Still We Rise,Bahamaland

The rising sun is a thing of beauty. Each morning, this spectacular event happens anew, signaling the start of a new day. It never fails… and it never looks the same. New hues will appear; rays of light will bounce differently on the landscape; the rain may come; or the morning dew may gently blanket all it touches. This is the mystery and the majesty of the rising sun. So, when Bahamians proudly sing their national anthem and call for each other to “Lift up your head to the rising sun”, it is a sacred call of a nation to see all things new, each and every day.

As The Bahamas commemorates its 50th Independence, it is with this hopefulness of the promise of the rising sun that the people celebrate. When we, as human beings, take the opportunity to break away from the norms of our morning routine and just watch the rising sun, we find new hope and inspiration. We see things differently; we see things more clearly. We gain new insight, and we become inspired. This is the same feeling many Bahamians have as their country’s Golden Independence Anniversary appears on the horizon.

Like any other nation, there are things that need improving; there are things that need to change. But there are also a lot of things going right. With the expectations of another day, there is an opportunity to preserve the things going right, and face the things that need to change with new vigor and resolve. There’s no better time than during the anniversary of Independence to do just that.

The Independence Secretariat of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas seeks to invoke that feeling of exhilaration which comes when one feasts their eyes on the beauty of the rising sun. With each 50th anniversary celebration event planned, the goal is for the people to see the promise of progress in their country; to reach out and touch one another, inspiring one another to march on together; and to feel the thrill of this historic moment in time.

“There are some of us who are excited to celebrate this milestone; they are eagerly waiting on the various events and activities to get involved and celebrate,” said Her Excellency Leslia Miller-Brice, Chair of the Independence Secretariat.

“There are others who are pausing to reflect on the past fifty years to truly appreciate how far we have come - our shared triumphs and trials - and to appreciate our fortitude to push forward. Then there are others anxiously awaiting the next fifty years. There are many conversations about what we do today and its impact on the next fifty years of our country’s development.”

The Independence Secretariat is planning the biggest Independence celebrations to date, since the very first time the Bahamian flag was hoisted and the national anthem played on July 10, 1973. After more than 300 years of being a colony under British rule, The Bahamas made a peaceful transition to nationhood. Leader of the Progressive Liberal Party, Sir Lynden Oscar Pindling, formed a government with the support of the Labour Party. Sir Lynden then led The Bahamas to Independence under a new Constitution, with a new national anthem and pledge. On Independence Day, Bahamians stood with heads lifted high as the flagpole on Clifford Park bore a brand new black, gold, and aquamarine flag. They were filled with hope and promise, and that upward stance holds firm as the country turns another major page in history.

From the first 50th anniversary event hosted by the Secretariat, it became clear that Bahamians from all walks of life would come together en masse to celebrate the birth of their nation. The #Roadto50 Race, a nationwide Fun Run, Walk and Roll was held on December 3, 2022.

On January 19, 2023, the Independence Secretariat held the grand unveiling of the Bahamas’ 50th Anniversary of Independence logo. The work of three talented Bahamian graphic artists - Kerstin Pinder, Durelle Williams, and Devante Butler - were chosen out of 300 submissions. The logo is marvelously featured on the cover of this collector’s edition of Up & Away Magazine.

“Our theme - ‘One Nation: Our Legacy, Our Future’, demonstrates our call to appreciate who we are, what we have, and all we should cherish as one nation,” H.E. Miller-Brice explained.

“The calendar of events outline initiatives that celebrate our waters, our land and the importance of protecting them through policy, community engagement and hands-on activities. Mangrove planting, tree planting, backyard farming and other events will solidify our commitment to secure, protect and strengthen our resources.”

The calendar of events can be found at www.celebrate-bahamas.com, but throughout this article, you can get a taste of some of the events that have happened, and others still left to come. The 1973 Master Class Lecture Series at the University of The

Bahamas is ongoing, with the nation’s most prominent leaders sharing some of their intimate thoughts and personal stories of trial and triumph in building The Bahamas. Topics covered included: Breaking Barriers; the Role of the Church; and a Return to Idealism. Some of the brightest minds have been brought together to discuss vital topics and have open discussions on the way forward.

An exciting 242 Day was held on February 24 (24/2) - a nod to the nation’s area code. It served as an opportunity to show national pride and to create a momentum for the upcoming festivities. Bahamians throughout the country came through, the party started and has not stopped since.

“The response has been phenomenal,” H.E. Miller-Brice shared.

“To see Bahamians from the north to the south embracing this moment to celebrate and be a part is heartwarming, and it reminds us to ensure that everyone is included, involved and celebrated.”

Regattas, sailing races throughout The Bahamas, will be bigger and better this year in honor of the Golden Jubilee. The art of boat building and the thrill of the race will be celebrated; while traditional food, crafts and festivities, including Bahamian music concerts will bring each Bahamian Family Island alive. Sailing was officially declared as the national sport of The Bahamas during this year’s National Regatta in Exuma.

