s what it’s all about.”
THE TRIBUNE
Friday, July 8, 2022, PAGE 7
‘The changes we would like to see’ By JADE RUSSELL jrussell@tribunemedia.net AS The Bahamas’ 49th year of independence quickly approaches, citizens reflect on the social and economic changes they would like to see. On July 10, 1973, The Bahamas became an independent country and was removed under British rule. The road to sovereignty and freedom was not easy however it opened many doors for the new generation of Bahamians. Some residents told The Tribune what their wish was for the country as it celebrates another year of independence. One person said: “I would really like to see more leadership because everyone saying there is leaders, but they are not representing themselves as leaders. “From Pindling died we’ve came
across different leaders, and everyone has their own way of leading. But I think that they should have a standard.” Aubrey Hanchell, 83, said: “My wish is for us to respect our seniors and do the right thing towards them. Especially for myself, as a senior police officer and a first marine of the country they didn’t treat me good at all. They don’t respect me. I’m the one who brought the first set of women onto the Royal Bahamas police force. I think I should be saluted for my contributions and what I did.” Another resident, Lenox Major, 47, responded he would like to see a decrease in crime in the country. Major stressed there is a lot of social
issues that should be addressed. In the past, there has been a debate if The Bahamas is fully “independent” since it still has ties with the British monarchy. Moranda Williams, 37, opposed the country being independent. “We still have to answer to England. If we makeup our own laws, then we can call ourselves an independent country,” she said. Despite, The Bahamas celebrating a milestone in its independence respondents said there are still social and economical developments to be made. Samia Sturrup, 21, said: “I would like to see more protection for women. Mostly, if a woman comes into complain I want her to be taken seriously, I feel like that’s an issue within our country. Also, I will like for there to be more advancements in the government buildings we SAMIA Sturrup shouldn’t still and Franklyn have to be Ferguson using paper for voter’s cards.” Aresino Cooper, 30, added: “I want us citizens to have a real voice; I want the politicians to talk more than just during election time. I want them to figure out what we need in our communities to
KEEPING UP A SWEET TRADITION By EARYEL BOWLEG Tribune Staff Reporter ebowleg@tribunemedia.net
OLDER than an independent Bahamas, Mortimer Candies is a “sweet Bahamian tradition” as their slogan puts it. Cayle Mortimer, the company’s president and general manager said the company has stood the test of time. Mr Mortimer’s great grandfather started the company back in 1928, but he was making candy before that in Inagua where he was born. He came to Nassau and was then encouraged to go off and learn the proper way to manufacture candy. “Upon doing that returning from New York where he went to get the education, he opened the company in 1928,” Mr Mortimer said. “We’ve had about four different locations but we’ve been on this East Street location since the early 40s.” Today, the establishment is a famous Bahamian company that is known and loved among the young and old. “We like the fact that we can still provide the country with the products. We consider our candy a gourmet candy because everything
is still handmade. We have two machines, a wrapping machine and a stretching pulling machine. That’s it. Everything is done by hand.” A part from being a local favourite, the shop has served up the sweet treats to some big names. “We have pictures in the front (of the store) of the Duke and Duchess of Windsor when they came to do a tour here. We’ve had foreign diplomats. We’ve had actors. We’ve had sports icons. We’ve had Sir Sidney Poitier.” Mr Mortimer took charge of the family business at just 22 and says he is honoured that his family allowed him to manage it. “I didn’t know anything about candy making before coming here. I knew basic knowledge of how to run a business but it varies because of the different types of business. But it was a good experience,” he admitted. “I think I’m doing a good job. I have been running the business for the past 22 years. I’m proud that my family, they have allowed me to manage the company all this time and I hope that I’m doing well by them.” They have endured much of the shocks of the Bahamian economy and continue
to navigate the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. “It’s not many of the Bahamian businesses left. I think (it’s just) us and Milo Butler still left. You have the Kelly’s but those are more of a larger scale. As far as small businesses, a lot of them died out during the pandemic.” He said while people claim they are proud to be Bahamian, there seemed to be a disconnect in showing support for local businesses. “The problem is with us Bahamians is we always look for a discount when we go into these small businesses but we wouldn’t walk into Kelly’s and ask them (for a) discount. So, that’s the problem when it comes to Bahamian support.” This independence holiday, Mr Mortimer said nothing screams national pride more than being decked out in the color of the flag and for Mortimer’s this means making Bahamian flag coloured candies. “It actually came about when the US Embassy asked me to make a red, white, and blue for them. I said if I can do it for them, I can do it the following week for ours. (It) used to be a yearly item, only around Independence, but it grew to the point where as we do it all year round now.”
