Bahamians Observe Independence At Canada's Famous Hotel

Wed, Jul 21st 2010, 12:00 AM

On July 10th scores of Bahamians who reside in Canada gathered at Toronto’s famous Westin Hotel overlooking Lake Ontario to celebrate The Bahamas 37th anniversary of Independence.

 In a convention room and terrace giving views of Ontario’s largest inland body of water with sailboats bobbing in the background memories of The Bahamas were reflected in the venues décor.

 Bunches of balloons in the colours of the flag and large screens depicting Bahamian scenes provided by The Ministry of Tourism set the stage for the festive event that was to follow. Older Bahamians, some of whom have been domiciled in the greater Toronto Area for over 30 years co-mingled with students from all over the province, leading off the event lustfully singing the National Anthem.

 High Commissioner Mike Smith read highlights from The Governor General and The Prime Minister’s Independence speeches, and went on to speak about the successful relationship that exists between The Bahamas and Canada. He noted that The Bahamas ranks tenth in the world among countries where Canadians have investments, ahead of international powerhouses like Brazil, China and India.

 The High Commissioner pointed out That Canada and The Bahamas recently signed a tax information exchange agreement, and one of the benefits of this agreement is that Canadian parent companies will not have to pay tax on dividends earned by their subsidiaries in The Bahamas. This he said should be a major encouragement for Canadian companies to do business in The Bahamas.

High Commissioner Smith noted that discussions are continuing for a Canada-CARICOM Trade Agreement that should also impact trade relationships between The Bahamas and Canada.  Tourism figures for Canadian visitors to The Bahamas for the first quarter of 2010 are up considerably over 2009 noted The High Commissioner, with direct flights from Canada to three Bahamian destinations now available.

 
E-PASSPORTS AND A NEW WEBSITE

 Bahamians were also reminded that passports with electronic bar codes are now being issued from The High Commission in Ottawa, and that the High Commission’s new website www.bahighco.ca is available to provide routine consular and Government information.

 CANADA PRAISES BAHAMAS

 The Hon. Peter Kent, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs with responsibility for The Caribbean and The Americas, travelled from Ottawa to Toronto to participate in the occasion.

 The minister praised The Bahamas for the significant achievements it has made in the past 37 years, and noted the positive symbiotic relationship between the two countries.

 CONCH FRITTERS AND GUAVA DUFF

 Bahamian chef Mario Adderley supervised the preparation of an all Bahamian meal that started with conch fritters and ended with Guava duff washed down by “leaded” and “unleaded” punch.

 The festivities ended with a small Junkanoo rush out organized by Bruce Sawyer and the Association of Bahamians in Canada.

 High commissioner Smith thanked Tourism Director Paul Strachan and the staff of the Ministry of Tourism and the staff of the High Commission for assisting in making the event an outstanding success.

 

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