The National Ecumenical Church Service was held Sunday, May 21, 2023 – kicking off the Countdown to 50 days to the Golden Jubilee of Independence of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas.

The service was held at Evangelistic Temple on Collins Avenue and Fourth Terrace, Centreville.
Leading the congregation was Governor General His Excellency the Most Hon. Sir Cornelius A. Smith; Prime Minister and Minister of Finance the Hon. Philip Davis, KC; Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism, Investments and Aviation the Hon. Chester Cooper; Leader of the Opposition the Hon. Michael Pintard; Chairperson of the National Independence Secretariat, Her Excellency Leslia Miller-Brice, and committee members; members of the Clergy; senior Government Officials and other invited guests.

The service was held under the theme: 'A National Call to Prayer,' moderated by Pastor Mario Moxey, First Vice-President, Bahamas Christian Council.

Other clergymen who participated in the service were: Bishop Delton Fernander, President, Bahamas Christian Council with the welcome remarks; Word to the Family by Rev. Evangelist Rex Major; Word to the Future delivered by Apostle Clifford Smith III; Prayer for the Future by Apostle Brenda Pratt; Prayer for the Youth of the Nation by Rev. Father Kari Marcelle, Chaplain, St. John’s College; Prayer Against Crime by Pastor-Designate Tanya Duncombe, Mt. Tabor Church; and Prayer for the Families by Rev. Father Roderick Bain, Rector, St. Barnabas Anglican Church.

The service also included The Golden Jubilee Promise recited by students; Praise and Worship segment by Evangelistic Temple Praise Team; sermonic selection by Minister Mericha Walker, and musical selections by The Bahama Brass Band.

The service ended with the singing of the National Anthem – 'March On Bahamaland.'

The 50th Independence Anniversary is being celebrated under the theme: 'One Nation. Our Legacy. Our Future.'  

The National Ecumenical Church Service was held Sunday, May 21, 2023 – kicking off the Countdown to 50 days to the Golden Jubilee of Independence of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas. The service was held at Evangelistic Temple on Collins Avenue and Fourth Terrace, Centreville.   Leading the congregation was Governor General His Excellency the Most Hon. Sir Cornelius A. Smith; Prime Minister and Minister of Finance the Hon. Philip Davis, KC; Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism, Investments and Aviation the Hon. Chester Cooper; Leader of the Opposition the Hon. Michael Pintard; Chairperson of the National Independence Secretariat, Her Excellency Leslia Miller-Brice, and committee members; members of the Clergy; senior Government Officials and other invited guests. The service was held under the theme: 'A National Call to Prayer,' moderated by Pastor Mario Moxey, First Vice-President, Bahamas Christian Council. Other clergymen who participated in the service were: Bishop Delton Fernander, President, Bahamas Christian Council with the welcome remarks; Word to the Family by Rev. Evangelist Rex Major; Word to the Future delivered by Apostle Clifford Smith III; Prayer for the Future by Apostle Brenda Pratt; Prayer for the Youth of the Nation by Rev. Father Kari Marcelle, Chaplain, St. John’s College; Prayer Against Crime by Pastor-Designate Tanya Duncombe, Mt. Tabor Church; and Prayer for the Families by Rev. Father Roderick Bain, Rector, St. Barnabas Anglican Church. The service also included The Golden Jubilee Promise recited by students; Praise and Worship segment by Evangelistic Temple Praise Team; sermonic selection by Minister Mericha Walker, and musical selections by The Bahama Brass Band. The service ended with the singing of the National Anthem – 'March On Bahamaland.'   The 50th Independence Anniversary is being celebrated under the theme: 'One Nation. Our Legacy. Our Future.'  

The community of Long Island honored the memory of nation builder, community leader, war hero and son of the soil -- Joseph Benjamin Carroll – by officially naming a road in his honor. 

King’s Highway (from Scrubb Hill to Pinders) has been officially renamed Joseph B. Carroll Highway.

The family of Mr. Carroll, students, teachers, representatives of government departments and a large cross-section of the community attended the ceremony held outdoors at NGM Major High School Friday, May 12, 2023. 

Also in attendance were Acting Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism, Investments and Aviation, the Hon. Chester Cooper; the Hon. Alfred Sears, Minister of Works and Utilities; Adrian Gibson, MP for Long Island; Bacchus Rolle, Parliamentary Secretary; Earl Campbell, Director of Local Government; Tyrell Young, executive chairman, BAMSI; Jandilee Archer, Administrator for Long Island; and Local Government representatives.

Participants included: Sharon Cartwright, deputy chief councillor; Fr. Berkley Smith, priest in charge of St. Paul’s Long Island; Administrator Archer; Mr. Gibson; and Justice Norris Carroll, former Senator and son of Mr. Carroll. The NGM Major Vocal Ensemble performed during the event. 