better them. Simply by just coming around more often and knocking on our doors to see what people actually need.” Another resident, Elbethal Mackey, 59, said she would like to see more done to encourage young persons to come back to The Bahamas after they have finished their educational studies abroad. Mackey explained some persons don’t come back because they start families or feel there is a lack of opportunities. The lack of job opportunities in the country has been a major concerned in recent years. The availability of jobs has been affected by The Bahamas’ top industry being tourism. Franklyn Ferguson, 73, argued there has been so much focused in the tourism industry rather than a concentration on farming. “It is important for the country to be able to sustain and feed itself, “Mr Ferguson stressed. On the other hand, The Bahamas being a Christian nation, some residents asked for the government to seek more guidance from
the truly become local our brother’s churches. ELBETHAL keeper,” Wendy One person Mackey Nixon, 58, said. exclaimed the and Aubrey In spite of the country cannot Hanchell call for changes in succeed without the country, there God and prayer no were other respondmatter if we call ourents who argued the Davis selves independent. “I wish that a lot of us administration is doing will come back into God’s a good job developing care. We have to pray more The Bahamas. Two straw because a lot of things are vendors both said the govhappening. So, my defi- ernment in their view had nite wish for our nation made tremendous strides is for us just to learn how since reopening the straw to love one another and market.
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THE TRIBUNE
Independence
Events Guide
Thursday, July 7-11, 7pm Babe Ruth Caribbean International Championships Opening Thomas A Robinson National Stadium - Official Opening #repyourcolors #celebratebahamas #proudtobebahamian
Friday, July 8 Represent your Bahamian Colors Share images and videos wearing your Bahamian Colors #celebratebahamas #proudtobebahamian
Saturday, July 9, 8pm-midnight Ecumenical Service & Flag Raising Ceremony The annual National Flag Raising ceremony preceded by an Ecumenical Service and March Past display by all uniform branches. The Governor-General CA Smith and his wife, Prime Minister and Philip “Brave” Davis and Ann Marie Davis will attend.
Sunday, July 10 Official Announcement of Recipients of National Honours Governor General CA Smith will announce recipients of the 2022 National Honours.
Saturday, July 9, 6am
Friday, July 8
Fun Health Walk, refreshments at basketball court
Flag raising ceremony, administrative complex
Saturday, July 9, 11.45pm
Saturday, July 9
Flag raising ceremony/Junkanoo rushout, administrator complex
Rum Cay Monday, July 11, 9am
Ecumenical church service, Sir Milo Butler Park
Monday, July 11, noon-11pm
Fun day and grill out, Sir Milo Butler Park Exuma and Ragged Island District
Exuma Mainland Friday, July 8
Pride Day flag raising ceremony
Sunday, July 10
Harbour Island
Monday, July 11
8pm Cultural night, Fig Tree, Bay Street, with fire dancers and Junkanoo rushout
South Andros
8pm Live Entertainment, Fig Tree, Bay Street, with The Brylanders, Eardley and The Hogheads
11am Ecumenical church service, Mispah Baptist Church, Nicoll’s Town Family fun day, Regatta Village, Morgan’s Bluff
Friday, July 8
National flag day, T-shirt/national colours
Saturday, July 9
Friday, July 8
Sunday, July 10
Pride Day flag raising ceremony
Sunday, July 10
Independence church service
11am Ecumenical church service, Friendship Baptist
Monday, July 11
Sunday, July 10, 7pm Independence Gospel Explosion
Monday, July 11 Family fun day
6am Fun Run Walk, High Rock graveyard to the Bluff Regatta Site Noon-8pm Family fun day
The National Secretariat will host a Grand Gospel Concert at Clifford Park featuring the best of Gospel Songs and Praises.
