The Tribune

HOLLYWOOD celebrities flocked to the Bahamas recently as the Ministry of Tourism hosted the 40th birthday party for film producer Will Packer at Sandals Island.

Packer is the Florida-born producer of movies such as Think Like A Man, Takers, Stomp The Yard and Ride Along.

Prime Minister Perry Christie and Minister of Tourism Obie Wilchcombe addressed the gathering of Bahamian dignitaries and friends and family of Will Packer.

They welcomed the visitors and urged Packer to consider the Bahamas as a film location or a place for a second home.

“We would love to have you here and would love to have you spend more time in the Bahamas,” said Minister Wilchcombe. 

Prime Minister Perry Christie paid tribute to Packer and stressed the importance of Bahamas tourism.

“I indicated to you that you are a defining personality and you can influence the thinking of people,” said Prime Minister Christie.

“I am the son of a taxi driver and a taxi driver through this same tourism industry was able to cause himself and my mother to have a life that led his children to go to university and that kind of life would tell you that the waiter and the waitresses over on this island serving you- their aspirations are no different. They intend to give their children the best opportunities.”

The Prime Minister told Packer he expected that the director would see the Bahamas as a place that he would wish to return to and influence others to visit.

Packer said that he was humbled by the experience and thanked the Bahamas. He said he appreciated the love shown by his Bahamian hosts. 

“This weekend is about celebrating life and if there is anything that I can pass on to you is to live it to the fullest,” he said. “The Prime Minister’s dad was a taxi driver, but he had a dream and a vision and I know that there are a lot of dreamers here and no matter what, keep dreaming. Let’s embrace love and life and live every single moment.”

Throughout the remainder of the weekend, Packer’s celebrations continued with parties at Aura Night Club at Atlantis Paradise Island, The Cove and Ocean Club Estates.

Among the celebrities who came to help Packer celebrate were actors Lala Anthony, Michael Ealy, Terrence Jenkins, David Banner, Taraji P Henson, Kevin Hart and Kandi Burruss.