The Tribune

By Rashad Rolle

HUNDREDS of musical youngsters descended on the centre of Nassau yesterday performing for the launch of the Royal Bahamas Police Force’s summer youth programme.

Some sang, some danced, some beat the drums and others blew their trumpets and trombones in a march past which thrilled onlookers at lunchtime.

The Urban Renewal Youth Band performed with band members representing the northern, central, western, eastern, north eastern, south eastern, southern and south eastern districts.

The police programme runs until August 9 and its theme this year is “celebrating our heritage as we engage our youth for a safer Bahamas”.

The Tribune spoke to spectators about the march past and the ongoing countdown to the 40th Anniversary of Independence.

Randy Rolle, 56, of Eastwood, said: “Where is the spirit of independence among Bahamians? It is deplorable the way we put so much emphasis on a one day thing when we could be investing in human capital as opposed to all this pomp and pageantry.

“I have no feeling in my heart for independence. I feel dumbed down, marginalised, and ostracised. Our government made us dependent. None of these activities move me. It’s like putting a smiley face on a clown when he’s in tears. People don’t feel it. It’s a propaganda machine. The proudest moment of my life as a Bahamian are the first five years of majority rule. This was the time when government gave scholarships for students and many meaningful programmes.”

Iris Hanna, 78, said: “Things are tough. All these independence celebrations are masking the real problems Bahamians have. I’ve seen the Bahamian band perform plenty times so I’m not all that excited to hear them again.”

Wilbert Williams, 48, said: “I’m excited for independence. The police band is the best. This event is the most attractive thing they have done so far because it celebrates the youth.”

Joy Bastian, 51, of Amos Ferguson Street, said: “This is 2013. I’m surprised we got this far. I do think they need to stop saying we are independent because we are not. We still got Her Majesty’s Prison and the Princess Margaret Hospital. We are not independent because I can’t do as I please. I think this is a good thing they are doing with the band. This is the first event I’ve come to. I’ll walk the streets on Independence Day but I’m a stay at home kind of person. I’ve seen the police band often. I’m pleased with them because it is one of the best in the world.”

Geral Dine-Lewis, 52, said: “Once it’s a Bahamian activity I’m coming. In my house I have bows on my lights. My house is decorated in Bahamian colours. This is such an historical time and I feel we are so laid back. I know the police band by reputation and came to see them because they are really good. Today the youth band was excellent. To see the youth get involved is always a treat.”

Carolyn Brown: “The youth band was great. They should perform every week to keep the children out of trouble.”

Thelma Neely said: “I give the youth band a A+. Now they need to make a senior citizen band; leave no one out. We get some lively senior citizens who will outdo these young people!”.