In November 2022, ‘Vision’, a documentary produced by HG Christie made its debut to packed audiences at the Island House Theater in Nassau Bahamas. Now, just a few months later, the film will return and be featured as part of the annual Island House Film Festival set for April 13-16. For the past several years, The Island House Film Festival (TIHFF) has celebrated and focused on films and filmmakers emerging from the Caribbean region, while also celebrating Bahamian premieres of international, regional, and local narrative films and documentaries. Each year, the four-day event also gives film enthusiasts direct access to a series of free panels and workshops designed to educate and inspire creativity. 

“We are very excited about TIHFF23” explained coordinator Anja Allen, “not only is the quality of the films being featured this year top tier, but we’ve landed industry experts like Tim Papciak who will lead a workshop on screenwriting and even stunt performer Evelyn Vacarro who will participate in a very special Q&A on her work in the industry” she explained.

This year, HGC’s ‘Vision’ Documentary - which chronicles the life and  time of Bahamian real estate magnate Harold G. Christie - will be screened alongside works from the United States, Sweden, France, and of course The Bahamas.

“I am thrilled that our Documentary on Sir Harold is being featured at the Island House Film Festival,” said HGC CEO John Christie. “It was a labour of love to create this film, it was important for us to tell the stories of his life, but more importantly his contributions to the growth of The Bahamas during his time here, and that of our company HG Christie.” The documentary, directed by noted Bahamian filmmaker Kareem Mortimer, took more than two years to complete and began filming at the height of the global pandemic. 

Through a series of interviews, ‘Vision’ takes an intimate look at the life’s work of the late real estate tycoon, telling his family story alongside the story of the country’s then-developing real estate industry. “We’re excited to see the film introduced to an all-new audience through TIHFF23 and we’re hoping that Bahamians turn out to support this amazing event”, Christie noted.  

Already, tickets to the film's Sunday showing have sold out. “The response to this film has been tremendous” noted Allen. “Not only is it an impressive piece of visual art, but it is also an incredible retelling of an important era of our development as a nation. It is our hope that we will be able to provide even more opportunities for Bahamians to view this amazing film not just as part of our film festival lineup but well into the future as well.”

 

In November 2022, ‘Vision’, a documentary produced by HG Christie made its debut to packed audiences at the Island House Theater in Nassau Bahamas. Now, just a few months later, the film will return and be featured as part of the annual Island House Film Festival set for April 13-16. For the past several years, The Island House Film Festival (TIHFF) has celebrated and focused on films and filmmakers emerging from the Caribbean region, while also celebrating Bahamian premieres of international, regional, and local narrative films and documentaries. Each year, the four-day event also gives film enthusiasts direct access to a series of free panels and workshops designed to educate and inspire creativity.  “We are very excited about TIHFF23” explained coordinator Anja Allen, “not only is the quality of the films being featured this year top tier, but we’ve landed industry experts like Tim Papciak who will lead a workshop on screenwriting and even stunt performer Evelyn Vacarro who will participate in a very special Q&A on her work in the industry” she explained. This year, HGC’s ‘Vision’ Documentary - which chronicles the life and  time of Bahamian real estate magnate Harold G. Christie - will be screened alongside works from the United States, Sweden, France, and of course The Bahamas. “I am thrilled that our Documentary on Sir Harold is being featured at the Island House Film Festival,” said HGC CEO John Christie. “It was a labour of love to create this film, it was important for us to tell the stories of his life, but more importantly his contributions to the growth of The Bahamas during his time here, and that of our company HG Christie.” The documentary, directed by noted Bahamian filmmaker Kareem Mortimer, took more than two years to complete and began filming at the height of the global pandemic.  Through a series of interviews, ‘Vision’ takes an intimate look at the life’s work of the late real estate tycoon, telling his family story alongside the story of the country’s then-developing real estate industry. “We’re excited to see the film introduced to an all-new audience through TIHFF23 and we’re hoping that Bahamians turn out to support this amazing event”, Christie noted.   Already, tickets to the film's Sunday showing have sold out. “The response to this film has been tremendous” noted Allen. “Not only is it an impressive piece of visual art, but it is also an incredible retelling of an important era of our development as a nation. It is our hope that we will be able to provide even more opportunities for Bahamians to view this amazing film not just as part of our film festival lineup but well into the future as well.”

The Pelican Point Coconut Festival, one of Grand Bahama’s signature cultural events, is all set for the Easter Monday holiday at the Festival Site in East Grand Bahama.

Organizers of say the 23rd annual event promises to offer more food vendors, shading, seating and fun.

Minister for Grand Bahama, the Hon. Ginger Moxey, who was excited to be at the festival site for the press conference on Thursday, April 6, 2023, noted that it was only a year ago that her ministry initiated the Beautiful Grand Bahama clean-up program in East Grand Bahama to assist area residents with bringing back some economic injection following the devastating storm.

One of the first projects undertaken was restoring the festival site, removing much of the debris, constructing the stage and renovating the restroom.

“To know that nine months later we’re back here and having the festival again, I think it speaks to the resiliency of our people and our island,” she said.

