WASHINGTON, D.C. — Chala M. Cartwright of The Bahama Consulate in Miami posted a collection of photos on Facebook on Monday, June 12, 2023, that we decided to share with readers of BAHAMAS CHRONICLE, which has a huge following among Bahamians in the diaspora across the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom and, of course, The Bahamas and the wider Caribbean. The photos were posted with the following narrative:
“Miami/Bahamas Goombay 2023 is a wrap! A huge thank you to the City of Miami and the organizing committee led by Mrs. VonCarol Kinchens-Williams, for honoring Bahamians in South Florida who are making a difference. We also want to thank them for their acts of kindness and hospitality shown to visiting vendors from the island of Grand Bahama. May God continue to bless your efforts! We’re looking forward to next year.”
EDITOR’S NOTE: The Coconut Grove Bahamian Goombay Festival started back in 1977 to recognize the Bahamians who not only lived in Coconut Grove, but helped to build and incorporate the City of Miami. Bahamian who settled in Coconut Grove and Overtown wanted to have a Festival in Miami to recognize their heritage, so Goombay in Coconut Grove was created.
This year’s festival, held over two days (Saturday, June 10, to Sunday, June 11) was in celebration of The Bahamas’ 50th anniversary of independence from Great Britain. featured live entertainment, lots of food and, of course, a Junkanoo rush. This is also the 50th year of Independence for the Bahamas.
