By OSWALD T. BROWN
WASHINGTON, D.C., June 8, 2020 – My online publication BAHAMAS CHRONICLE did not exist when my Facebook Memories today was published on the website of the Embassy of The Bahamas in Washington, D.C. five years ago on this day, June 8, 2015 when I was Press, Cultural Affairs and Information Manager at Embassy for four-plus years before the change of government in The Bahamas in May of 2017. It is a first-hand account by Atlanta-based Ms. Justine Norman Boyd that I asked her to write on her visit to The Bahamas for that year’s Bahamas Junkanoo Carnival.
I thought I would share Ms. Boyd’s account of her “Bahamas experience” with readers of BAHAMAS CHRONICLE, not only because it provides me with another opportunity to promote the services that I provide through my public relations company THE BROWN AGENCY LLC, which publishes BAHAMAS CHRONICLE that was launched three years ago after my diplomatic tenure at the Embassy ended. Ms. Boyd’s article also provides some evidence of why The Bahamas is one of the world’s leading tourist destinations.
BAHAMAS CHRONICLE was started primarily to keep Bahamians and nationals from other Caribbean Community (CARICOM) countries living in the diaspora up-to-date on news from their respective countries, and it has developed a huge following across the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom as well as the wider Caribbean. We have very affordable promotional and advertising rates, for which more information can be obtained by contacting the following email address: oswaldb317@gmail.com.
Since that visit to The Bahamas for Carnival five years ago, apparently Justine Norman Boyd, who has been one of my Facebook friends for several years, has visited The Bahamas on a number of occasions based on posts on Facebook page of her relaxing on the beach of Eleuthera during one of her recent visits to that island. Here’s Ms. Boyd’s account of her memorable visit to The Bahamas for Carnival in June of 2015 that I introduced with a short blurb:
A VISITOR’S VIEW OF CARNIVAL
(If there is any question as to whether the recent Bahamas Junkanoo Carnival was a monumental success, this first-hand experience by Ms. Justine Boyd, Atlanta-based Regional Development Director of the United Negro College Fund (UNCF), should remove all doubt. Ms. Boyd won a VIP package to attend Bahamas Junkanoo Carnival through a partnership between The Bahamas Consulate in Atlanta, The Bahamas Masqueraders and UNCF, which allowed models from the Masqueraders to showcase carnival at the annual Mayors Masked Ball held in Atlanta on December 20, 2014. In the top photo below Consul General Rolle is seen presenting Ms. Boyd with her Carnival Package on Thursday, May 7, and the other photos reflect Ms. Boyd’s Junkanoo Carnival experience.)
By JUSTINE BOYD
ATLANTA, Georgia — The 2015 Bahamas Junkanoo Carnival Festival was a fun-filled unforgettable experience. It started with a delightful flight from Atlanta. Once we stepped off the plane, the excitement in the air was prevalent by the festive music and bold signage throughout the airport.
Upon exiting Customs and Immigration, we were greeted by lively Bahamian music and brightly clad individuals in colorful Junkanoo costumes with lots of helpful information on the festival.
Immediately, we caught a glimpse of our amazing driver and guide Kevin Johnson. We were astonished at his knowledge of everything about The Bahamas, from the island’s history, culture, people and events! I don’t know his official role but he should be a Bahamas Ambassador.
Our first stop was a hidden gem, 1er.Cru, a quaint beautiful, relaxing European wine emporium with an amazing gazebo and gardens. We could not imagine a better way to begin our carnival journey.
Our hotel, the Melia Nassau Beach Resort, was filled with amenities and activities: a lively outdoor bar, two pools, restaurants and lounges, even a Starbucks! Our large and clean room with free wifi — that’s important you know — was comfortable and inviting. The resort staff was incredibly accommodating and catered to our every need. An added bonus was the Daiquiri Shack across from the hotel, serving the most delicious daiquiris and fruit drinks we’ve ever had! Delish!
Later, Mr. Johnson whisked us away for our immersion into the Bahamian culture and laid back lifestyle. We indulged at the Da Fish Fry, a wonderful Bahamian culinary delight with fresh island conch everything, perfectly fried fish, brown rice, slaw and island drinks. It was so yummy we returned a day later for more of the same. Then on to the Junkanoo Festival, music, astonishing costumes all in a vibrant friendly atmosphere.
The party continued at the magnificent Atlantis Resort with some shopping, casinos, a tour of the aquarium, then we danced the day away with the soulful sounds of some of our favorite artists. After a fantastic, culturally enriched and enjoyable day we collapsed into a welcomed, peaceful sleep.
Day two was just as exciting starting with breakfast, exercise and a stroll along the miles and miles of beautiful white sandy beach. To my surprise and in preparation for the evening event, I received a lovely Junkanoo Carnival costume delivered to our room! The majestic Green Parrot Masquerade costume guaranteed to hypnotize with its exotic beauty! What a wonderful way to be part of this tropical paradise experience.
Again, Mr. Johnson did not disappoint and provided us with a guided tour of impressive beachfront properties, introduced us to more local cuisine, Bay Street and prepared us for day of impressive festivities. There were colorful floats, majestic costumes, friendly, vibrant and fun people, amazing food, art, non-stop heart pumping music and parades and stage performances throughout the evening.
Thanks to Bahamas Consul General to Atlanta Randy Rolle for this outstanding opportunity to be part of such memorable event. A special shout out to Mr. Kevin Johnson for sharing his time, knowledge and for providing us with a special insight into the Bahamian culture; he is our new best friend!