She congratulated the organizing committee for being able to put on the 23rd annual event and stressed the importance of domestic tourism and what it means for the local economy.

Committee Chair Cathy Laing announced activities leading up to the Coconut Festival, beginning Friday, April 7th with a Gospel Festival and Fish Fry at 3:00pm and a church service on Sunday, April 9th at St. Matthew's Baptist Church.

As for the Coconut Fest on Monday, Laing said in addition to the food, there will be fun activities such as the popular Plaiting of the Coconut Pole, arts and craft, and a coconut barking contest.

There will also be live entertainment by the Red Alert Band, the Grand Bahama District Royal Bahamas Police Pop Band, D-Mac, K.B., and a junkanoo rushout by the Platinum Knights Junkanoo group.

Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, Investments and Aviation Coordinator of Groups and Events Elaine Smith noted that cultural festivals are important to the island’s tourism product development and her ministry will continue to support such events which highlight the history of The Bahamas.

The Ministry of Tourism will facilitate transportation of guests from hotels in Freeport to the festival site and back.

Member of Parliament for East Grand Bahama Kwasi Thompson was also on hand for the press conference and pointed out that East Grand Bahama is becoming the capital for heritage events.

Following the press conference Minister Moxey, tourism executives and Mr. Thompson were given a sample of the scrumptious coconut delights such as coconut rice, pancake, barbeque ribs, coleslaw, cracked lobster and chicken wings that will be served on Monday.

 

The Pelican Point Coconut Festival, one of Grand Bahama’s signature cultural events, is all set for the Easter Monday holiday at the Festival Site in East Grand Bahama. Organizers of say the 23rd annual event promises to offer more food vendors, shading, seating and fun. Minister for Grand Bahama, the Hon. Ginger Moxey, who was excited to be at the festival site for the press conference on Thursday, April 6, 2023, noted that it was only a year ago that her ministry initiated the Beautiful Grand Bahama clean-up program in East Grand Bahama to assist area residents with bringing back some economic injection following the devastating storm. One of the first projects undertaken was restoring the festival site, removing much of the debris, constructing the stage and renovating the restroom. “To know that nine months later we’re back here and having the festival again, I think it speaks to the resiliency of our people and our island,” she said. She congratulated the organizing committee for being able to put on the 23rd annual event and stressed the importance of domestic tourism and what it means for the local economy. Committee Chair Cathy Laing announced activities leading up to the Coconut Festival, beginning Friday, April 7th with a Gospel Festival and Fish Fry at 3:00pm and a church service on Sunday, April 9th at St. Matthew's Baptist Church. As for the Coconut Fest on Monday, Laing said in addition to the food, there will be fun activities such as the popular Plaiting of the Coconut Pole, arts and craft, and a coconut barking contest. There will also be live entertainment by the Red Alert Band, the Grand Bahama District Royal Bahamas Police Pop Band, D-Mac, K.B., and a junkanoo rushout by the Platinum Knights Junkanoo group. Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, Investments and Aviation Coordinator of Groups and Events Elaine Smith noted that cultural festivals are important to the island’s tourism product development and her ministry will continue to support such events which highlight the history of The Bahamas. The Ministry of Tourism will facilitate transportation of guests from hotels in Freeport to the festival site and back. Member of Parliament for East Grand Bahama Kwasi Thompson was also on hand for the press conference and pointed out that East Grand Bahama is becoming the capital for heritage events. Following the press conference Minister Moxey, tourism executives and Mr. Thompson were given a sample of the scrumptious coconut delights such as coconut rice, pancake, barbeque ribs, coleslaw, cracked lobster and chicken wings that will be served on Monday.

Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture the Hon Mario Bowleg not only brought words of encouragement to students taking part in the E. Clement Bethel National Arts Festival New Providence Adjudications, on March 22, 2023, he also stayed for the entire session that day, at Christ Community Church, Bellot Road.  His presence in the audience, and for the entire session, was a treat for the students, and the organizers.  At that session, students played violins, tuned percussion (bells), and the saxophone.  The C.V. Bethel Concert Band also performed a beautiful piece; and Tanisha Thompson of the Grant's Town Wesley Methodist Church Wesley Bell Ringer, gave a stand-out rendition on hand bells.  Also present from the Festival were Senior Cultural Affairs Officer and Organizing Secretary of the Festival Sonovia Pierre, adjudicators Dr. Dion Cunningham and Ronald Campbell, as well as staff members from the Division of Cultural Affairs.

SOME 50 events and 242 initiatives are planned for The Bahamas' 50th independence celebrations, according to the official calendar of events released digitally to the public yesterday.

