Celebrating Independence abroad

By CARA HUNT | Tribune Features Writer | cbrennen@tribunemedia.net

Bahamians living abroad won’t be left out of the celebrations for the country’s golden jubilee, with a number of special activities being planned by consular general offices around the United States.

While officials in Atlanta are planning three special events catering to Bahamians across 10 states in the South and the Midwest, New York is hosting two Bahamian athletes at one of the city’s most famous landmarks.

Atlanta’s Vice Consul Diaspora and Cultural Affairs Yasmin Miller told Tribune Weekend that her office is planning to celebrate in grand style.

“During significant milestones like the 50th anniversary, Bahamians find ways to come together, celebrate their heritage, and strengthen their sense of connection to their homeland,” she said.

“This year we are celebrating with a sense of grandeur. We will be hosting a triple celebration.”

The events will include a black-tie cultural reception, an ecumenical service and a family reception.

Ms Miller explained that the Atlanta office serves 10 states - Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Kansas, Kentucky, Missouri, North Carolina, Oklahoma and South Carolina.

“The dispersion of Bahamians across multiple states indicates a diverse and widespread community. Having a presence in different states allows for greater opportunities for cultural exchange, economic contributions and community-building,” she said.

Ms Miller said that is is very important to have these opportunities to come together as Bahamians and celebrate when living away from home.

“Maintaining connections with Bahamians abroad helps to preserve and promote Bahamian culture, traditions and heritage. It allows for the exchange of ideas, language, cuisine, music, and other aspects of the Bahamian identity,” she said.

“The Bahamian diaspora play a vital role in contributing to the economic development of the Bahamas. Remittances, which are funds sent by Bahamians abroad to their families or communities back home, can have a positive impact on the local economy.”

Providing a network for those individuals is equally important.

“The diaspora provides a network of connections for Bahamian abroad and those living in the Bahamas. It can open up opportunities for business collaborations, educational exchanges, professional development, and knowledge sharing.

Staying connected with the diaspora provides a sense of belonging, support, and community for Bahamians living abroad. It allows them to stay connected with their roots, share experiences, and find support within the larger Bahamian community,” said Ms Miller.

She noted that this can foster cultural, economic and social ties that benefit both the individuals abroad and the development of the Bahamas as a whole.

In addition to the individual events that Bahamian families will host this weekend, the Consulate

General has two days of events planned for the jubilee.

The black-tie cocktail reception will take place on Saturday July 29, at the Grand Westin Hotel at the Atlanta Airport.

“Our black-tie cocktail reception promises an enchanting ambiance that seamlessly weaves together the rich tapestry of culture, history, art, storytelling and celebration.

Step into a Bahamian journey where every detail is thoughtfully curated to transport you through time and inspire a sense of wonder and appreciation for the Bahamas,” she said.

“Guest will immerse themselves in the spirit of the Bahamas with a bustling Bahamian straw market, where you can explore traditional crafts and treasures; indulge in delectable, flavourful food, and experience the pulsating rhythms of our live band. Get ready for giveaways and a host of other surprises that will make this event truly unforgettable.”

The following morning will provide an opportunity for praise and thanksgiving.

The ecumenical service will take place on Sunday, July 30, at the New Birth Missionary Baptist Church with Pastor Jamal Bryant at 9.30am.

“Our ecumenical service is a celebration of the Bahamas’ 50th Independence. It’s a sacred gathering designed to unite Bahamians from diverse Christian backgrounds, fostering a spirit of unity, gratitude, and hope for the future. This day will be a powerful testament to the Bahamian people’s shared faith, resilience, and commitment to our nation’s progress,” said Ms Miller.

In true Bahamian fashion, there will be the traditional Sunday afterchurch gathering.

“Immediately after the service, we will gather at the church for a heartwarming family reception, where we come together to commemorate our nation’s independence. The atmosphere will be filled with joy and unity as we gather to cut our special independence cake, symbolising the milestone we’re reached as a nation,” she said.

Ms Miller said the afternoon will be a perfect opportunity to connect with the Bahamian diaspora, strengthening bonds and fostering a sense of togetherness.

“Whether you’re a member of the diaspora or a local resident, this reception is open to all who share a love for the Bahamas and a desire to celebrate our journey of independence. We look forward to embracing the spirit of unity and celebrating our Bahamian heritage at this joyous family reception,” she said.

Meanwhile, in New York, the Empire State Building will host professional basketball player Jonquel Jones and former NBA player Rick Fox to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Independence in partnership with the Bahamas Consulate General in New York on Monday, July 10.

