(Spanish Wells, Eleuthera, Bahamas) – On July 10th, 2013, Independence Day throughout the Bahamian archipelago, 40 years to the date that the Bahamian flag was first flown over the country, townships throughout the Eleutheras celebrated with community fun events during the afternoon, and some with community parties going well into the evening, polishing off the 40th Anniversary with celebrations of fireworks, music and dance.

In Spanish Wells, young people competed with their traditional swimming races and greasy pole event early in the day, and the community party transitioned into an all out Independence Bash at the ballpark beginning around 6pm.

 
It was a family affair for the Mother/Daughter/Mother/Daughter pairs shown above and a musical affair thanks to the beautiful sounds including those of the steel pans being played by Kevin Symonette and Kendall Underwood (right).

Special coverage was given by The Eleutheran to the evening’s BASH which opened in prayer followed by a welcome from Chief Councillor, Abner Pinder.  MP for North Eleuthera, Theo Neilly was also on hand to give remarks, along with Administrator for North Eleuthera, Jolton Johnson, who read the speeches from the Governor General and the Prime Minister.

The Island Flavor Band kept the crowds moving to Bahamian music favourites in between presentations by students of the Spanish Wells All Age School, the reading of two winning essays on Independence, and dance performances.

Three stalwarts of the Spanish Wells community were recognized as Outstanding Citizen’s, and were presented with plaques by MP Theo Neilly in recognition of their contributions to their home town, including Mr. Charles A. Pinder, Mr. Keddy I. Pinder, and Mr. Grover M. Pinder.

One of the fun highlights of the evening’s celebrations was the Ms. Independence Pageant, which included three age categories – Little Miss (ages 4-9), Jr. Miss (ages 10-17),and Miss Independence (ages 18 and up).  Each winner received fabulous prizes, like manicures and pedicures, photo shoots, cash prizes as well as a 2night/3day getaway to Breezes Cable Beach – Winners Shown Left (Arianna, Clara, Renata)

Kevin Symonette and Kendall Underwood then displayed their talent on the steel pans, followed by a “Dancing with the Stars” dance competition – where the stars were the volunteer contestants, who picked a partner and danced up a storm – contending for the pair of round trip tickets on the Bohengy II that were up for grabs.  Sergeant Howard Pinder of the Royal Bahamas Police Force also led a Junkanoo Rushout with musicians from the All Star Eleuthera Youth Band, joined by students from the Spanish Wells Junkanoo group. (SEE THE PHOTOS IN THE GALLLERY BELOW)

Just before the evening climaxed in a beautiful display of fireworks, students of the Spanish Wells All Age School collaborated with the Royal Bahamas Police Force to put on a re-enactment of the lowering of the Union Jack flag and the raising of the Bahamian Flag, as well as the reading of the speeches given by the Prince of Wales, and Prime Minister Lynden Pindling on the Eve of the first celebration of Independence back in 1973.


Lowering of the Union Jack and Raising of the Bahamian National Flag – 1973 re-enacted in Spanish Wells in 2013

 


Dancing with the stars!

All Star Eleuthera March Band – performed all across the island for Independence Celebrations