Seven-hundred islands and cays spanning more than five thousand square miles of pristine beauty are joining in celebration. There are thousands of miles of salt water flats in the most breathtaking hues of blue and green. The Atlantic Ocean brings an abundance of marine life from the deep blue. Mangrove forests, coppice forests and pine barrens accentuate the land. Fascinating coral reefs fringe the islands. Pink to powdery white sand christens the sea shore. Limestone karst create mysterious caves and blue holes. The tropical sun covers it all.

The year 2023 has also been deemed the year of Bahamian Theatre. Shakespeare in Paradise, in collaboration with the Dundas Centre for the Performing Arts, will present one classic Bahamian play per month throughout the year.

Her Excellency Miller-Brice also serves as Ambassador to CARICOM, and The Bahamas proudly hosted the 44th Inter-Sessional Meeting of the Conference of the Caribbean Community, February 15 to 17, 2023. On the heels of this historic meeting, The Bahamas hosted the Oaktree Medical 50th CARIFTA Games, the elite sporting event for the Caribbean community, April 7 to 10.

The Dame Doris Johnson National Women’s Unity March and Concert was held on March 26 in honor of International Women’s Month and International Women’s Day (March 8). Hundreds of women marched together in a beautiful show of solidarity.

The Golden Jubilee Tea Party took place at Government House during the month of April, as well as a Golden Easter Egg Hunt on Government House lawn, much to the delight of scores of little happy hunters. Young students from several islands are also participating in an ongoing National Mangrove Project. In collaboration with Waterkeepers Bahamas, the Road to 50 Committee has commissioned students from across The Bahamas to serve as youth ambassadors for the environment. They are planting essential mangrove trees, and they are learning about the importance of them and other natural resources of The Bahamas.

Even more youth national and environmental ambassadors were born when the Road to 50 led to the planting of 50 Lignum vitae trees which were planted throughout the country, including at several schools. Government and opposition Parliamentarians interacted with students and assisted in the planting of these national trees on International Arbour Day.

In the month of May, The Bahamas honored the roots of the majority of its population with a special event: the Signing of The Sister City Agreement between Princess Town, Ahanta, Western Ghana and The City of Nassau.

On May 29, historic Bay Street, Nassau came alive with the 50th on Bay Street Festival. Attendees enjoyed live chef demonstrations, artisans, food, beverage and confections. Pedestrians enjoyed this exciting street festival with live performances by bands, acoustic performance, dancers and performance art showcasing Bahamian talent and entertainment. Winners of the National Song and Poetry Competitions were also announced in May.

June’s activities included Independence Boat Light Show; the National Day of Community Service; and the Golden Jubilee Tea Party. A host of other activities are being held during the month of June to keep the momentum building to Independence Day, July 10. They include a National Blood Drive Day; the National Fashion & Art Show; and a Golden Gems celebration just to honor senior citizens.

In true Bahamian fashion, the 50th Independence Anniversary celebrations are also occasions to invite guests from all around the world to join in the festivities. Visitors will feel their own spirits renewed when immersed in the vibrant sights, sounds and tastes of The Bahamas.

The 50th anniversary celebrations also include a series of youth empowerment exercises, such as the Generation Next: Young Men’s Empowerment Seminar; the Youth Mental Health Symposium and the inaugural Cultural Youth Conference.

In July, the anniversary month, expect to see the National Float Parade in Nassau; the All-Bahamian Concert: An Evening of Bahamian Music and Entertainment; the Annual Pre-Independence Beat Retreat; the Golden Jubilee Bahamas Games; the National Bahamian Pride Day; the Prime Minister’s Ball; and a series of ecumenical church services. Anniversary highlights also include the Independence State

Reception; the Youth Beat Retreat; and Youth Culture Friday.

The Secretariat will oversee the official Independence Celebrations on Clifford Park, accompanied by the annual Tattoo, People’s Rush and Fireworks Display. Bahamian artists, musicians, and entertainers will put on their best performances. The lineup will highlight the diverse and elite talents of Bahamians from various walks of life. Each act in the lineup will show what months of planning and preparation, and a lifetime of patriotism can produce.

“Grateful” is how H.E. Miller-Brice describes the feeling of leading the charge for the Independence celebrations. It’s the same feeling of appreciation one gets when the morning sun rises and the first ray kisses the face. It’s that thankfulness and hopefulness at the dawning of a new day that can propel her and her astute team to create events that will have an indelible impact on their fellow Bahamians.

“Prime Minister Philip ‘Brave’ Davis and the Cabinet of The Bahamas have entrusted us to strategize and execute world-class events across The Bahamas,” she said.

“I am grateful for the opportunity and I embrace this process that allows me to work with seasoned professionals - public servants like Permanent Secretary Jack Thompson - and work hand-in-hand with dynamic and creative professionals across The Bahamas and the Bahamian diaspora. It is an opportunity. I don’t take lightly and I look forward to a year of successful events that leave an imprint in the minds and hearts of the Bahamian people in years to come.”

For more information, and to follow all the events hosted by or in conjunction with the Independence Secretariat, visit: www.celebrate-bahamas.com, or Celebrate Bahamas on Facebook.