FREEPORT, Grand Bahama, January 18, 2023 – As The Bahamas embarks on the road to its 50th anniversary of Independence, the Grand Bahama Port Authority (GBPA) has extended an invitation to the public “to be a part of culture, history and celebration through our ‘Icons of The City’ renaming initiative.”
In a press release today, the GBPA noted that with project, “GBPA aims to highlight and honor local Grand Bahamian heroes who have paved the way and left a lasting impression in the lives of so many within our communities.”
“GBPA will also be renaming the Churchill Square Downtown to Independence Square, with commemorative artwork that recognizes the ground-breaking contribution of the Founding Fathers of the Constitution of the Bahamas,” the release declared. “The ‘Icons of the City’ street naming initiative, which is the first of many ways GBPA will be celebrating and marking our 50th year of independence, is designed to be an inclusive and interactive experience for all Grand Bahamians.”
Continuing, the release added: “Through the completion of a survey, residents can vote on the ‘icons’ of their choice in renaming two commercial streets. Three prospective icons to be included in the survey are renowned educator, athlete and philanthropist Anita Doherty; esteemed educator and community activist, Cecil Thompson; and one of the great and prominent sports mentors and coaching geniuses, Coach Gladstone “Moon” McPhee. These names were selected for the indelible mark they left on the Grand Bahama community and the proud legacy they created.”
GBPA President Ian Rolle is delighted by this initiative and encourages all Grand Bahamians to participate in the poll and be a part of the decision-making.
“Grand Bahama is the birthplace and home to so many incredible legends who have dedicated their time, talents and lives to bettering our communities, contributing to our economy and molding our future leaders,” Mr. Rolle said. “We at GBPA thought it a landmark moment not only to commemorate those who have passed such as Mrs. Doherty, but to memorialize those icons still among us such as Mr. Thompson and Mr. McPhee by preserving their legacies and ensuring their names are never forgotten. We also wanted to take this opportunity to give downtown Freeport a historical makeover and acknowledge the national trailblazers. We plan to do a huge reveal during Independence month.”
Details on the initiative and instructions on how to participate in the poll can be accessed via newspaper, television, radio, on the GBPA website, via GBPA e-blasts, and on all the Company’s social media platforms.
Mr. Rolle also expressed that the ‘Icons of the City’ renaming initiative is only the starting point of GBPA’s extensive upcoming plans to celebrate the country’s 50th Independence. He promised that more details will be released in the weeks and months coming up to Independence Day.
