INDEPENDENCE CELEBRATIONS
Abaco joined the rest of The Bahamas in celebrating 30 years of Independence on 10th July. The original flag which was hoisted in Nassau on 10th July 1973 was flown to every island for a flag raising ceremony. On 8th July the flag was raised at Dove Plaza in Marsh Harbour to the strains of the national anthem, accompanied by Royal Bahamas Police Force Band members.
At the ceremony, which was presided over by Senior Island Administrator Alexander Williams, five Abaconians were honoured for their services to Abaco and each received a special commemorative pin. Presented by Don Cornish, president of the Independence committee, were Marcel Albury of Man-O-War Cay, ferry boat pioneer; Patrick Bethel of Marsh Harbour, retired educator and realtor; Lernis Cornish of Dundas Town, farmer and minister of religion; Capt Ernest Dean of Sandy Point, mail boat owner; and Alton Lowe of Green Turtle Cay, artist and promoter of cultural events.
An hour after the presentations another ceremony was held at the roundabout linking Crockett Drive and Forest Drive where a Lignum vitae, the national tree of The Bahamas, was planted.
At an ecumenical service held at Central Abaco Primary School there were addresses read from Governor-General Dame Ivy Dumont and Prime Minister Perry Christie. The service was attended by Minister for Foreign Affairs Fred Mitchell and the sermon was delivered by Rev Carlton Dorsette. There was a Royal Bahamas Police Force march past and at midnight the Bahamian flag was raised to the national anthem. A fireworks display followed.