Representing Prime Minister the Hon. Philip E. Davis, the Hon. Chester Cooper, Acting Prime Minister, described Mr. Carroll as a “remarkable” man who is remembered for his commitment to family, his business acumen, and for his service to the nation. 

Said Minister Cooper, “From his pioneering of the Community Food Store to his advocacy on financial inclusion, which led to the first banking institution – the Royal Bank of Canada -- establishing a permanent branch on Long Island, Mr. Carroll’s legacy is certainly an impressive one. 

“By renaming this road in central Long Island, we do more than honour his memory. We make the much bolder decision to recognize our own. To commemorate the builders of this nation, who were born in this nation. 

“As we approach our Golden Jubilee, a truly momentous moment in the history of this country, we must strive do even more to celebrate our own. Today, we rename a road but tomorrow, we have endless opportunities to shape the nation we want to call home.”

Reflecting on the contributions of Mr. Carroll, Minister Sears cited a poem by Ralph Waldo Emerson entitled ‘What is success?’ 

He recounted, “He appreciated beauty; found the best in others. He gave generously of himself and he left this world better by his witness, by his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. That is the legacy that we celebrate today. Therefore, it is within this context that we are here to honor a Bahamian hero, son of the soil and legend of our time who epitomized the definition of success.

“For a life such as his, where in all things Joseph Benjamin Carroll found it more blessed to give than to receive, more honorable to build than destroy, it is therefore fitting that this portion of  the road from Scrubb Hill to Pinders be named in honor of this Bahamian patriot.”

Ms. Cartwright said, “Here we are today, some 18 years later, witnessing a dream come true. 

“Today is by all means a defining moment in the history of Long Island. Soon and very soon we will be walking, driving or riding down J B Carroll’s highway instead of the King’s Highway.”

Mr. Carroll’s accomplishments include:

 -Served as an elder in Cartwright’s Gospel Chapel beginning in 1958 until the time of his death in 2010;

-Honored by her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II (received the British Empire Medal) for meritorious civil/military service;

- Member of the local School Board and the Parent Teachers’ Association of NGM Major High School;

-A member of the local Board of Works for over 30 years;

-Led fundraising efforts to construct a Science Building at NGM Major High School;

-Helped raise funds for the Deadman’s Cay Health Centre and led the effort to raise funds for the Medical Clinic and Nurse’s residence.

A ribbon cutting, blessing of the road and benediction followed the ceremony.

 

The community of Long Island honored the memory of nation builder, community leader, war hero and son of the soil -- Joseph Benjamin Carroll – by officially naming a road in his honor.  King’s Highway (from Scrubb Hill to Pinders) has been officially renamed Joseph B. Carroll Highway. The family of Mr. Carroll, students, teachers, representatives of government departments and a large cross-section of the community attended the ceremony held outdoors at NGM Major High School Friday, May 12, 2023.  Also in attendance were Acting Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism, Investments and Aviation, the Hon. Chester Cooper; the Hon. Alfred Sears, Minister of Works and Utilities; Adrian Gibson, MP for Long Island; Bacchus Rolle, Parliamentary Secretary; Earl Campbell, Director of Local Government; Tyrell Young, executive chairman, BAMSI; Jandilee Archer, Administrator for Long Island; and Local Government representatives. Participants included: Sharon Cartwright, deputy chief councillor; Fr. Berkley Smith, priest in charge of St. Paul’s Long Island; Administrator Archer; Mr. Gibson; and Justice Norris Carroll, former Senator and son of Mr. Carroll. The NGM Major Vocal Ensemble performed during the event.  Representing Prime Minister the Hon. Philip E. Davis, the Hon. Chester Cooper, Acting Prime Minister, described Mr. Carroll as a “remarkable” man who is remembered for his commitment to family, his business acumen, and for his service to the nation.  Said Minister Cooper, “From his pioneering of the Community Food Store to his advocacy on financial inclusion, which led to the first banking institution – the Royal Bank of Canada -- establishing a permanent branch on Long Island, Mr. Carroll’s legacy is certainly an impressive one.  “By renaming this road in central Long Island, we do more than honour his memory. We make the much bolder decision to recognize our own. To commemorate the builders of this nation, who were born in this nation.  “As we approach our Golden Jubilee, a truly momentous moment in the history of this country, we must strive do even more to celebrate our own. Today, we rename a road but tomorrow, we have endless opportunities to shape the nation we want to call home.” Reflecting on the contributions of Mr. Carroll, Minister Sears cited a poem by Ralph Waldo Emerson entitled ‘What is success?’  He recounted, “He appreciated beauty; found the best in others. He gave generously of himself and he left this world better by his witness, by his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. That is the legacy that we celebrate today. Therefore, it is within this context that we are here to honor a Bahamian hero, son of the soil and legend of our time who epitomized the definition of success. “For a life such as his, where in all things Joseph Benjamin Carroll found it more blessed to give than to receive, more honorable to build than destroy, it is therefore fitting that this portion of  the road from Scrubb Hill to Pinders be named in honor of this Bahamian patriot.” Ms. Cartwright said, “Here we are today, some 18 years later, witnessing a dream come true.  “Today is by all means a defining moment in the history of Long Island. Soon and very soon we will be walking, driving or riding down J B Carroll’s highway instead of the King’s Highway.” Mr. Carroll’s accomplishments include:  -Served as an elder in Cartwright’s Gospel Chapel beginning in 1958 until the time of his death in 2010; -Honored by her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II (received the British Empire Medal) for meritorious civil/military service; - Member of the local School Board and the Parent Teachers’ Association of NGM Major High School; -A member of the local Board of Works for over 30 years; -Led fundraising efforts to construct a Science Building at NGM Major High School; -Helped raise funds for the Deadman’s Cay Health Centre and led the effort to raise funds for the Medical Clinic and Nurse’s residence. A ribbon cutting, blessing of the road and benediction followed the ceremony.

