Local celebrity artist Jamaal Stubbs drew portraits of the 43 Bahamians honoured for contribution to nation building. The images were showcased during the Celebration of the 43rd Anniversary of Bahamas Independence: ‘Ceremony to Honour Cultural Legends’ held Tuesday, July 5, 2016 in Pompey Square.  (BIS Photo/Kemuel Stubbs)

 

NASSAU, The Bahamas – Recognized for their outstanding contribution to arts, entertainment, music, business, tourism, and journalism, forty-three Bahamians were lauded as “Cultural Legends” during a ceremony, July 5, held in Pompey Square, the event part of the country’s 43rd Independence Anniversary Celebrations.

It played out like a star-studded affair as one by one the honourees took centre stage in Pompey Square to receive their awards as the country heard about their accomplishments and contributions to the overall development of The Bahamas.  Pompey Square, named after a slave who revolted against slavery, was elegantly decorated in the national colours of Aquamarine, Gold and Black.

The honourees, a number of them awarded posthumously, received Proclamations; and their portraits, mounted on easels, were unveiled to the audience — the images skillfully captured by local celebrity artist Jamaal Rolle.

Acting Prime Minister, the Hon. Philip Davis in his keynote address underscored the importance of honouring nation builders who have contributed to the development of the country in a comparatively short time, despite the challenges since Independence on July 10, 1973.

“These could not be realized if we did not have a resourceful people. This resourcefulness is typified among those who have contributed to our cultural development,” he said.

The Cultural Legends honoured were:

 

  • Dr. Hervis Bain, MBE, designer of The Flag and Coat of Arms;
  • Rev. Dr. Philip Rahming, OBE, Author of The Pledge;
  • Nettica Symonette, Hotelier and Writer;
  • Calvin Lockhart, Actor;
  • Phillip Burrows, Playwright;
  • Chan Pratt, Visual Artist;
  • John Cox, Visual Artist;
  • Chantal Bethel, Visual Artist;
  • ohn Beadle, Visual Artist;
  • Stephen Burrows, Sculptor;
  • Al Collie, Entertainer and Businessman;
  • Eloise Lewis, Entertainer;
  • Quinton “Barabbas” Woodside, Junkanoo Artist;
  • Silbert Ferguson, Junkanoo Artist;
  • Edwin ‘Apple’ Elliot, Musician;
  • Charlie Adamson, Musician and Entertainer;
  • Vernal Sands, Hotelier and Tourism Ambassador;  
  • Eugene Dupuch, Playwright;
  • Sly Roker, Entertainer and Musician;
  • Nat ‘Piccolo Pete’ Saunders, Entertainer and Musician;
  • Mildred Sands, Tourism Ambassador;
  • Calvin Cooper, Playwright and Actor;
  • Frankie Zhivago Young, Entertainer;
  • Wilfred Solomon and the Magnetics, Entertainer and Musician;
  • Visage, Entertainer and Musician;
  • Sammy Thompson, Junkanoo Artist;
  • Lawrence Carroll, Dancer;
  • Richie Delamore, Entertainer;
  • The Soulful Groovers, Entertainer and Musician;
  • Harl Taylor, Fashion designer; Chris Fox, Musician;
  • Tony Seymour Sr., Entertainer;
  • Cedric Munnings, Musician;
  • Brad Lundy, Entertainer and Musician;
  • Mary Kelly, Journalist;
  • Calsey Johnson, ZNS Tribute;
  • John Jefferson Scavella, Broadcaster;  
  • Gordon Lowe, Broadcaster;
  • Ed Bethel, Journalist/Broadcaster;
  • Elva Russell-Rolle, Broadcaster;  
  • Carl Bethel, Journalist/Broadcaster;
  • Cindy Williams, Broadcaster;
  • and, Nadine Beneby, Broadcaster.

 

Said the Acting Prime Minister: “Too often, we do not appreciate those who do so much to enrich our collective experience as a society.  While The Bahamas has enjoyed decades of relative prosperity, recent economic challenges remind us that our future economic success revolves around succeeding in the global economy.”

He said, though, that what has remained a constant is the power of culture in Bahamians’ identification as a people.

“We now gratefully acknowledge the service of a few inspired men and women – a service rendered to humanity, which supported our growth as a world competitor,” Mr. Davis said.

He noted that while The Bahamas was “yet a babe of a nation” these new Bahamians dug deep to preserve that which we call our own.  “They not only preserved it, they did and, in many cases, are doing all that they can to pass tradition and custom through generations — whether it is music, dance, the arts, tourism, or telling the stories. These traditions are very necessary to a modern society, because our cultural heritage offers robust benefit,” he said.

Minister of Youth, Sports & Culture, the Hon. Dr. Daniel Johnson gave welcome remarks and a brief history of the Cultural Legends.

Minister of Tourism, the Hon. Obie Wilchcombe presented the honourees.

Danielle Dean gave a Tribute to The Bahamas; and the Police Pop Band and Shaback gospel group also participated in the fanfare.  A reception followed the ceremony.