Are you Registered to VOTE !! Election 2026

Bahamas Kidney Association Closes Out Kidney Month with Sold-Out Inaugural Emerald Soirée

Tue, Apr 7th 2026, 10:46 AM
Health

The Bahamas Kidney Association (BKA) has hailed its inaugural Emerald Soirée as a landmark success, following a sold-out evening of advocacy, philanthropy, and celebration held on Saturday, March 28, 2026 at Margaritaville Beach Resort. The event, which welcomed more than 200 guests, served as the culminating close of the Association’s month-long Kidney Month activities and brought together members of the medical community, corporate leaders, donors, caregivers, patients, and supporters in a powerful show of national support for kidney health awareness.

Held under the distinguished patronage of Her Excellency Cynthia A. Pratt, Governor General of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas, and attended by First Lady Ann Marie Davis, the inaugural event was sold out three weeks before its scheduled date, reflecting the strong public response to the Association’s mission and growing national concern around kidney disease and organ donation.

Guests enjoyed an elegant programme, including live entertainment by the Essence Band, whose performance helped set the tone for an evening many attendees described as one of the most memorable charity galas they had attended in recent years. Beyond the celebration, the event reinforced the urgent importance of prevention, early detection, treatment, and organ donation in The Bahamas.

“This evening represents far more than a beautiful event, it is a reflection of what is possible when a community comes together around a life-saving cause,” said Tamika Roberts, Founder of the Bahamas Kidney Association and a living kidney donor. “To see this level of support at our inaugural Emerald Soirée, particularly as we closed out Kidney Month, was deeply meaningful. It sends a clear message that kidney health, patient support, and organ donation awareness matter in this country, and that together we can build something impactful and lasting.”

A highlight of the evening was the Association’s recognition of outstanding individuals whose lives and service have strengthened kidney advocacy, patient care, and public awareness in The Bahamas. Honourees included Dr. Ada Thompson, recipient of the Legacy Award; Dr. Robin Roberts, recipient of the Ada Thompson Emerald Award; Jamila Carroll-Thompson, recipient of the Emerald Voice for Change Award; Mildred Johnson and Agnes Carey, recipients of the Emerald Pillar of Strength Award; Randolph Missick and Keishler Johnson, recipients of the Emerald Inspiration in Action Award and Viola Beckford, recipient of the Emerald Gift of Life Award.

The Association also took a moment to honour Colina Insurance Limited as a dedicated corporate partner, in recognition of its generous and consistent support of the kidney community since the Association’s founding in 2021, including financial contributions, staff participation, and the provision of space for monthly patient meetings.

The Bahamas Kidney Association expressed sincere gratitude to the many sponsors whose support helped make the inaugural event possible. J. S. Johnson served as Title Sponsor; Eden Well and Renal House were Diamond Sponsors; and Mednet Group and the Ministry of Health were recognised as Ruby Sponsors. The Association also acknowledged the generous support of its in-kind sponsors, including Bristol Wines & Spirits, Caribbean Wines & Spirits, Commonwealth Brewery, DCM Entertainment, Eyewitness News, Fusion IMC, The Protocol Guy, and Jimmy’s Wines & Spirits. Their collective support, alongside the commitment of donors, volunteers, and patrons, contributed significantly to the evening’s success.

Proceeds from the Emerald Soirée will support the Bahamas Kidney Association’s ongoing work in public education, patient assistance, advocacy, and awareness-building initiatives across the country. Following the success of its inaugural staging, the Emerald Soirée is expected to become a signature annual event for the organisation and an important platform for continued national engagement around kidney disease.

About The Bahamas Kidney Association

The Bahamas Kidney Association (BKA) is a national nonprofit organization committed to reducing the incidence of kidney failure and improving the lives of individuals affected by kidney disease across The Bahamas through education, advocacy, and patient support. Founded in 2021 by kidney health advocate and living donor Tamika Roberts, BKA delivers year-round public education initiatives, free community screenings, and patient assistance programs that promote early detection, prevention, and access to care. Working alongside medical professionals, community partners, and volunteers, the Association continues to advance kidney health awareness and strengthen support for patients and families nationwide.