In response to broadcaster Shenique Miller's "Beyond The Headlines'" misleading statement made on Tuesday May 2nd. Ms. Miller stated that there was a rally and protest downtown this past weekend, which she thought was organized by Rise Bahamas. Our Child Protection rally was held, however Ms. Miller went on to claim that the aim of the protest was to protect children against the "transgender movement". She must publicly retract and clarify that statement, as it is incorrect.

Rise Bahamas stands for the rights of all people, particularly children and other vulnerable and bullied groups. Our doors are open to all who that want to join the fight for child protection, whether you dress or identify as a Superhero or were born intersexed. However, if you want to volunteer with our organization, you will be subject to a background check and must agree to our guidelines and codes of conduct, as we take the call to protect children very seriously.

We fight for child protection, and have been championing the implementation of Marco’s Law for the last 9 years. Successive administrations have failed to properly implement the law named in honor of murdered 11 year old Marco Archer, who would have turned 23 this year had he lived.

We are also petitioning on www.change.org/childprotection242 for:
• Stiffer sentences for those convicted of harming children
• Extensive rehabilitation for offenders
• Tabling of Bella's Bill - which seeks to expand the categories of people mandated to report crimes against children or face penalties
• Amendments to the Sex Offender Registry including making the list retroactive, and adding first time offenders to the list

We will not be intimidated by bullies of any kind, including the government, political pundits or religious leaders. We will continue to fight for the protection of the children of this nation, whether they are Bahamian, Haitian, tourists, identify as trans, or otherwise.

Photo Captions: 

Photo 1
A toddler speaks into the megaphone held by Terneille TADA Burrows, (left) Founder of Rise Bahamas; at the Child Protection Rally that was held on Saturday, April 29, 2023, in Rawson Square to call on the government to strengthen the current Child Protection Act, finish the Marco’s Alert, and other important issues that affect the nation.  Photo by Azaleta Ishmael-Newry

Photo 2
Two fathers hold a sign “Remember Them!” of children who died at the hands of abuse or were murdered in The Bahamas at the Rise Bahamas Child Protection Rally that was held on April 29, 2023, in Rawson Square. Photo by Azaleta Ishmael-Newry.

Photo 3
Attendees at the recent Child Protection Rally held in Rawson Square with messages: Stop Child Abuse; Stop Abusing Our Children; Table Bella’s Bill; Impose Stiffer Penalties for Crimes Against Children and others. Many groups came out to support Rise Bahamas on this important initiative. Photo by Azaleta Ishmael-Newry.

 