Following the ceremony, dancers will perform to Junkanoo music, and Jones and Fox will participate in a photo opp on the iconic 86th floor observatory.

Saturday July 8 (ticketed event)

•Party Like It’s 1973- Golden Oldies Soiree (ticketed event)

Baha Mar Convention Centre; doors open at 7pm.

Friday, July 7

•National Bahamian Pride Day - Display your nation’s flag colours, Androsia or Bahama Hand Prints or any other memorabilia.

•The Independence Gala (invite only)

Atlantis Imperial Ballroom, 7pm

Sunday, July 9

•Jubilee Services of Praise and Thanksgiving - The sounds of thanksgiving to be released at all houses of worship at 10am.

•The Golden Jubilee Ecumenical Service, Military Tattoo and Cultural Show (free entry)

Vendors open at 4pm, show begins at 5pm

Monday, July 10 (public holiday)

State Reception (invite only) Government House, 6pm Independence calendar of events

•50th Independence People’s Rush (free entry)

Unity Junkanoo Parade, Bay Street, 2am

•The Independence Family Fun Day (free entry)

Clifford Park; gates open at 3pm, show starts at 5pm

•The Independence tV croSSword across: 5 Sean, 7 Anthea, 8 Karen, 11 Swash, 12 Lorraine, 13 Anna, 15 Ness, 16 January, 17 Gaby, 18 Coogan, 21 Ashe, 22 Rory. down: 1 Snow, 2 Gethin, 3 Carr, 4 Inside, 5 Spencer, 6 Alba, 9 Elisabeth, 10 Bella, 14 Young, 17 Gina, 19 Our, 20 Amy. tV show: Shrinking

Lonesome. down: Terrific, Cargo, Dwindle, Prefect, Curl, Situate (clue), Rant, Poleaxe, Quickie, Gleam, Televise.

Best described as a number crossword, the task in Kakuro is to fill all of the empty squares, using numbers 1 to 9, so the sum of each horizontal block equals the number to its left, and the sum of each vertical block equals the number on its top. No number may be used in the same block more than once. The difficulty level of the Conceptis Kakuro increases from Monday to Sunday.

CHASE

MuddlESoME

The Bad Place Dragon tears Demon Seed clock-wiSE Hoop, Opal, Alga, Gasp, Spec, Echo

QuiZ of thE wEEk

1+9=10, 8x3=24, 9x3=27

SMall croSSword

Sudoku is a number-placing puzzle based on a 9x9 grid with several given numbers. The object is to place the numbers 1 to 9 in the empty squares so the each row, each column and each 3x3 box contains the same number only once. The difficulty level of the Sudoku increases from Monday to Sunday

1 1980s, 2 Sides, 3 Lord’s, 4 Curt treatment, 5 Newcastle Utd, 6 Birmingham, 7 Catherine Of Aragon, 8 Fidelity, 9 John Humphrys, 10 Wallace And Gromit.

Cryptic Puzzle

Across

1 Part of the engine to spin round (6)

4 Third party insurance for a girl out socially (8)

9 Foliage left on the edges of the roof (6)

10 Entertainers needing a rest sit out (8)

12 They’re often found in a lather (4)

13 Shelter in the street from snow and rain (5)

14 A group involved in patriotic activities (4)

17 The gear to which skilled workers may feel entitled (12)

20 Main subject taken by students (12)

23 Points to a top-class manuscript (4)

24 About to notice, for instance, returning birds (5)

25 Fringe report? (4)

28 Want to put a blemish on a large town (8)

29 Where is seen the outcome of the shooting (6)

30 Shows fish that are left (8)

31 When to tell all? (6)

Down

1 A friend has new ideas for making a fence (8)

2 Knotted soft and loud tie (5,3)

3 Nothing to write, to be frank (4)

5 He gets in the corn (7,5)

6 Duet for piano melody (4)

7 A type of fan club (6)

8 A wise man is in France and not outside (6)

11 False registration made by a burglar (7,5)

15 Cheap variety of fruit (5)

16 The chaplain’s home again (5)

18 They have something to say on the radio (8)

19 A singular spectacle? (8)

21 Settles rises in salary (4,2)

22 I’m not one to weaken (6)

26 It’s a blemish in anyone’s carpet (4)

27 Failing to become a deputy (4)

Across across: 1 Mechanism, 7 Onto, 8 Dance, 10 Her, 11 Dollop, 13 Irascible, 14 Legion, 16 Exe, 18 Sabre, 19 Stir, 20 Swordplay. down: 1 Moodiness, 2 Encore, 3 Howl, 4 Nay, 5 Inhabit, 6 Mercenary, 8 Diocese, 9 Placebo, 12 Gloria, 15 Gasp, 17 Err. croSS douBt across: LILAC down: AMBER

The Alphabeater

Yesterday’s Easy Solution

Across: 1 Droop, 4 Pointer, 8 Met, 9 Ill-omened, 10 Reflect, 11 Natty, 13 Tirade, 15 Fellow, 18 Bless, 19 Suffice, 21 Lifeblood, 23 Got, 24 Augment, 25 Probe.

