“Our 50th year of Independence is a momentous occasion and it deserves a nationwide celebration because this little island nation called The Bahamas has made significant strides over the past 50 years,” said Minister for Grand Bahama, Hon. Ginger Moxey, during a press conference on Monday, November 28, 2022, to announce the first event in what is expected to be a series of events, leading up to The Bahamas’ celebration of its 50th Independence.

In Grand Bahama, celebrations towards this historic celebration will begin on Saturday, December 3, 2022, with a run/walk marathon race, which will take place simultaneously in three separate locations in Grand Bahama.

“We are officially on the road to 50!” said Minister Moxey. “The countdown to The Bahamas’ Golden Jubilee on July 10th, 2023 is on!

“Next year our nation will celebrate its 50th year of Independence. And this morning, we’re here to officially announce the first event that will kick-off the Pre-Independence celebrations on Grand Bahama, and lead up to the 50th Independence next year.”

On Saturday, December 3rd, 2022 the “Road To 50” Race will begin at 6 a.m. starting at the Ministry for Grand Bahama. The 5K route for Freeport will take participants from the Ministry for Grand Bahama, to the Grand Bahama International Airport and then back to the Ministry for Grand Bahama.

Not only will there be three races in Grand Bahama taking place on the same day, but the fun/run/walk will be happening simultaneously with other “Road To 50” races on islands throughout The Bahamas.

The event is free and residents can sign up at the Ministry for Grand Bahama. Each registrant will receive a commemorative package with a shirt, medal, and water bottle.

“I appeal to Corporate Grand Bahama, government agencies, NGO’s, athletic groups and all residents to participate in this wonderful community building event,” said Minister Moxey. “Our 50th year of Independence is a momentous occasion.”

Mrs. Leslie Dorsett-Lewis, Independence Committee Co-Chair, said the Committee will be responsible for the execution of a year-long list of celebrations of the milestone of fifty years of independence in the life of The Bahamas.

“The Bahamas is turning fifty and we want Grand Bahamians from east to west to celebrate in grand style,” said Mrs. Dorsett-Lewis. “We are inviting Grand Bahamians to come out and show out for our island and country on Saturday, December 3, as well as for all the other activities that are planned by the GB Independence Committee and Bahamas Secretariat.

It’s not too late to register for the Road to 50 Race on Saturday. Registration forms are available in the Customer Service department at the Ministry for Grand Bahama and you can register online at celebratebahamas.com.”
Pre-registration will be held at 5 a.m. on the day of the event for persons to receive their commemorative packages.

With races expected to take place in Freeport, East and West Grand Bahama, the press conference quickly turned into a friendly verbal battle and taunting of which community would offer “the best” event on Saturday morning.
With Mr. Gilbert C. Kemp, Administrator for East Grand Bahama promising participants in the east the best food in Grand Bahama, including conch stew, fish stew and chicken souse and Jimmy Smith; Chief Councilor for West Grand Bahama promising not only good food, but a surprise guest artist from Nassau to spur on participants in the west, Minister Moxey is hopeful that Freeport would also offer some “good” surprises on Saturday for participants in the Road to 50 Race in Freeport.

The friendly rivalry during Monday’s press conference has helped to spark much interest among Grand Bahamians for Saturday’s road race.  “The Independence Secretariat in collaboration with the Grand Bahama Independence Committee plans to have a year of events in celebration of our golden jubilee. So, put on those walking and running shoes and let’s come together as a community for the “Road To 50” Race this coming Saturday at 6 a.m,” said Minister Moxey.

GB ROAD TO 50– Minister for Grand Bahama, Hon. Ginger Moxey (center) during a press conference, announced Grand Bahama’s kick off to the Bahamas’ 50th Independence in 2023, with a Road to 50 Race, set for Saturday, December 3, 2022 in three areas of Grand Bahama – Freeport, East GB and West GB. Also on hand for Monday’s Press conference were (from left) Jimmy Smith, Chief Councilor for West Grand Bahama; Mrs. Leslie Dorsett-Lewis, Co-Chair for the Independence Committee; Minister Moxey and Gilbert C. Kemp, Administrator for East Grand Bahama.

(BIS Photo/Lisa Davis)