By K. NANCOO-RUSSELL

Freeport News Reporter

krystal@nasguard.com

With the nation's Independence Day just nine days away, the steering committee has finalized plans for a number of additional activities which they shared with members of the media during a press conference on Wednesday.

Committee chair Samuel Gardiner noted that celebrations have already begun in Grand Bahama, with the start of a basketball tournament last night.

Noting that the local committee has been working feverishly to awaken the national pride of everyone on the island, Gardiner said the hope is that the celebrations will reach every community.

To this end, Gardiner invited officials of the eastern and western districts to announce the special activities planned for their areas.

Marjorie Darville, chief councillor for west Grand Bahama explained that there are three specific events planned to commemorate the historic day.

On Wednesday, July 8, an ecumenical service will be held at the St. Vincent de Paul Church, where the speaker of the house Alvin Smith will be the keynote speaker. During that service, outstanding persons from the district will also be honoured.

On Friday, July 10 at 2 a.m., there will be a Junkanoo rushout at the Sunset Village in Eight Mile Rock. Darville said some seven groups have confirmed participation.

The final event will be a Family Fun Day at the YMTA in Hunters, where the Pinder's Point Township will honour outstanding citizens in the community. Darville said there will be food, games and music for the enjoyment of attendees.

Joshua Smith, senior deputy administrator for Grand Bahama also announced three events put on by the National Pride Committee, beginning with a radio talk show featuring several high school students.

A national pride decoration competition, held under the theme "Patriotism in the Workplace and the Community," will be open to members of the public.

The competition will have three categories - business establishments, including government departments; private homes and hotels.

The criteria for judging will include originality, creativity and presentation.

Smith advised interested persons to call 352-7529 for further information.

"The judging will take place from the 6th until the 8th of July and prizes will be given on the 9th at the flag raising ceremony at the Independence park celebration."

The final aspect of the Committee will be an essay competition for students from grades one through 12.

Entrants will be asked to write about the importance of Independence Day and what it means to them and will vie for prizes such as cash and a laptop computer.

For the eastern end of the island, a fishing tournament has been organized for the Sweetings Cay area for July 11.

Also on hand at the press conference was Karen Ferguson-Bain, one of the committee members responsible for the cultural extravaganza planned for Thursday, July 9 at Independence Park.

Ferguson-Bain said a cadre of performers from Grand Bahama have been lined up, including the Latter Day Ministry Dancers, Gea Pierre, The Boys, the interdenominational mass choir, Simeon Outten and the Freedom Band, The Matrix Band, Alexis Pelecanos, Angelo McIntosh, Bahamas Dance Theatre, Wilfred Solomon, Jay Mitchell, KB, Legends Marching Band and the Royal Bahamas Police Force Band.

Sobig Kemp, president of the Grand Bahama Christian Council also announced plans for an ecumenical service which is being held on Sunday July 5 at 3 p.m. at the Church of God Temple on Peach Tree Street.

"The program will be comprised of the participation of a wide spectrum of denominational leaders and exemplary role models throughout our community.

There will also be significant representation of some of the best of our community's young people," Kemp explained.

"The Grand Bahama Christian Council is encouraging all citizens of this nation to demonstrate true patriotism in their attendance at this year's 36th anniversary of independence activities."