The City of Miami recognizes contributions of Bahamians to its foundational development

Crowds of Bahamians, those of Bahamian descent and friends of The Bahamas learned on Sunday, that The Islands Of The Bahamas Flag will be raised at Miami's City Hall on July 28th, marking the first time an international flag will be raised there.

The announcement was made by Corky Dozier, representing Tomas Regalado, Mayor of the City of Miami, during an Ecumenical Service marking the 43rd anniversary of the Independence of The Bahamas. Dozier who gave a brief history of the contributions of Bahamian immigrants to South Florida, noted that they were the first and made the greatest contribution to the foundational development of the city.

She said that on July 28th the Bahamian flag will be raised at the city office and will be the first international flag to be raised there. She further shared that in September, the city will unveil a monument of a Bahamian woman, Mariah Brown, who was the first laborer to come to work in Miami, and worked in the hospitality industry.

Dozier said that these events were taking place as a part of the City's celebration of its 120th year anniversary.

The Ecumenical service, which is annually hosted by the Consulate General Office of The Bahamas based in Miami, drew a large attendance of local Bahamians and friends of The Bahamas. The Honorable Fred Mitchell, The Bahamas Minister of Foreign Affairs, was once again in attendance at the annual event and brought remarks.

The service took place at St. Matthew's Missionary Baptist Church, Miami, which is pastored by Bahamian, Rev. Dr. Vincent Brown. Dr. Brown spoke briefly to the audience on "Why We Celebrate Our Anniversary of Independence" and took his text from the book of Joshua 4:1 through 5:2. Consul General of The Bahamas, Miami, Ricardo Treco, also gave brief remarks while local leaders of the religious community, of Bahamian descent, participated in the service in various roles.

By Jeannie Gibson

Source: Ministry of Tourism