International Cultural Weekend

INTERNATIONAL CULTURAL WEEKEND

INTERNATIONAL CULTURAL COMMITTEE

“We the Peoples of The Bahamas Unite for a Better World”

A Brief Synopsis

The Ninth International Cultural Weekend, “Celebrating 30 years of Bahamian Independence”, will be held Saturday & Sunday, 18th &19th October 2003, in the Botanical Gardens, Chippingham, New Providence, from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. daily.

This exciting International Cultural Festival began in 1995 as part of The Bahamas’ celebrations of Fiftieth Anniversary of the United Nations. The third weekend in October has been established as International Cultural Weekend. Nationals of over forty nations, resident in The Bahamas participate and thousands of Bahamians, residents and visitors to The Bahamas enjoy the cultural presentations, cuisine, drinks, fashions, music, art and crafts indigenous to these international communities

The International Cultural Weekend, where one can “Experience the World in Two Days”, promotes a better understanding of the diverse cultures of the world. Monies raised by the various countries during weekend, are donated to charities of their choice. In addition to the Cultural Weekend, the committee also holds other fund raising event during the year. The committee must rely on the generosity of the private sector to help stage this most successful event.

Many of the educational institutions in New Providence have taken notice of the international community resident here and have on numerous occasions, invited members as guest speakers at their school assemblies. Gerald Cash Primary School started the trend in using the event as a field trip for its students. The various Nations enjoy discussing their homeland with the young students.

The International Cultural Committee operates under the aegis of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The Hon. Fred A Mitchell, Minister of Foreign Affairs, serves as the National Chairman and His Excellency, Ambassador A. Leonard Archer serves at the National Vice Chairman. Mr. James J. Catalyn, creator of the International Cultural Weekend, serves as Chairman of the Committee.

For further information contact Mr. James J. Catalyn at e-mail: julcat61@hotmail.com, or through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, C/o P. O. Box N3746, Nassau, Bahamas.