The Independence Secretariat officially launched the 50th anniversary calendar of events yesterday at the. The celebrations, which began December 3, 2022 with the The Road to 50 Race, will last until November 11, with The Road Continues Race. The calendar includes activities hosted by 33 Family Island districts, participation from foreign missions and other events and activities hosted by various local organisations, agencies and NGOs. Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis during his remarks yesterday boasted that the calendar included events, initiatives and celebrations for all Bahamians. “Well, we are here to celebrate our country’s 50th year as an independent nation. That’s the country’s birthday. What’s most important is that we celebrate in a way that includes all Bahamians, young and old, and everyone in between, north and south, and everyone in between,” he said. “Today (Wednesday), the releasing of the official national independent Secretariat calendar of events is done so that Bahamians can prepare for the months ahead, which will be filled with exciting events,” Mr Davis said. “Our 50th year represents a turning point for all the Bahamians, regardless of their background, beliefs or politics, to come together to make the next 50 years even better. In the spirit of unity, we must ensure that this monumental year is celebrated, honoured, and used as the launching point for the new Bahamas that we see in our visions,” he said. “Throughout 2023, we will host a diverse range of events that will serve as a springboard for our next chapter. As a nation. The slate of events will work in alignment with three things, One Nation, which speaks to the elements that unify us as a people using food, values, and of course Junkanoo. (Second) our legacy, which includes honouring nation builders, and ensuring that the full story of an independent Bahamas is recorded, and told. And finally, our future, as we launch health and food security initiatives, engage our children and empower youth. That’s our future,” Mr Davis said. Leslia Miller-Brice, chairperson of the Independence Secretariat, mentioned several key events listed within the calendar. Events, celebrations and activities include official 242 challenges, which will occur May 3 through December 31, marking 242 days, which includes the Eat Local, Eat Fresh initiative, and the My Country, My Responsibility initiative. May 5 will be observed as National Jubilee Day where schools across the country will host a special assembly to celebrate the country’s golden jubilee. The following day there will be a 50th on Bay Street Festival. Other events of note include a gospel concert on June 25, a national float parade and nationwide motorcade on July 1 and the Independence Military Tattoo and Cultural Show on Clifford Park on July 9. On each Sunday in July at 7.10am, a national prayer and fellowship will be held for 50 minutes. On Friday, March 24 at the Grand Ballroom at Baha Mar, a 1973 masterclass series will be continuing in recognition of Sir Lynden Pindling, his life and legacy. This event is open to the public as space will permit. On Sunday, March 26, the Independence Secretariat will host a Dame Doris Johnson’s National Women’s unity march and concert at 3pm, Mrs Miller-Brice, also the Seabreeze MP added. All events are free and open to the public with a few exceptions mentioned on the calendar. The full 115-page listing of the calendar of events is featured online at celebrate-bahamas.com.

The Independence Secretariat officially launched the 50th anniversary calendar of events yesterday at the. The celebrations, which began December 3, 2022 with the The Road to 50 Race, will last until November 11, with The Road Continues Race.

The calendar includes activities hosted by 33 Family Island districts, participation from foreign missions and other events and activities hosted by various local organisations, agencies and NGOs.

Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis during his remarks yesterday boasted that the calendar included events, initiatives and celebrations for all Bahamians.

“Well, we are here to celebrate our country’s 50th year as an independent nation. That’s the country’s birthday. What’s most important is that we celebrate in a way that includes all Bahamians, young and old, and everyone in between, north and south, and everyone in between,” he said.

“Today (Wednesday), the releasing of the official national independent Secretariat calendar of events is done so that Bahamians can prepare for the months ahead, which will be filled with exciting events,” Mr Davis said.

“Our 50th year represents a turning point for all the Bahamians, regardless of their background, beliefs or politics, to come together to make the next 50 years even better. In the spirit of unity, we must ensure that this monumental year is celebrated, honoured, and used as the launching point for the new Bahamas that we see in our visions,” he said.

“Throughout 2023, we will host a diverse range of events that will serve as a springboard for our next chapter. As a nation. The slate of events will work in alignment with three things, One Nation, which speaks to the elements that unify us as a people using food, values, and of course Junkanoo. (Second) our legacy, which includes honouring nation builders, and ensuring that the full story of an independent Bahamas is recorded, and told. And finally, our future, as we launch health and food security initiatives, engage our children and empower youth. That’s our future,” Mr Davis said.

Leslia Miller-Brice, chairperson of the Independence Secretariat, mentioned several key events listed within the calendar.

Events, celebrations and activities include official 242 challenges, which will occur May 3 through December 31, marking 242 days, which includes the Eat Local, Eat Fresh initiative, and the My Country, My Responsibility initiative.

May 5 will be observed as National Jubilee Day where schools across the country will host a special assembly to celebrate the country’s golden jubilee. The following day there will be a 50th on Bay Street Festival. Other events of note include a gospel concert on June 25, a national float parade and nationwide motorcade on July 1 and the Independence Military Tattoo and Cultural Show on Clifford Park on July 9.

On each Sunday in July at 7.10am, a national prayer and fellowship will be held for 50 minutes.

On Friday, March 24 at the Grand Ballroom at Baha Mar, a 1973 masterclass series will be continuing in recognition of Sir Lynden Pindling, his life and legacy. This event is open to the public as space will permit.

On Sunday, March 26, the Independence Secretariat will host a Dame Doris Johnson’s National Women’s unity march and concert at 3pm, Mrs Miller-Brice, also the Seabreeze MP added.

All events are free and open to the public with a few exceptions mentioned on the calendar.

The full 115-page listing of the calendar of events is featured online at celebrate-bahamas.com.