In response to broadcaster Shenique Miller's "Beyond The Headlines'" misleading statement made on Tuesday May 2nd. Ms. Miller stated that there was a rally and protest downtown this past weekend, which she thought was organized by Rise Bahamas. Our Child Protection rally was held, however Ms. Miller went on to claim that the aim of the protest was to protect children against the "transgender movement". She must publicly retract and clarify that statement, as it is incorrect. Rise Bahamas stands for the rights of all people, particularly children and other vulnerable and bullied groups. Our doors are open to all who that want to join the fight for child protection, whether you dress or identify as a Superhero or were born intersexed. However, if you want to volunteer with our organization, you will be subject to a background check and must agree to our guidelines and codes of conduct, as we take the call to protect children very seriously. We fight for child protection, and have been championing the implementation of Marco’s Law for the last 9 years. Successive administrations have failed to properly implement the law named in honor of murdered 11 year old Marco Archer, who would have turned 23 this year had he lived. We are also petitioning on www.change.org/childprotection242 for: • Stiffer sentences for those convicted of harming children • Extensive rehabilitation for offenders • Tabling of Bella's Bill - which seeks to expand the categories of people mandated to report crimes against children or face penalties • Amendments to the Sex Offender Registry including making the list retroactive, and adding first time offenders to the list We will not be intimidated by bullies of any kind, including the government, political pundits or religious leaders. We will continue to fight for the protection of the children of this nation, whether they are Bahamian, Haitian, tourists, identify as trans, or otherwise. Photo Captions:   Photo 1 A toddler speaks into the megaphone held by Terneille TADA Burrows, (left) Founder of Rise Bahamas; at the Child Protection Rally that was held on Saturday, April 29, 2023, in Rawson Square to call on the government to strengthen the current Child Protection Act, finish the Marco’s Alert, and other important issues that affect the nation.  Photo by Azaleta Ishmael-Newry Photo 2 Two fathers hold a sign “Remember Them!” of children who died at the hands of abuse or were murdered in The Bahamas at the Rise Bahamas Child Protection Rally that was held on April 29, 2023, in Rawson Square. Photo by Azaleta Ishmael-Newry. Photo 3 Attendees at the recent Child Protection Rally held in Rawson Square with messages: Stop Child Abuse; Stop Abusing Our Children; Table Bella’s Bill; Impose Stiffer Penalties for Crimes Against Children and others. Many groups came out to support Rise Bahamas on this important initiative. Photo by Azaleta Ishmael-Newry.

Minister for Grand Bahama, the Hon. Ginger Moxey said the Ministry for Grand Bahama is committed to promoting and preserving the cultural heritage of Grand Bahama Island, and events like the Coconut Festival are an essential part of that mission. 

Minister Moxey was the keynote speaker at the short opening ceremony for the 23rd Coconut Festival in Pelican Point on Monday, April 10, 2023. She said that she could have thought of no better way to spend the Easter Monday holiday than in the beautiful settlement of Pelican Point, celebrating community, culture, and all the ways her Ministry has been working to preserve that culture.

In spite of the threat of a few showers, hundreds of Grand Bahamians and visitors travelled to Pelican Point on Monday for the annual Festival to enjoy native dishes, treats, Bahamian music and the beautiful beach, which provides the unique backdrop for the all-Bahamian experience.

This was the second year since the COVID-19 Pandemic and lockdowns that the festival made its comeback and from the turnout, the bounce back continues to be strong.

Minister Moxey acknowledged the hard work of so many people, groups and organizations who made the return of the Coconut Festival such a success, including the Grand Bahama Coconut Festival Committee, the team at the Ministry for Grand Bahama, the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, and most importantly the community of Pelican Point.

“I cannot overstate how excited I am to see the willingness to show up for your community and share our culture with visitors from near and far, with open arms,” said Minister Moxey.

“I would also like to recognize the efforts of ‘Beautiful Grand Bahama’, an initiative launched by the Ministry for Grand Bahama’s Collab Unit, that played an integral role in the return of Coconut Festival to the Pelican Point Community, last year.”

 

Minister for Grand Bahama, the Hon. Ginger Moxey said the Ministry for Grand Bahama is committed to promoting and preserving the cultural heritage of Grand Bahama Island, and events like the Coconut Festival are an essential part of that mission.   Minister Moxey was the keynote speaker at the short opening ceremony for the 23rd Coconut Festival in Pelican Point on Monday, April 10, 2023. She said that she could have thought of no better way to spend the Easter Monday holiday than in the beautiful settlement of Pelican Point, celebrating community, culture, and all the ways her Ministry has been working to preserve that culture. In spite of the threat of a few showers, hundreds of Grand Bahamians and visitors travelled to Pelican Point on Monday for the annual Festival to enjoy native dishes, treats, Bahamian music and the beautiful beach, which provides the unique backdrop for the all-Bahamian experience. This was the second year since the COVID-19 Pandemic and lockdowns that the festival made its comeback and from the turnout, the bounce back continues to be strong. Minister Moxey acknowledged the hard work of so many people, groups and organizations who made the return of the Coconut Festival such a success, including the Grand Bahama Coconut Festival Committee, the team at the Ministry for Grand Bahama, the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, and most importantly the community of Pelican Point.   “I cannot overstate how excited I am to see the willingness to show up for your community and share our culture with visitors from near and far, with open arms,” said Minister Moxey.   “I would also like to recognize the efforts of ‘Beautiful Grand Bahama’, an initiative launched by the Ministry for Grand Bahama’s Collab Unit, that played an integral role in the return of Coconut Festival to the Pelican Point Community, last year.”