MIAMI, Florida -- A capacity crowd of Bahamians, Bahamian descendents, and friends of The Bahamas, gathered at the Historic St. Agnes Church, Miami Florida on Sunday to take part in an Ecumenical Service celebrating the Bahamas 40th Anniversary of Independence.
A cross section of Bahamian spiritual leaders from the South Florida area took part in the service. Highlights included the introduction of the new Bahamas Consul General of The Bahamas to Florida, Mr. H. Ricardo Treco; Remarks from the Government of The Bahamas brought by Bahamas Minister of Financial Services, Mr. Ryan Pinder and an inspiring (sometimes funny), Independence Message from the Rector of St. Agnes, Father Denrick Rolle.
Saint Agnes Episcopal Church is one of Miami's oldest and largest churches and had its origin in October 1897. The founders chose the name of Saint Agnes for the new Church because the majority of them had been members of the popular and vigorous Saint Agnes in Nassau, Bahamas.
Sunday's Ecumenical service began with the presentation of flags by representatives of The Royal Bahamas Police Force and Bahamas Customs Department, and was conducted by Reverend Jerome Symonette of Restoring Grace Community Church.
The organizers of the Ecumenical Service, The Bahamas Consulate General, once again made the annual presentations of thanks to honorees identified as persons who have made a significant contribution to the Bahamian community of South Florida. This year's honorees included, Rosamon Gomez, who has held the position of President of the National Association of The Bahamas (NAB) for some 13 years and Spiritual leader of the Freewill Christian Center, Pastor David Ellis. Presentations were also made to Ms. Kay Winchell, Stephanie Teele and Miss Helen Gage.

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