The Tribune

CHARLES Carter, co-chair of the 40th Anniversary Independence Secretariat, praised the “wonderful patriotism Bahamians are showing all over our archipelago” as July 10 closes in.

He and fellow members of the Secretariat held a press conference yesterday to give an update on the celebrations.

Mr Carter said: “40 years is a milestone in anybody’s life. We are enjoying one of the most interesting phases of our national existence.”

Recalling his visits to several Family Islands over the past weeks, Mr Carter said: “You may not see it in Nassau, you see a little more of it in Grand Bahama, but there is a growing feeling of connectedness that the 40th anniversary is engendering.”

Mr Carter said over the next few weeks a number of Bahamians are going to be honoured.

“We are going to tell the story of the Bahamas and tell the story of Bahamians. We have mathematicians, we have magicians, we have singers, we have undertakers, we have everything in our country, and we’re celebrating it and the feeling is tangible, especially in the Family Islands.”

July 10 is “not the end” of the 40th Independence celebrations, Mr Carter also said. The celebrations started in November and “we are going to the end of the year.”.

Today at 5pm there will be a “Save The Water Tower” campaign launch at Fort Fincastle where the Police Pop Band and the Urban Renewal band are set to perform.

“The water tower is one of the most visited sights in the region, this event is being held to raise awareness of its historical significance and plans to restore it to its glory days,” said Mr Carter.

Saturday’s ‘Fun/Run/Walk’ starts at 6am on Saturday from four points: Arawak Cay, R M Bailey Park, Goodman’s Bay and the S C McPherson Jr High School. It culminates at Thomas A Robinson Stadium.

On Sunday, there is another walk organised by 7th Day Adventist and Sabbath Keepers which will start and end at the stadium.

Royal Bahamas Police Force cadets and Defence Force rangers will lead and demonstrate drills.

Participants will receive a 40th anniversary medal.