NASSAU, The Bahamas – Thousands of Bahamians around the country took to the streets to participate in an historic event on Saturday, December 3, 2022, kicking off the country’s Golden Jubilee Independence celebrations.
It was the #Roadto50 Race, led by the Hon. Philip Davis, Prime Minister, joined by members of his Cabinet, and a wide-cross section of Bahamians and residents who simultaneously participated.

The National Independence Secretariat spearheaded the event. The co-chairs are Her Excellency, Leslia Miller-Brice, Bahamas High Commissioner to CARICOM, and Permanent Secretary Jack Thompson.

The Bahamas will celebrate 50 years of Independence on July 10, 2023 and the road race was aimed at galvanizing the country towards unity, leading to the historic milestone in the country’s development.

Each island held individual routes for the race; while New Providence’s race started and ended at Clifford Park. Participants signed up as runners, walkers, and cyclists. Each participant received a commemorative 50th medal at the finish line.

At Clifford Park, a health village was created offering various attractions such as health screening, pop-up market, and participants were also treated to a concert featuring some of the best in Bahamian entertainment, and a Junkanoo rush-out at the end.

Prime Minister and Minister of Finance the Hon. Philip Davis; Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism, Investments & Aviation, the Hon. Chester Cooper, Cabinet Ministers, Members of Parliament and other government officials participated in the #Roadto50 Race, which launched the Golden Jubilee Independence Celebrations.

Photo- #3059- from left to right: Kevin Simmons, Senior Advisor, Office of the Prime Minister; the Hon. Lisa Rahming, Minister of State, Ministry of Social Services and Urban Development; the Hon. Obie Wilchcombe, Minister of Social Services and Urban Development; and Wayde Watson, Parliamentary Secretary, Ministry of Economic Affairs at the #Roadto50 Race, which launched the Golden Jubilee Independence Celebrations.

Participants in the #Roadto50 Race, kicking off The Bahamas 50th Independence Celebrations.

Prime Minster and Minister of Finance the Hon. Philip Davis, Cabinet Ministers, Members of Parliament and other government officials in the #Roadto50 Race, kicking off The Bahamas 50th Independence Celebrations.

Prime Minster and Minister of Finance the Hon. Philip Davis, Cabinet Ministers, Members of Parliament, and other Government Officials at the end of (5k/3.1Mile) #Roadto50 Race, kicking off The Bahamas 50th Independence Anniversary Celebrations.

 Her Excellency Leslia Miller-Brice, Bahamas High Commissioner to CARICOM, and Co-chair of the Independence Secretariat, presents Prime Minister and Minister of Finance the Hon. Philip Davis with a commemorative  #Roadto50 Race medal at the finish line.

 Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism, Investments & Aviation, the Hon. Chester Cooper presented participants a commemorative  #Roadto50 Race medal at the finish line.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism, Investments & Aviation, the Hon. Chester Cooper brought remarks at the  #Roadto50 Race which launched The Bahamas 50th Independence Anniversary Celebrations.

Prime Minster and Minister of Finance the Hon. Philip Davis, Cabinet Ministers, Members of Parliament, and other government officials pictured with young Bahamians.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism, Investments & Aviation, the Hon. Chester Cooper is pictured with Olympian Pauline Davis, and athletes from team Bahamas.

BIS Photos/Kemuel Stubbs