Thousands of Bahamians celebrated Easter at Clifford Park at the Ministry of Tourism's 2015 Easter Sunday Gospel Fest, from early evening until the music stopped. The concert featured local and international artists -- Nehemiah Hield, Shaback, The Cooling Waters, Steven Heard, and Jay Moss.

"It's really to give thanks to God for what we are achieving in the Ministry of Tourism," said Charity Armbrister, director of events at the Ministry of Tourism.

"As you know, several years ago there was a downturn, not only in The Bahamas, but globally, and now things are starting to really turn around. Our figures are really seeing a big difference over the last year. We are very grateful for that."

Armbrister noted the Gospel Fest and Bahamas Junkanoo Carnival are events through which the Ministry of Tourism aims to combine local and international performers on stage.

"I think overall we have to look at things globally," she said. "And as you know, while we as Bahamians feel that we just want our own Bahamian artists to perform, many of them may not be recognized internationally, although some of them are.

"So having a global interaction, I think it's good. That's the only way we can really grow and attract more persons coming to our festivals and events. However, I think at smaller events, we want to keep it Bahamian."

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