Black Point
San Salvador
Monday, July 11, midnight to 6am People’s Junkanoo Love & Unity Rush The Junkanoo Development Association will coordinate the People’s Junkanoo Love & Unity Rush. All Junkanoo Groups will participate, and several Junkanoo Icons will be honoured. Venue: Rawson/ Parliament Squares.
Monday, July 11, 6pm State Reception A state reception will be held at Baha Mar Resort, Cable Beach (By Invitation Only).
Thursday, July 14, 7pm-9pm Folk Dance and Drum Show A display of drum rhythm and dance of The Bahamas at Fort Charlotte.
Friday, July 15 Support A Bahamian Artisan Day Represent your Straw
Friday, July 8
Independence church service
Saturday, July 10
Ecumenical service and cultural show
Sunday, July 10
Independence church service
Monday, July 11 Family fun day
Staniel Cay Friday, July 8
Pride day flag raising ceremony
Sunday, July 10
Independence church service
Monday, July 10 Family fun day
Ragged Island Friday, July 8
Pride day flag raising ceremony
Sunday, July 10
Saturday, July 9
10.30am Slippery pole at public dock 7pm Celebration at public park
Farmer’s Cay
Ecumenical service and cultural show
Spanish Wells
Cultural show, police drill, flag raising and singing of national anthem, fireworks at Regatta Village, Morgan’s Bluff
Noon-6pm Goombay Festival (Ministry of Tourism) 6pm-11pm Heritage Festival (Ministry of Tourism) 11pm-12.30pm Flag raising ceremony (fireworks)
Saturday, July 10
3pm Ecumenical church service, Zion Baptist Church, Murphy Town, Abaco
Friday, July 8
6pm Bonfire/Bahamian storytelling, business and home decoration competition
Saturday, July 9
10pm Ecumenical church service and flag raising ceremony, Almond Tree Park
Monday, July 11
6am Walkathon, Almond Tree Park 8am Fishing tournament 12pm-2pm Independence family fun day picnic, volleyball final, backgammon and dominoes tournament
Mayaguana Saturday, July 9
10pm Ecumenical church service, Zion Baptist Church, Abraham’s Bay Midnight Flag raising ceremony and fireworks
Sunday, July 10
3pm Honorees service, Public Well Shack Park, Abraham’s Bay
Monday, July 11
Friday, July 8
Saturday, July 9
Sunday, July 10
3pm Basketball/softball jamboree, softball field
Monday, July 11
5pm onwards Down by the Bay celebrations, Fig Tree, Bay Street, with fireworks and music
Matthew Town, Inagua Saturday, July 9
10.30am Ecumenical church service, administrator’s complex
Sunday, July 10
6pm Gospel concert, Homecoming site
Monday, July 11
Family fun day, Independence market place
Mangrove Cay Friday, July 8
National flag day, T-shirt/national colours
Saturday, July 9
10.30am-11.30am Best decorated car competition, administrator’s complex 11.30am-noon Independence motorcade Noon-6pm Games and competitions 8pm-12.30am Flag raising ceremony and fireworks
Sunday, July 10
1am Ecumenical church service, All Believers Church
Bimini & The Cays Friday, July 8
National flag day
Saturday, July 9
9.30pm Pre-Independence service, flag raising, fireworks, George W Weech Complex, including parade from govt clinic to complex with Bimini Community Band
Share images and videos of your straw show, bags, belts #repyourstraw #celebratebahamas #proudtobebahamian
Independence church service
1pm-7pm Sports Day, Public Well Shack Park, Abraham’s Bay
Berry Islands
Tuesday, July 12
Ecumenical church service
Friday, July 15, 7pm-9pm Couture and Culture Show
Saturday, July 9
South Eleuthera
Noon-6pm Family fun day, beachside across from George W Weech Complex
A fashion presentation of popular and upcoming fashion on the Ivy Dumont Building grounds (Ministry of Education).
Saturday, July 16, 8am-7pm Bahamas Cook Off Festival A culinary competition to name the best chef of various dishes at Fort Charlotte.
