NEW YORK, New York -- The Bahamas Consulate General, New York, recently celebrated the 39th Anniversary of Independence of The Bahamas. The Celebrations included a Family Picnic on June 30th at Tallman Park, Sparkill, New York; a Flag Raising Ceremony in Bowling Green Park, New York on July 6th and a Thanksgiving Church Service in Norwalk, Connecticut on Sunday July 15th.  Bahamians from several states in the jurisdiction -- New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Connecticut and Massachusetts -- attended the events and enjoyed the food, fellowship and the chance to renew acquaintances and make new connections.  

Consul General, Dr. Chipman-Johnson and Ambassador Dr. Paulette Bethel gave remarks at the Flag Raising Ceremony, both displaying tremendous pride in the Bahamas and highlighting the 50th Anniversary of the Women’s Suffrage Movement, which was also being commemorated during this 39th year of independence.  The Flag Raising Ceremony on July 6th coincided with Bahamian Pride Day in The Bahamas, a day when all things Bahamian are promoted and celebrated.  

The holding of the Independence Thanksgiving Church Service in Connecticut made history as this was the first time the service was held outside of New York. The service was hosted by Bahamian-born Reverend Dr. Jeffery Ingraham at Calvary Baptist Church where he has served as pastor for the past 23 years.  Scores of Bahamians along with friends and well-wishers from the Norwalk Connecticut community participated in the service and the event was deemed a success, despite the initial resistance as a result of the move away from the Big Apple.  

During the service, Consul General Chipman-Johnson was presented with a proclamation and an official citation from Mr. Bob Duff, State Senator, District 25, and Mr. Bruce Morris, State Representative, District 140.   On Saturday, July 14, the day before the service, Mrs. Delores Scott, a Bahamian national living in Norwalk, hosted the Consul General, her staff and family members to a dinner reception at her lovely home.

The Consulate looks forward to celebrating the 40th Anniversary of Independence in even grander style next year.

Photo 1: Consul General Dr. Rhonda Chipman-Johnson received a Proclamation and an official citation from Mr. Bob Duff, State Senator, District 25, and Mr. Bruce Morris, State Representative, District 140 during the 39th annual Service of Thanksgiving at Calvary Baptist Church, Norwalk, Connecticut, July 15, 2012.  Pictured from L to R are: Senator Bob Duff, Senator Bruce Morris, Dr. Chipman-Johnson and Reverend Dr. Jeffrey A. Ingraham, Pastor.

Photo 2: Consul General the Honourable Dr. Rhonda Chipman-Johnson took time out to pose for a photo with staff and other Bahamians at the Family Fun Day Picnic at Tallman Mountain State Park on June 30, 2012.