The Bahamas Kidney Association (BKA) has hailed its inaugural Emerald Soirée as a landmark success, following a sold-out evening of advocacy, philanthropy, and celebration held on Saturday, March 28, 2026 at Margaritaville Beach Resort. The event, which welcomed more than 200 guests, served as the culminating close of the Association’s month-long Kidney Month activities and brought together members of the medical community, corporate leaders, donors, caregivers, patients, and supporters in a powerful show of national support for kidney health awareness.
Held under the distinguished patronage of Her Excellency Cynthia A. Pratt, Governor General of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas, and attended by First Lady Ann Marie Davis, the inaugural event was sold out three weeks before its scheduled date, reflecting the strong public response to the Association’s mission and growing national concern around kidney disease and organ donation.
Guests enjoyed an elegant programme, including live entertainment by the Essence Band, whose performance helped set the tone for an evening many attendees described as one of the most memorable charity galas they had attended in recent years. Beyond the celebration, the event reinforced the urgent importance of prevention, early detection, treatment, and organ donation in The Bahamas.
“This evening represents far more than a beautiful event, it is a reflection of what is possible when a community comes together around a life-saving cause,” said Tamika Roberts, Founder of the Bahamas Kidney Association and a living kidney donor. “To see this level of support at our inaugural Emerald Soirée, particularly as we closed out Kidney Month, was deeply meaningful. It sends a clear message that kidney health, patient support, and organ donation awareness matter in this country, and that together we can build something impactful and lasting.”
A highlight of the evening was the Association’s recognition of outstanding individuals whose lives and service have strengthened kidney advocacy, patient care, and public awareness in The Bahamas. Honourees included Dr. Ada Thompson, recipient of the Legacy Award; Dr. Robin Roberts, recipient of the Ada Thompson Emerald Award; Jamila Carroll-Thompson, recipient of the Emerald Voice for Change Award; Mildred Johnson and Agnes Carey, recipients of the Emerald Pillar of Strength Award; Randolph Missick and Keishler Johnson, recipients of the Emerald Inspiration in Action Award and Viola Beckford, recipient of the Emerald Gift of Life Award.
The Association also took a moment to honour Colina Insurance Limited as a dedicated corporate partner, in recognition of its generous and consistent support of the kidney community since the Association’s founding in 2021, including financial contributions, staff participation, and the provision of space for monthly patient meetings.
The Bahamas Kidney Association expressed sincere gratitude to the many sponsors whose support helped make the inaugural event possible. J. S. Johnson served as Title Sponsor; Eden Well and Renal House were Diamond Sponsors; and Mednet Group and the Ministry of Health were recognised as Ruby Sponsors. The Association also acknowledged the generous support of its in-kind sponsors, including Bristol Wines & Spirits, Caribbean Wines & Spirits, Commonwealth Brewery, DCM Entertainment, Eyewitness News, Fusion IMC, The Protocol Guy, and Jimmy’s Wines & Spirits. Their collective support, alongside the commitment of donors, volunteers, and patrons, contributed significantly to the evening’s success.
Proceeds from the Emerald Soirée will support the Bahamas Kidney Association’s ongoing work in public education, patient assistance, advocacy, and awareness-building initiatives across the country. Following the success of its inaugural staging, the Emerald Soirée is expected to become a signature annual event for the organisation and an important platform for continued national engagement around kidney disease.
About The Bahamas Kidney Association
The Bahamas Kidney Association (BKA) is a national nonprofit organization committed to reducing the incidence of kidney failure and improving the lives of individuals affected by kidney disease across The Bahamas through education, advocacy, and patient support. Founded in 2021 by kidney health advocate and living donor Tamika Roberts, BKA delivers year-round public education initiatives, free community screenings, and patient assistance programs that promote early detection, prevention, and access to care. Working alongside medical professionals, community partners, and volunteers, the Association continues to advance kidney health awareness and strengthen support for patients and families nationwide.
 Sponsored Ads