FAMILY ISLAND EVENTS Green Turtle Cay Friday, July 8, 7pm
Ecumenical church service, the basketball court
9pm Cultural show at Christopher Roberts Park 11.55pm Flag raising ceremony 12.00am Fireworks display
Sunday, July 10
11am Ecumenical church service, Emmanuel Baptist Disciple Centre, High Rock
Monday, July 11
11am Family beach picnic at Dannenberg Beach North Eleuthera, Lower Bogue Homecoming Site
Saturday, July 9
9pm Independence Ecumenical church service and flag raising ceremony 12.01am Fireworks display and Junkanoo rushout
Monday, July 11
11am Crazy sports and fun day 4pm Cultural show
North Andros
Clean-up initiative
Saturday, July 9
Sunday, July 10
Monday, July 11
Central Eleuthera
3pm Native food stalls and Bahamian music, Rock Sound 9pm Ecumenical church service 11pm Cultural segment 11.48pm Performance by Royal Bahamas Youth Corp 11.55pm National anthem and flag raising Midnight Cutting of independence cake, plus fireworks and Junkanoo rushout
7pm Cultural show, Governor’s Harbour 9pm Ecumenical service, march past, fireworks, Junkanoo rushout
Central Abaco
6pm Pride Day
Friday, July 8
11am-7pm Basketball tournament, Cooper’s Town basketball court
Saturday, July 9
11am onwards Basketball championship 3pm onwards Cultural festivities Best decorated office competition, government complex Until midnight Flag raising and cultural extravaganza, government complex
Sunday, July 10
Saturday, July 9
Long Island Friday, July 8 Saturday, July 9
Fun day and culture show, The Cultural Site, Salt Pond Midnight Flag raising ceremony and fireworks
Sunday, July 10
11am Ecumenical church service, St Athanasius Anglican Church
Monday, July 11
8am Fish Fry and Mini Regatta, Clarence Town Dock
THE TRIBUNE
Friday, July 8, 2022, PAGE 9
JASRADO “Jazz” Chisholm Jr, left, and Lucius Fox had historic 2022 seasons for the Miami Marlins and Washington Nationals respectively. Both players were the product of the local academy system. After a 28-year gap between Will Culmer and Antoan Richardson, Chisholm made his debut just nine years after Richardson on September 1, 2020. Fox would debut just two years later.
In 1973, baseball ‘pressed young athletes into roles as authentic Bahamian ambassadors’ By RENALDO DORSETT Tribune Sports Reporter rdorsett@tribunemedia.net
O
stensibly, 1973 is considered a year of great transformation in The Bahamas because of the country’s birth as an independent nation. It was also a transformative time for a sport that experienced early success but faded to relative obscurity. In 1973, baseball was a sport that pressed young athletes into roles as authentic Bahamian ambassadors, at a time when people were still grasping the concept of what a Bahamian was. As we celebrate the country’s 49th independence, it continues to fill that role today. Just months after the Bahamian flag was raised for the first time on July 10, 1973, both Ed Armbrister and Wenty Ford made their respective debuts in Major League Baseball. Armbrister made his debut for the Cincinanati Reds on August 31, 1973 while Ford made his debut for the Atlanta Braves on September 10, 1973. It would be 49 years until a pair of Bahamians would play simultaneously in the MLB again when Jazz Chisholm Jr of the Miami Marlins and Lucius Fox of the Washington Nationals accomplished the feat in 2022. Sportswriters often use the “sports as a mirror to society” trope and against the backdrop of Independence, we can use these milestone years to mark how baseball has developed since the Bahamas’ infancy as an independent nation. San Salvador native, Ormond Sampson, is technically the first Bahamian to play in the Major Leagues since the baseball establishment did its best to cleanse a history stained by racism. In 2020, the MLB announced that Sampson and 3,400 players from the Negro Leagues would be considered Major Leaguers and elevated to MLB status. Retroactively, Sampson, who played from 19321941, became the first… but Andre Rodgers was the catalyst. Any Bahamian baseball historian will tell you that Rodgers’ sustained success in the MLB ushered in a “golden era” for the development of the sport in the country. Rodgers, the first Bahamian to play in the MLB, debuted in 1957 and played in 854 games over 11 seasons with the Giants, Cubs and Pirates. At the time
MIAMI Marlins’ second baseman Jasrado “Jazz” Chisholm Jr in action.
