July 30, 2007
The Embassy of The Bahamas to the United States of America
commemorated the 34th Independence of The Bahamas by
hosting a number of activities which gathered Bahamians, friends of
The Bahamas, members of the US Department of State, Washington
diplomats and OAS officials alike to the US capital, Washington DC,
during the week of 8 July 2007.
The activities commenced on Sunday, 8 July 2007 when the resident
Bahamian population in the Metropolitan DC area participated in a
thanksgiving Service at the Holy Comforter Episcopal Church in
Northwest Washington.
The Reverend Dr. Kortwright Davis, who led the service, welcomed
those gathered and expressed gratitude to the Bahamian community for
its continued support of his Church.
Reverend Kendrick Forbes of the Catholic Archdiocese of Nassau
gave a dynamic sermon. Keeping in tune with the national theme for
The Bahamas 34th Independence Celebrations,
‘Celebrating our Forebears’, Father ‘Kenny’ reminded worshippers
that The Bahamas was built upon the labours of men and women who
shared a number of characteristic; perseverance, prayerfulness,
purpose-driven, prepared and action-oriented. He challenged those
gathered, as heirs of this legacy, to be appreciative and mindful of
the accomplishments of their forebears.
(in photo) Rev. Kendrick Forbes
An official reception was held Monday, 9 July 2007 at the OAS.
Chargé ď Affairs of the Washington Office, Rhoda Jackson, welcomed
the invited guests to the special occasion. Remarking that a number
of important events have occurred in the life of The Bahamas in
recent months, in particular the General Election, she said that The
Bahamas Government is committed to strengthening and improving The
Bahamas for Bahamians through, good governance, transparency and
accountability.
Ms. Jackson informed the guest of The Bahamas’ participation in
the recent ‘Conference on the Caribbean’, held 19-22 June 2007 in
Washington DC and which included a Summit between the US President
George Bush and Caribbean Heads of Government including the Rt. Hon.
Prime Minister of The Bahamas, Hubert Ingraham and meeting between
the US Secretary of State, Condoleezza Rice and Caribbean Foreign
Ministers, including the Hon. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of
Foreign Affairs of The Bahamas, Brent G. Symonette.
Additionally, she recognised BJAM, which won first prize for best
banner in the DC 2007 Carnival and congratulated Ms. Krystal Kemp,
winner of The Bahamas OAS Math Competition.
Guests were then invited to partake in a buffet of Bahamian
dishes.
(left) H.E. Giovanni
Schiavoni Permanat Representative of Italy to OAS
(Right) Ms. Rhoda Jackson Charge de
Affairs Embassy of The Bahamas Washington
