MIAMI, Florida -- The Bahamas Consulate General in Miami, Florida celebrated the 39th Anniversary of Independence in grand style.  Consul General Rhoda M. Jackson included a number of different festivities to mark the anniversary.

On Friday, 6 July, 2012, Bahamian Gospel Artist out of Freeport, Simeon Outten hosted an outstanding gospel concert at the Sure Foundation Ministries in West Park, Florida.  

On Friday, 13 July, the Royal Bahamas Police Force Pop Band serenaded the crowd at Palm Gardens Club, Miami Gardens, Florida with favourites like “Gone to Cat Island” and “Party in the Backyard”.

An Independence Family Fun Day was held on Saturday, 14 July, 2012 at McTyre Park in the City of West Park, Florida and was supported by many Bahamians who came from as far north as Stuart, Florida to as far south as Homestead.    

Also attending the Family Fun Day were Congresswoman Frederica Wilson, State Representatives Hazelle Rogers and Perry Thurston, Mayor Eric Jones and members of the Caribbean Consular Corps.  

Attendees were feted with music by the Royal Bahamas Police Force Pop Band, a local band called Togetherness and a Junkanoo Review.  A vast array of Bahamian cuisine including stuffed snapper, the usual conch fritters, conch salad and guava duff, was enjoyed by all.    

On Sunday, 15 July, Bahamians in South Florida gathered at the New Mount Olive Baptist Church, in Ft. Lauderdale.  Minister of Foreign Affairs, Fred Mitchell stressed the importance of the meaningful tradition of engaging the Bahamian Diaspora especially at this time of Independence.  He informed of the Government’s initiative to establishing a National Congress in preparation of the 40th Anniversary of Independence for the purpose of crafting a blueprint for where we ought to go as a Nation.  He exhorted Bahamians to remember to sing the Lord’s song even in a strange land.

The guest Speaker, Rev. Angela Palacious encouraged listeners to move Forward, Upward, Onward, Together, United in love and service. She also encouraged Bahamians abroard and at home to build blocks to forge greater family ties and to promote education and a healthy lifestyle.  Rev. Palacious further urged the audience to resolve to establish meaningful legacies.  

Special honour was given to Rev. Canon Richard L. Marquess-Barry of the historic St. Agnes Episcopal Church in Miami, Fl., Mr. John A.T. Roker of the New Mount Olive Baptist Church in Ft. Lauderdale, Fl. and Mr. James Moss, Founder of the Bahamas American Federation, for their contribution to the Bahamian in South Florida.

Minister of Foreign Affairs, Fred Mitchell, visits the staff at The Bahamas Consulate-General to express thanks for the Celebrations held on the weekend.   

Photo 1: Consul General Jackson, Minister Fred Mitchell, Guest Speaker Rev. Angela Palacious and Archdeacon James Palacious.

Photo 2: Pictured from left: Honouree, James Moss; Consul General, Rhoda Jackson; Minister of Foreign Affairs, Fred Mitchell; Honouree, Canon Rev. Marquess-Barry; and Honouree, Rev. James Roker.

Photo 3: Min. Mitchell visits the staff at The Bahamas Consulate-General to express thanks for the Celebrations held this past weekend.

Photo 4: Church officials, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Fred Mitchell and Consul General, Rhoda Jackson.