(Eleuthera, Bahamas) – In splendid displays of national pride, communities across Eleuthera held ecumenical services on Sunday, July 7th, 2013, beginning in the north with Spanish Wells, where a service celebrating 40 years of Independence was held at 3:00pm at the Methodist Church.  In Lower Bogue a special service was also held, during which, the local park, draped in national colors, opposite the Wesley Methodist Church was dedicated and named for the town’s very talented female teenage athlete, Ms. Keianna Albury.  Harbour Island celebrated later that evening under the Fig Tree on Bay Street, beginning at 6:00pm. Member of Parliament for North Eleuthera, Mr. Theo Neilly was out in support of these events in the constituency.



Track and Field athlete Kieanna Albury (left) is from Lower Bogue and attended North Eleuthera High School until the 2012/2013 school year when she was “recruited” by a school in Nassau. Read her plaque which outlines her  accomplishments on the regional circuit, as a member of the national CARIFTA team.

 

The Eleutheran gave special coverage to the ecumenical service hosted by the South Eleuthera Independence Committee on the grounds of the St. Ann’s school in Rock Sound, beginning shortly before 4pm.  During the service the committee presented awards to outstanding primary and high school students from each settlement in South Eleuthera, as well as the oldest living /stalwart citizens from each township.


All Eleuthera Marching Band, featuring youngsters from around the island.


Band and community members march in honour of a proudly independent Bahamas, toward Rock Sound’s Town Center.

Fountain of Life Kingdom Dancers, put all their energy and soul into a spectacular dance performance in honour of a proudly Independent Bahamas

 

Brief remarks at the ceremony were made by Rev. Hilda Allen, Administrator Margaret Symonette, MP. South Eleuthera Hon. Damian Gomez, and His Excellency Deputy Governor General, Mr. Oswald Ingraham.  The All Eleuthera Marching Band, Fountain of Life Kingdom Dancers and the Wemyss Bight Assemblies of God Choir helped to add music and dance to the Independence service.

Speakers reminded the large audience of the major strides the country has taken since 1973. Mr. Ingraham added that prior to Majority Rule and Independence, there was little opportunity for people of color in The Bahamas. The leaving age for school was 14 he commented and added that from there it was on to “a service job.”


The primary students presented with awards by Administrator Margaret Symonette were:

Traliyah Carey of Tarpum Bay
Valencia Bain of Rock Sound
Tyler McPhee of Green Castle
Davia Wright of Deep Creek
Charma Morley of Wemyss Bight
Shania Butler of Waterford
Shaun Rolle of Bannerman Town

The high school students who received awards presented by MP and Minister of State for Legal Affairs, Damian Gomez were:

Phylisha Carey of Tarpum Bay
Carleen Etienne of Rock Sound
Chrislynn Rolle of Green Castle
Wayde Anderson of Deep Creek
Gary Delancy of Wemyss Bight
Alteria Jolly of Waterford
Terika Miller of Bannerman Town

The senior citizens who received awards presented by Deputy Governor General HE Oswald Ingraham were:

Cecil Williams of Bannerman Town
Margaret Rolle of John Millars
Harold Gibson (deceased) of Wemyss Bight
Theodora Smith of Waterford
Louise Sweeting of Deep Creek
Raymond Mackey of Green Castle
Charles Sands of Rock Sound
Vera Carey of Tarpum Bay