NEW YORK, N.Y., June 27, 2023 – An impressive list of activities have been announced by the Hon. Leroy F. Major, Bahamas Consul General to New York, to celebrate the 50th anniversary of The Bahamas’ attainment of independence from Great Britain.
Consul General Major noted that on July 10, 1973, “the flag which represented the Colonisers of The Bahamas was lowered forever and the Flag of the New Independent Commonwealth of The Bahamas was raised to much tears, cheers and jubilation”, adding that “the Commonwealth of The Bahamas will on Monday, the 10th day of July, 2023 celebrate Fifty years of Independence.”
“There has been multiple celebrations leading up to this date in the Islands of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas. However, Bahamian. descendants of The Bahamas and all of our friends will have the opportunity to celebrate in a large way, right here in the city of New York,” Consul General Major said.
He added, “The Independence Committee of The Consulate General of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas in New York has been working diligently, and I am personally pleased to announce that we in the city of New York will celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the birth of our Nation under the theme: ‘One Nation, One Legacy, One Future.’ ”.
Five significant events have been planned:
On Friday, July 7, all Bahamians and friends of The Bahamas are invited to celebrate National Pride Day “by wearing our colours (aquamarine, black and gold)” Consul General Major noted
He added,” You are invited to join in our celebration by also wearing our national colours (the colours of our flag). This event will be repeated on Monday, 10th July, 2023. On that date, the Iconic Empire State Building will be lit with the colours of our Flag. There will be a Junkanoo Rush-Out (our cultural dance celebration), which will include some Bahamian celebrities. This will take place at #350 5th Avenue, New York, N.Y.”
Then on Friday, 14th July 14, at 10: a.m., the symbolic raising of The Bahamas’ Flag will take place during a ceremony at Denny Farrell River Bank State Park, 679 Riverside Drive E 145th Street, New York N.Y.
In attendance will be International and Local officials and dignitaries, the world-renowned Royal Bahamas Police Force Band and the Bahamas’ National Youth Choir. There will also be a Junkanoo rush-put.
“Friends of The Bahamas and the diaspora-at-large, after the joy of witnessing the Flag Raising Ceremony, you are again invited at 1pm to a reception at 675 Riverside Drive E 145th Street, New York, N.Y. for “A TASTE OF THE BAHAMAS”, Consul General Major said.
He added, “Our very own Internationally renowned and celebrated Chef Ellie will delight your palates with some of our most popular cuisines and beverages. All in an extraordinary and eye-catching presentation. Our promise is that you will be treated to a day that you will not soon forget. A day that you would not want to miss.”
Finally, on Sunday, July 16, 2023 at 10:15am., “We invite you to join us as we give thanks to Almighty God, for allowing our Nation to celebrate 50 years of peace and tranquility, as we worship at St. Patrick’s Cathedral on 5th Avenue, New York, N.Y.,” Consul General Major said.
“Again, our National Youth Choir will be in attendance and will render a musical selection to enhance our worship experience. This will end our time of celebration and give us faith and hope that our nation would continue to enjoy its peace and tranquility for another 50 years and it will continue to be BETTER IN THE BAHAMAS,” he added. “I personally look forward to seeing each of you in attendance, at all the events planned in celebration of our Nation’s 50th year of Independence.”
