Families, friends, some of the nation’s best musical performers, tourists, and Grand Bahama Port Authority executives congregated at St. George Memorial Park at Taino Beach in volumes August Monday for a beach party in celebration of Freeport’s 50th birthday.
While children enjoyed themselves on the bouncy castles, giant slide, swings, and other playground amenities located at the “Kiddie Corner,” adults engaged in socializing and dancing. Rhythms of pre-recorded Junkanoo music and live Rake ‘n’ Scrape sounds kept them entertained and moving for hours on end.
Later on, in the evening, musical performers Dry Bread, K.B., The Matrix, and others kept them in the dancing mood, entertaining the crowded park of attendees up to early this morning. Rick Hayward, son of Grand Bahama Development Company Chairman Sir Jack Hayward, who was observing the festivities from the second floor of a wooden structure on the beach’s shore, said that it is quite impressive how far the city of Freeport has come in 50 years.
“I think what’s tremendous is that 50 years ago there was very little in Freeport,” Mr. Hayward said. “Now, the whole island has a population of about 50,000 people, we get over a million and a half visitors a year, and it’s just great.”
Mr. Hayward asserted that the Port Authority’s momentum over the next half-century will increase, provide jobs for students exiting high school, and, provided that the right investments are made on the island, skyrocket.
Spectator Harold Cash, who was spending the day at the beach with his daughter and grandniece, said that he was excited that children in general were able to be a part of the momentous celebration of Freeport’s 50th anniversary.
Joseph Darville, another spectator, said he was enjoying the food and drinks from the designated “Cuisine From Around the Globe” section, adding that the Port Authority has made Freeport a model district in the entire country.
“If it wasn’t for the Port along with Wallace Groves, there would be no Freeport; you’d just be looking at East End and West End,” Mr. Darville said. “So I’m glad they got around to developing the island, and hopefully things will continue to grow in a positive way.”
The Matrix band member Audley Russell, a resident of Russell Town, in the Williams and Russell Town area, stated that he was gladdened to see everybody being so patriotic. He further went on to say that he would love to see the Port Authority expand its functions to the outer settlements of Grand Bahama.
The evening culminated with a colourful fireworks display.
A number of activities still remain on the agenda in recognition of Freeport’s 50th birthday.
On Thursday, August 4, the GBPA will recognize its partnership with the government by “hosting a special anniversary dinner with our partners and other key persons who have played a vital role in our development,” GBPA Co-chairman and CEO Julian Francis recently said.
The following day, a special luncheon honouring long-serving GBPA employees will be held.
And finally, the week of activities will end with an ecumenical service of thanksgiving on Sunday, August 7 at 3:00 p.m. at St. John’s Jubilee Cathedral.
By JEREMY FRANCIS, Freeport News Reporter
