THE 48th Bahamas Independence anniversary celebrations kicked off on Friday, with flag-raising ceremonies throughout the island of Grand Bahama and a display of national colours and pride.

Residents, businesses, and cars were decorated in aquamarine, yellow and black to display patriotism and unity as Bahamians.

State Minister for Grand Bahama Senator Kwasi Thompson called on Grand Bahamians to be thankful despite the challenges the island has experienced in the last two years.

He expressed a strong sense of hope and optimism for Grand Bahama. “Since last year's Independence season, we have seen a relaxation of the curfew; and there is also more economic activity on the island,” he said.

Minister Thompson spoke at the flag-raising ceremony, which was held at 10am on the front lawn of the Harold DeGregory Complex in Freeport, where government officials and residents had gathered under a tent where seating was arranged for social distancing.

Similar ceremonies were also held in West Grand Bahama at 9am and in East Grand Bahama at 10am. The theme this year is, ‘‘A Celebration of Life Revive Us Again.” Musical entertainment by Papa Smurf, Element, and Sherrill Rahming, performing, “I am a Bahamian” was one of the highlights of the programme.

Mr Thompson said there is hope and optimism, not just on Grand Bahama, but throughout the country.

“We give God thanks for giving us the opportunity to celebrate 48 years as an independent nation,” he said.

“It is a time to celebrate who we are as a people; and whether you knew it or not, we are a strong people and a blessed nation. Everything we have gone through this year and in years past has made us stronger, wiser, better than we were before.

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