By BETTY VERDINE
NASSAU, Bahamas (BIS) – All measures should be taken to ensure that love and unity are the prevailing themes in The Bahamas, His Excellency the Most Hon. Cornelius A. Smith, Governor General of The Bahamas, declared in remarks at National Pride Day festivities held to launch the 46th Anniversary of Bahamas Independence celebrations on July 5, 2019.
“Though we are many islands, we are one nation,” His Excellency said. “We, therefore, need to live in brotherly love and find ways to eliminate divisiveness. We should find ways to preserve our legacy of hospitality by rejecting things that divide us and commit to the spirit of love and abiding respect for our fellowman.”
A flag-raising ceremony in Rawson and Parliament Squares was at the centre of the programme in Nassau, held simultaneously with similar ceremonies throughout the archipelago. I
n attendance were cabinet ministers, senior government officials, youths from a cross-section of organizations, and Bahamians from throughout the country.
The Governor General said that despite its size, The Bahamas is considered to be a major player in the world. He made an appeal to Bahamians who live and work abroad to come together and promote national pride especially at this time as the county celebrates its 46th Anniversary of Independence.
“Commit to serve with passion and excellence, show love and demonstrate unity by showing mutual respect for one another,” His Excellency said.
The programme included performances by the Bahamas National Youth Orchestra, The Bahamas National Children’s Choir, The Bahamas National Dance Company, the Bahamas National Youth Choir, and combined performances by the RBPF/RBDF/Correctional Services Bands.
The moderator for the ceremony was Ms. Lyn Terez Davis-Nixon. Sahra Powell, honour student at the E. Clement Bethel National Arts Festival, delivered the Preamble to the Constitution, and twin sisters, Tymia and Tynaz Thompson of Kingsway Academy, performed a tribute in song.
