The Tribune

BAHAMIANS in South Florida are marking the 40th Anniversay of Independence with a month-long series of activities.

Celebrations will culminate with a gala black-tie event, to take place on July 27 at the Doubletree By Hilton, Miami Airport and Convention Center.

Prime Minister Perry Christie is expected to lead the list of distinguished guests.

The evening of elegance is being hosted by The National Association of The Bahamas (NAB) in conjunction with The Bahamas Consulate, Miami, Florida.

The Royal Bahamas Police Force Pop Band will headline the evening of fun, entertainment, music and dance, which will be topped off by a Junkanoo performance.

Events that will precede the ball include an Ecumenical Church Service, a Gospel Concert, a Junkanoo Rushout and a picnic.

A Down South, tree planting and flag raising ceremony, to take place in Perrine, Florida, on July 12, kicks off the series of events and activities.

Rector of St Agnes Church, Father Derrick Rolle, will be among an eminent group of Bahamian pastors and church leaders from around the South Florida area, taking part in the Annual Ecumenical Church Service, at his parish in Miami on Sunday, July 14, at 3pm.

Other events include a Gospel Extravaganza that will showcase Bahamian Gospel artist, Simeon Outten and The New Life Band, and will also feature Nehemiah Heild, Nigel Lewis, Ricardo Clarke and the Classic Dancers Junkanoo Group.

This takes place at the Sure Foundation Ministries COGOP, West Park, Florida, on Friday July 26 at 7.30pm.

A free event open to the South Florida community, the Junkanoo Rushout, features the Freeport Classic Dancers along with local Junkanoo Groups, starting at Overtown Miami, Gibson Park and ending at The Bahamian Connection Restaurant.

The National Association of The Bahamas is in its 18th year as a Bahamian organisation for Bahamians and those of Bahamian descent in The South Florida area.

The events schedule is: July 12, Down South Tree Planting and Flag Raising Ceremony, The Bethel House, Bahamian-American Museum, 6pm; July 14, Annual Ecumenical Church Service, Historic St Agnes Episcopal Church, 3pm; July 20, Family and Friends Bahamian Picnic in the Park, Amelia Earhart Park, noon to 5pm; July 25, Junkanoo Rushout, Gibson Park, Overtown, 5pm; July 26, Gospel Extravaganza, Sure Foundation Ministries COGOP, 7.30 pm; July 27, National Association of The Bahamas Black Tie Gala, Doubletree By Hilton, 7pm.