35th Anniversary Celebration

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Commonwealth of The Bahamas Hoists National Flag
In Celebration of 35 Years of Independence

Ceremony Hosted in New York City's Bowling Green Park with Remarks from U.S. Congressman

New York City – July 14, 2008 – On July 10, 2008, Bowling Green Park, one of New York City’s historic neighborhoods, was the site of a celebration for the Commonwealth of The Bahamas’ most important day in history – its Independence Day. Celebrated each year on July 10, it marks the day The Bahamas became a free and sovereign nation, ending 325 years of British rule.

The 35th Anniversary of Independence Celebration featured a flag raising ceremony with remarks from the Hon. Carl F. Smith, Consul General of the Commonwealth of the Bahamas, and United States Congressman Jerrold Nadler, as well as a presentation of flags by State University of New York (SUNY) Maritime College students. Representatives from the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism and many Bahamian families who have immigrated to the United States were also present for the celebration.

The New York City event was made possible through the support of the many hotels and resorts that call The Bahamas home, including the Sheraton Cable Beach in Nassau, whose general manager Hans Altenhoff remarked, “On behalf of our staff at the all-new Sheraton Cable Beach Resort, it is with great pleasure that I express our sincerest congratulations on the celebration of 35 years of independence, what an exciting milestone for The Islands Of The Bahamas.”

Life in The Islands Of The Bahamas is as culturally diverse as it is vibrantly beautiful, from the carefree Out Islands to exciting Nassau/Paradise Island and Grand Bahama Island. With world-class diving and fishing, gorgeous turquoise water and miles of picture perfect beaches, the 700 islands of The Bahamas offer visitors the opportunity to do everything or nothing at all. For more information on travel packages, activities and accommodations, call 1-800-Bahamas or visit www.Bahamas.com. To purchase one-of-a-kind items and mementos from The Bahamas, visit www.EShopBahamas.com. For more information on the Out Islands, visit www.myoutislands.com.

Photo Caption: H.E. Carl Smith, Consul General The Bahamas Consulate NY, H.E. Paulette A. Bethel, Ph.D. Ambassador & Permanent Representative, and Arthur Piccolo, Chairman of the Bowling Green Association raise the national flag of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas on July 10 in celebration the country's independence.

Media Contacts:

Judith HoSang
Weber Shandwick
(212) 445-8122 
jwint@webershandwick.com

Anita Johnson-Patty
Bahamas Ministry of Tourism
(954) 236-9292
ajohnson@bahamas.com