NASSAU, The Bahamas – Scores of Bahamians gathered on Clifford Park on Tuesday evening to attend a three-part ceremony commemorating the nation’s 46^th Independence Anniversary. 

In attendance, and enjoying the excitement-charged atmosphere, were: Governor General, His Excellency the Most Hon. Cornelius A. Smith and Mrs. Smith; Prime Minister, the Most Hon. Dr. Hubert Minnis and Mrs. Minnis; the Hon. Mr. Justice Brian Moree, Chief Justice of The Bahamas, and Mrs. Moree; Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance the Hon. Peter Turnquest; several Cabinet Ministers and their spouses, Senators, Commissioner of Police Anthony Ferguson, Commander of the Defence Force, Commodore Tellis A. Bethel and Mrs. Bethel; senior government officials and the diplomatic corps.

Kicking off the night was an Ecumenical service with clergy representing a cross-section of Christian churches. Delivering the sermon was President of the Bahamas Christian Council, Bishop Delton Fernander.  A cultural production featuring a skit was staged, and through music, song, and dance a compelling narrative of the Bahamian experience was conveyed to the audience.

The evening culminated with a series of performances by the uniformed branches, followed by a parade inspection by the Governor General. At midnight, A Flag Raising Ceremony topped off the evening at Clifford Park. The People’s Love and Unity Rush Junkanoo parade celebrated the dawn of Independence morning, July 10, 2019.

Photos by BIS Photographer Derek Smith capture some of the moments.