ED ARMBRISTER
WENTY FORD
JAZZ CHISHOLM JR
LUCIUS FOX
ANTOAN RICHARDSON
ANDRE RODGERS
TONY CURRY
WILL CULMER
of Rodgers’ retirement in 1967 he was joined in the majors by Tony Curry (1960-66) and within a few years they were followed in the Bahamian history books by Ford (1973), Armbrister (1973-77), and Will Culmer (1983). It wasn’t just the MLB. There was a preponderance of Bahamians dispersed across the minor leagues, highlighted by Astros prospect Jayson Moxey who became the Most Valuable Player in the Southern League (Double A) in 1973. And then, the bottom fell out.
Following Culmer, no Bahamian would appear on a major league roster for the next 28 years. Nearly 30 years of possible growth and development were non-existent as the country faded from international baseball relevance. Track and field, basketball, and other sports rose to prominence in the country, and other Caribbean nations developed into powerhouses. Osvaldo Virgil Sr was the first Dominican-born player in the MLB and his career length nearly mirrored Rodgers (19561969). After their playing
careers, the baseball paths of both countries went in opposite directions. Since then, the Dominican Republic has become the hub of all international baseball development programmes and 99 Dominicans appeared on MLB opening day rosters in 2022 alone. In the days of Virgil and Rodgers, MLB clubs were mining talent in any remote locations to gain an advantage, but the system has changed. The quaint anecdotal stories of discovery have been replaced by systematic approaches to scouting
and recruiting from the youth level all the way to the majors. While the game thrives locally, the Bahamas got left behind at the professional level during that 30-year timespan as the rest of the world advanced. Local youth organisations like the Freedom Farm Baseball League and the Junior Baseball League of Nassau led the resurgence by developing talent at the ground level. The line of demarcation that emerged from this new generation was the class of Freedom Farm products that were afforded
scholarship opportunities to American Heritage High School in Delray Beach, Florida. The trio of Antoan Richardson, Geron Sands, and Greg Burrows Jr would go on to change the course of Bahamian baseball history forever. Richardson was one that reached the apex of the game at the professional level. He ended The Bahamas drought in major league talent when he made his debut in 2011 with the Atlanta Braves. He would appear in 22 Major League games from 2011-14. In his post playing career, Richardson made another first in Bahamian history when he became the first base coach of the San Francisco Giants. Sands and Burrows got as far as independent baseball but their impact would be felt in developing the next generation of Bahamian talent. Sands’ International Elite Sports Academy and Burrows’ Maximum Development Academy have adapted to the modern model of baseball recruitment and have exposed young Bahamians to a path to professional baseball with a frequency not seen since the early 1970s. Each organisation has produced such high quality levels of talent on the field that clubs return to The Bahamas on an annual basis to find the next generation of Bahamian stars. Names like Tahnaj Thomas, Chavez Young, Chavez Fernander and a host of others are all on the path to joining the list of players vying to be the 10th Bahamian major leaguer. This brings us back to Fox, Chisholm and their historic 2022 season. Both players were the product of the local academy system. After a 28-year gap between Culmer and Richardson, Chisholm made his debut just nine years after Richardson on September 1, 2020. Fox would debut just two years later. There are currently 27 Bahamians in the minor league baseball system, others in independent leagues and the aforementioned academies produce annual signees that continue to add to the total of players just steps away from the major leagues. Baseball in The Bahamas has experienced its share of ebbs and flows but it is projected for a bright future with a sustainable youth programme, academies directing the next generation to higher education and the professional ranks and, most notably, the inspiration of a budding superstar like Chisholm on the field.
PAGE 10, Friday, July 8, 2022
Celebrating National Pride Day
R U O N I E D I TAKING PR N O I T A N D N A ISL
PROUD TO BE BAHAMIAN - The National Independence Secretariat has kicked off the 49th Independence celebrations under the theme: “Proud to Be Bahamian”. In an effort to promote pride and unity throughout the Commonwealth of The Bahamas, Bahamians are urged to wear the national colours of aquamarine, gold and black. Here, proud Bahamians take part in the celebration of National Pride Day on July 1.
THE TRIBUNE