Down: 1 Demerit, 2 Out of true, 3 Poise, 4 Polite, 5 Immense, 6 Tin, 7 Ruddy, 12 Talking-to, 14 Disable, 16 Wrestle, 17 Escort, 18 Balsa, 20 Fed up, 22 Fig.

Yesterday’s Cryptic Solution

Across: 1 Utter, 4 Parsley, 8 Una, 9 Dirt track, 10 Element, 11 Appal, 13 Evince, 15 Jetsam, 18 Tango, 19 Ailment, 21 Racehorse, 23 Gas, 24 Baby-sit, 25 Eerie.

Down: 1 Ukulele, 2 Tragedian, 3 Ridge, 4 Pirate, 5 Rat race, 6 Lea, 7 Yokel, 12 Passenger, 14 Clothes, 16 Matisse, 17 Carrot, 18 Throb, 20 Liege, 22 Cub.

Easy Puzzle

1 Pandemonium (6)

4 Hard to understand (8)

9 Business patronage (6)

10 Very attractive (8)

12 Ancient stringed instrument (4)

13 Begin earnestly (3,2)

14 A dismal failure (4)

17 Obsequiousness (12)

20 Having a chance to win (2,3,7)

23 Put to flight (4)

24 To frequent (5)

25 Nuisance (4)

28 Specific (8)

29 Display ostentatiously (6)

30 Loneliness (8)

31 One who behaves affectedly (6)

Down

1 Strong adverse reaction (8)

2 Represent in words (8)

3 In excited eagerness (4)

5 Sustain main impact (4,3,5)

6 Strong distinctive taste (4)

7 Too numerous to count (6)

8 Other than (6)

11 Sad (5-7)

15 Sham attack (5)

16 Subdivision of a play (5)

18 Adjust precisely (4-4)

19 Firebrand (8)

21 A summary (6)

22 Underground passage (6)

26 Indomitable endurance (4)

27 Countertenor (4)

Quick croSSword across: 4 Offence, 8 Expire, 9 Circuit, 10 Ironed, 11 Hasten, 12 Constant, 18 Cannibal, 20 Emerge, 21 Bullet, 22 Poverty, 23 Lesson, 24 Stature. down: 1 Bewitch, 2 Appoint, 3 Arrest, 5 Frighten, 6 Excuse, 7 Chimed, 13 Ancestor, 14 Abolish, 15 Blatant, 16 Import, 17 Ardent, 19 Neuter.

d H U G a N r e a

● The Target uses words in the main body of Chambers 21st Century Dictionary (1999 edition)

HOW many words of four letters or more can you make from the letters shown here?

In making a word, each letter may be used once only. each must contain the centre letter and there must be at least one nine-letter word. No plurals. Verb forms ending in s permitted.

TODAY’S TARGET

Good 30; very good 45; excellent 59 (or more). Solution tomorrow call 0907 181 2585 for today’s target solution

Yesterday’s Sudoku Answer

*Calls cost 80p per minute plus your telephone company’s network access charge. BATTLESHIPS targEt godMothEr doth GODMOTHER herd hero hoed home homed homer homo hood hoot hooted hooter horde method moth mother oohed other them therm thro throe caN you crack the alphabeater? each grid number represents a letter – or black square. as in alphapuzzle, every letter of the alphabet is used. But you have to complete the grid too! Use the given letters and black squares below the grid to start. the grid is ‘rotationally symmetrical’ – in other words, it looks the same if you turn the page upside down. Solution tomorrow

FIND where the fleet of ships shown is hidden in the grid. The numbers to the right of and below the grid indicate how many of the squares in that row are filled in with ships or parts of ships. The ships do not touch each other, even diagonally. Some squares have been filled in to start you off.

Yesterday’s Kakuro Answer

● Alternatively, for six Extra Letter clues to your mobile, text DXBEAT to 64343. Texts cost £1 plus your usual operator

Word Builder

Answer the clues so that each word contains the same letters as the previous word, plus or minus one.