GB to host Independence motorcade today

By Cleopatra Murphy

Freeport News Reporter

cleopatra@nasguard.com

A float motorcade will travel through the streets of Grand Bahama today as part of the island's Independence celebrations.

"This is going to be as exciting as the float parade last year. The only difference is more persons might be able to see it because we will pass through downtown on a work day, during working hours and then we go up to Port Lucaya and (back) and the thousands who would be assembled at Independence Park will have an opportunity to view it," Deputy Director of Education Cecil Thompson said.

Thompson said he had seen the float created by the Grand Bahama Shipyard Limited and was very impressed.

"It is an absolutely brilliant masterpiece," he said.

Thompson said the Independence committee had decided not to have a parade this year and to wait until the 40th Independence in 2013 to make it bigger and better than before, so no entries were accepted, despite the interest.

He noted though that the Grand Bahama Shipyard Limited had been preparing since last July to participate in a parade this year, so the committee is facilitating the company.

"That's why we are not doing it on the 10th, because it would take more than one float and we feel like we could make the best out of it by using a work day and then the general public could view it at Independence Park," Thompson said.

"I would like to extend a special invitation to all residents of Grand Bahama, children as well as adults. On their masterpiece float we are going to have three Ms. Grand Bahamas. We are going to have Mrs. Bahamas World, we are going to have a number of Ms. Teen Grand Bahamas and on the flatbed will be at least seven world renowned characters or mascots that the small kids like to have and the big kids like adults enjoy seeing," he said.

"If you are going to be on Pioneer's Way, or if you will be anywhere on East Mall, anywhere on East Sunrise Highway going up to Port Lucaya you will have more than your eye full. And if by chance you miss that passage, go to Independence Park," Thompson said.

Chairman and CEO of the Grand Bahama Shipyard Limited Carl-Gustav Rotkirch said the executives of the company were impressed with last year's Independence float parade and committed to entering the parade this year.

He said the company is pleased that the Independence committee has facilitated their company.

"Our staff and apprentices are excited to showcase our Shipyard float and are very enthusiastic about being a part of this year's celebrations," Rotkirch said.

He said although the shipyard would be the only company showcasing a float this year, it will be back to challenge other companies in the 2013 parade to celebrate the country's 40th Independence Day.

"I have seldom seen such an easy start to a project like the one we had to build this float. We have a lot of people who are extremely skilled from the Junkanoo tradition and we have it all in our warehouse right now," he said.

© 2012 The Freeport News