BAHAMAS CHRONICLE EDITOR’S NOTE: First Lady Ann Marie Davis shared an extensive collection of photos on Facebook today and I absolutely had to select a cross-section of them to share with readers of my Washington, D.C. – based online publication, BAHAMAS CHRONICLE, which has a huge following among the Bahamian diaspora across the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom as well as in The Bahamas and the wider Caribbean. The First Lady shared the 51 photos with the following narrative:
NASSAU, Bahamas, July 9, 2024 — Under the Patronage of Prime Minister Davis and Mrs. Davis, The Ministry of Housing and Urban Renewal along with the Royal Bahamas Police Force presented Battle of The Bands, under the theme, “Unleashing Sounds through Music in Peace, Love and Unity.”
The purpose was to launch the National Crime Prevention and Youth Empowerment Urban Renewal Bands, where young persons throughout the Commonwealth of The Bahamas have joined forces together as one unified Band representing all of the positive and beautiful things going on with our nation’s youth through the Universal Language of Music.
During her speech, Mrs. Davis encouraged the bands to “strike a note for Conflict Resolution, strike another note for Peace on The Streets, play your melodious sounds for love and peace in the families….”
This program was through the vision of Commissioner of Police Clayton Fernander and Prime Minister Davis. These UR Bands are part of a multi-disciplinary program.
One Band, One Sound!!
Presently, there are seven Crime Prevention and Youth Empowerment Community Bands throughout the islands of The Bahamas, inclusive of Abaco, Cat Island, Eleuthera, Exuma, Grand Bahama, New Providence and San Salvador.
Another seven Crime Prevention and Youth Empowerment Urban Renewal Bands are expected to commence during the Fall 2024 School Semester, comprising of Acklins, Andros, Berry Islands, Bimini, Long Island and Mayaguana and Inagua.
Congratulations to Chief Supt Theodore Campbell, Commander & National Director, Urban Renewal Crime Prevention &Youth Empowerment Bands.
Had to leave due to an emergency, so I didn’t hear the final three bands, which I will make up for.
In my books, every band was a winner, unique, sweet-sounding and boss moves. Well Done. Looking forward to next year.
