Chief Administrator of the National Independence Secretariat Jack Thompson called on Bahamians yesterday to "catch the independence fever" as the National Independence Committee launched its '40 day countdown' to July 10.
The secretariat had planned to kick off the countdown at the launch of a flag journey ceremony in Rawson Square last night, but bad weather delayed the event to June 4 at 6 p.m.
During that ceremony, the official independence flag will be raised in the square.
Member of the National Independence Committee Arlene Nash Ferguson said that flag will be taken across The Bahamas.
"It is very important that every single island in the Commonwealth of The Bahamas feels a part of the independence celebrations, and so the idea was conceived that the flag that will be raised on July 9 on Clifford Park, should visit each island," she said at a press conference at the Office of the Prime Minister.
"And each island will have an opportunity to raise it in a very, very brief ceremony...before the [flag] continues its journey."
In a proclamation signed by Prime Minister Perry Christie, yesterday commenced the start of the 40-day countdown, which will end on July 9.
From now until Independence Day, a number of events will take place, including National Pride Day and a National Cultural Concert, both on July 5.
According to the prime minister's proclamation, "the 40th anniversary of independence will culminate on historic Clifford Park on July 9, 2013 with exciting performances by the cultural community, precision drills by youth and adult marching bands, and the re-enactment of historically significant elements from the first Independence Day in 1973."
Thompson previously said the festivities at Clifford Park will be the "mother of all celebrations".
He shied away from giving further details about the event.
This year's theme "The Journey Continues" will focus on the strides The Bahamas has made since 1973 when it become an independent nation.
"We encourage Bahamians and residents everywhere to catch this independence fever," Thompson said.
"But I want to preface my remarks by extending my sympathy to those residents who experienced flooding."
He noted that many Bahamians are going through hard times and may not be able to afford to decorate their homes with the colors of the flag.
"But we want to encourage people to start to wear the colors, to drape the buildings and start to get in the [independence] spirit," Thompson said. For more information on independence events visit www.bahamas.gov.bs or contact the Independence Secretariat at 356-2100.

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