The Tribune

By Denise Maycock

Freeport Tribune Reporter

dmaycock@tribunemedia.net

FREEPORT – Some of the country’s best entertainers will perform in Grand Bahama at the ‘All Bahamian Things’ Concert set for Saturday, June 29, at the Goombay Park in the International Bazaar.

The concert is part of the pre-independence celebrations and is expected to be one of the biggest concerts ever on the island, featuring Visage, KB, Geno D, Avvy, Wilfred Solomon, Papa Smurf, Methice Rigby and other local Bahamian artists.

The Grand Bahama Independence Committee has announced plans for events leading up to the country’s 40th Anniversary of Independence on July 10 and beyond.

On Sunday, June 30, a mass Gospel Concert will be held at 6.30pm at the Eight Mile Rock Gymnasium. The legendary Cooling Waters Gospel Group will be honoured.

The committee will also honour 40 outstanding women on Grand Bahama at the Pelican Bay Resort on July 3.

Attorneys Constance McDonald, Willie Moss, Petra Hanna-Weekes, Businesswoman Kay Hardy, Faye Smith, Shelley Stuart Rolle, Erica Gates, Nancy Russell, and Lin Glinton are among the honourees.

Last week, the committee honoured 40 men in Grand Bahama.

On July 5, a grand Independence Ball will take place at the Grand Lucaya Resort, featuring the world-famous T-Connection.

A Grand Bahama Sports Hall of Fame induction is set for 7pm on Saturday, July 6, at the Regency Theatre on West Sunrise Highway.

An official church service will be at the First Baptist Church at 3pm on Sunday, July 7. Prime Minister, Perry Christie, is expected to attend.

The GB committee has also planned an ‘Eve Cultural Explosion’ on July 9 at the Independence Park, starting at 6.30pm.

On Independence Day, July 10, a massive march and float parade will take place throughout the streets of Grand Bahama.

The march will start at 10am at the Mall Drive. A number of churches, civic groups, sporting organisations, and marching bands will be participating.

A corporate float parade will make its way through the streets of Grand Bahama, climaxing in West End, where there will be a mini-concert and Junkanoo rush-out.

Taino Beach will also be the venue for a July 10 all day beach party.

Bahamians will be able to enjoy a fireworks display on the evening of July 11 at Port Lucaya Marketplace.

On July 12, the Ministry of Tourism, in partnership with the Independence Committee, will launch the 2013 Goombay Summer Festival on Taino Beach.

The committee said some 400 visitors from Houston, Texas, are expected in Grand Bahama between July 8-12 to take part in the celebrations and events that are planned in East and West Grand Bahama.