HARBOUR ISLAND, The Bahamas — Residents of Harbour Island started off the two days of celebration for the Best Island in the Caribbean Award bestowed last month by Travel + Leisure magazine with a special service of thanksgiving at the Wesley Methodist Church on Sunday.

The ecumenical service began at 3:00 p.m. and was a combined effort of all seven churches on the island.

The service was attended by District Council members for Harbour Island, Ministry of Tourism officials from across The Islands of The Bahamas, Member of Parliament for North Eleuthera, Alvin Smith and joyous residents.

The quaint church located on Church Street was almost filled to capacity with jubilant Brilanders who took every opportunity to showcase their island pride during the lively service.

Bringing special remarks on behalf of the Ministry of Tourism was Parliamentary Secretary, Agatha Marcelle.

She congratulated the residents of Harbour Island for the momentous achievement and encouraged them to maintain the high level of service that caused them to win the award.

North Eleuthera Member of Parliament, Alvin Smith, also congratulated residents of Briland.

He told residents attending the church service that while the various marketing efforts on behalf of tourism partners may be the reason that visitors first choose to visit the island, it is the warmth and hospitality of the people of Harbour Island that keeps them coming back.

The Harbour Island celebration will continue today with a special parade that begins at noon on Bay Street. An islandwide party at 6:00 p.m. under the Fig Tree, offering a taste of all the foods of Briland, will round out the occasion.

SPECIAL SERVICE – Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry of Tourism, Agatha Marcelle, congratulates residents of Harbour Island on winning the Best Island in the Caribbean Award from Travel + Leisure magazine at a special service of thanksgiving held at Wesley Methodist Church.