FREEPORT, Grand Bahama -- On Monday, February 2nd at 12noon, 120 gospel musicians from Canada, Atlanta, North and South Carolina will disembark the Carnival Fascination on Grand Bahama Island, and join with local Bahamian gospel artists for a mid-day gospel concert at Count Basie Square in the Port Lucaya Marketplace. The Southern Gospel Music Cruise, led by Rev. Arnie Shipp, has been visiting The Bahamas for the past five years, with this year being the first for the participants to disembark for a time of worship.
During a press conference held on Friday, January 30, 2015, Debbie Huyler, Manager for Religious Tourism at the Grand Bahama Tourist office spoke to the excitement that is in the air as the Grand Bahama Tourism team prepares to receive the group on Tuesday. Huyler added that "It is with great excitement and expectation that we roll out the welcome mat to this special group as they experience the beauty, hospitality and the unique culture of Grand Bahama Island."
During the group's time on island they will participate in an island tour followed by an afternoon in the Port Lucaya Marketplace for shopping and dining. As a courtesy to the group, The Ministry's People-to-People unit will prepare for their enjoyment a native tea party with samplings of native bush teas.
Dereck Stubbs, Island Coordinator, is optimistic of the execution of this highly anticipated gospel showcase and the cultural exchange that will take place as local musical sensations, the Cooling Waters and the Island Gospel Quartet joins the Southern fellowship during the mid-day concert. Adding to this excitement, Karen Ferguson-Bain, Entertainment and Marketing Coordinator of the Port Lucaya Marketplace shared that, not only will the group enjoy the shopping and singing, but they will be treated to a Junkanoo rush out before heading back to the ship.

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