Cable Bahamas commits itself to better service in a new initiative inspired by national anthem.
One week before the country marks its 40th anniversary of independence, Cable Bahamas has released a commemorative short film of the Bahamas' national anthem, "March On, Bahamaland".
This major project, produced over the last two months on multiple Family Islands, features performances by Angelique Sabrina; Lee Callender, the grandson of Timothy Gibson, the composer of the national anthem, and the Highgrove Singers, and includes appearances from the Royal Bahamas Police Force Band and Colour Guard, as well as hundreds of Bahamians from all walks of life.
The finale scene of the production was filmed just two weeks ago at the historic Fort Charlotte on New Providence, which was built more than 200 years ago. A cast of nearly 300 Bahamians including children from the Urban Renewal program came out to participate in the filming.
"We see our national anthem as a 'vision statement' for our country," said Cable Bahamas Head of Marketing David Burrows. "We see it as a call to action for us as individuals, for Cable Bahamas as a company and for our nation. We hope that, through this new musical arrangement and film production, Bahamians will rediscover the national anthem and all that it calls us to be and to do."
Burrows explained that one phrase in particular has become a "rallying cry" for Cable Bahamas. "'Pledge to excel' - which we believe, if applied to every part of our company, personal and professional lives, can move our Bahamaland forward as we become a better nation because of it."
Burrows emphasized that The Bahamas national anthem, "March On, Bahamaland" composed by the late Timothy Gibson in 1973 when the country gained its independence, is an inspirational national theme that contains messages that are relevant to today's Bahamas.
"Our national anthem is something that binds us together like nothing else does," Burrows said, "and that is the reason we chose to make it our focus for this 40th independence celebration. It reaches across economic, gender, political, ethnic and age demographics and draws us together through the values of what makes us Bahamians."
The project features the solo performance of Angelique Sabrina, a rising Bahamian music artist that has experienced a tremendous reception in major U.S. markets and recognition among respected industry professionals. Cable Bahamas signed a representation agreement with Angelique Sabrina just last month, and this production of the Bahamas national anthem is the first collaboration to be released.
The music tracks and arrangement were created and recorded by Bahamian producer and Angelique's co-manager Gregg White, who blew the conch horn that was used in the introduction of the short film. It includes the work of renowned pianist and vocal coach Lee Callender. The background vocals in the production are performed by the Highgrove Singers, which were directed by Adrian Archer and recorded at Christ Church Cathedral in Nassau.
Following the shooting of the finale at Fort Charlotte, Lee Callender, said, "I know that my grandfather would be proud of this arrangement and production. I believe this truly captures the majesty of the music, the meaning of the lyrics and the emotion and significance that was intended in the original."
The production was shot at nearly 20 different locations in The Bahamas, and includes scenes of the Paradise Island lighthouse, various settlements on Grand Bahama, Government House, natural underwater scenes, as well as aerial footage shot at Paradise Island Bridge and Fort Charlotte.
Nearly 100 children from the Urban Renewal Youth Programme, under the direction of Superintendent Stephen Dean, also participated in the filming at Fort Charlotte, and were featured in a scene with Angelique Sabrina.
"Our students said that they were so happy to be involved," Dean said. "They still talk about it today, and I am sure it will be something that they will remember for the rest of their lives."
The production was introduced to the media at a press event held at Cable Bahamas' headquarters in New Providence. Prior to the presentation, Cable Bahamas employees gathered around a massive Bahamas flag on the company grounds to take the pledge of allegiance and sing the national anthem, which was led by Angelique Sabrina.
Bahamian production company Keen i Media Ltd. developed the concept for the filming, produced and directed the shooting of the footage and provided all post-production facilities for the finished film. All aspects of the project were conceived and created in The Bahamas, which Mr. Burrows said is a further demonstration of Cable Bahamas' ongoing commitment to utilizing excellent Bahamian talent.
"Cable Bahamas is a 100 percent Bahamian company and for nearly two decades, we have sought out the best Bahamian talent available to create work that all Bahamians can be proud of," Burrows stated.
The cable executive said that there is a need for a renewed pride in the country's homes, surroundings, schools and companies.
"This is something for fathers, mothers, children, students, teachers, churches, civic organizations, public servants, politicians - if every one of us 'pledges to excel', we will truly see a better Bahamas," Burrows asserted.
"We know and we are committed to making it begin with us, here at Cable Bahamas," Burrows said. "We expanded our customer service training with our 'Customer First' initiative just last year, and have invested a tremendous amount of resources and time into continuously training and improving our team members."
Burrows said there is however more to do. "We must allow this call to action to reach into every corner of our organization. Today, we take up the standard and 'pledge to excel' in every area of our business, for our company and our country."
The short film of the national anthem will be widely available for viewing in HD via the company's web site, on Facebook and other social media services, will be shown on Cable Bahamas' 500 REVTV On Demand, will run before every movie showing at Galleria Cinemas at The Mall at Marathon throughout the month of July, and will air nationally on Cable 12.
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