NASSAU, The Bahamas – The Bahamas honoured Paul Hanna and the late Sir Sidney Poitier -- two iconic Bahamian entertainers as it recognized UNESCO International Jazz Day recently.

The Hon. Glenys Hanna-Martin, Minister of Education and Technical & Vocational Training described the men as creative, amazing, outstanding sons of the soil.

Of the late Sir Sidney, she said, “A Cat Island boy, who tells us in his books he never saw his own reflection in a mirror until he came to New Providence and saw it in a store on Bay Street. Ironically, he rose to become a cultural figure globally with his image reflected on big screens all over the world, and who became a standard for actors everywhere and increased the image of the possible for people of color everywhere.”

Minister Hanna said as a teen she followed the “inimitable” Paul Hanna around to every concert. “His smooth voice, incredibly talented fingers, beautiful soul brought sweet music to my life. He has remained faithful to his art. He is an artist of the highest calling and faithful to his calling,” she added.

“Today, we celebrate these wonderful Bahamian men. We celebrate music, culture, jazz and the opportunity to gather and enjoy all of us here together in Pompey Square and the audience joining us virtually.”

Bahamas Ambassador to UNESCO, Her Excellency Hope Strachan remarked that education, science and culture are important.

“We will not miss an opportunity in The Bahamas to ensure that our young people recognize that these are things which help to make us who we are, in particular our culture and the jazz performers that we have seen in relation to our young people, have shown us the extent of the creativity and passion they have to display their talents, and show the world they are certainly part of the international program that fosters well-being among citizens,” she said.

She read a message on behalf of Dr. Audrey Azoulay, Director-General of UNESCO.

Recognized on April 30, International Jazz Day is a day set aside to raise awareness in the international community of the virtues of jazz as a force for peace, unity, dialogue and enhanced cooperation among people, as well as an educational tool.

The Hon. Fred Mitchell, Minister of Foreign Affairs; Deidre Bevans, Secretary General, The Bahamas National Commission for UNESCO; Cecilia Strachan and Lorraine Armbrister, Permanent Secretaries and Dame Janet Bostwick were among those attending the event.

Performances by local Bahamian artists included the Urban Renewal Band, The Bahamas National Youth Choir, String City Violinists, Vice Versa Band, Paul and Tanya Hanna, Osano Neilly and Ronald Campbell.

Scenes from UNESCO International Jazz Day

(Photo credit: Communications Unit/Ministry of Education, and Technical & Vocational Training)