Washington DC — The Embassy Consular Annex fulfilled its mandate of engaging the Bahamian diaspora while highlighting the people and culture of The Bahamas with the support of the Bahamas Embassy during two days of celebrations in the capital.
The celebrations began on Friday (7th July) evening with a cocktail reception at the St. Regis Hotel. Over 200 guests were in attendance from various Embassies, International Organization and a large contingent of persons representing the Bahamian diaspora from D.C., Virginia, Maryland and as far away as Chicago.
Guest enjoyed entertainment by Bahamian musician Funky D and got a taste of Bahamian cuisine, drinks, and candies.
On Sunday, 9th July, the Bahamian diaspora were welcomed with open arms by the historic Metropolitan African Methodist Episcopal Church to give thanks for 44 years of Independence.
The sermon was delivered by Reverend William H. Lamar IV, Pastor.
L-R: His Excellency Dr. Eugene Newry, Bahamas Ambassador to the U.S., Mrs. Francoise Torchon Newry and Paulette Zonicle, Consul General cut the Independence cake.
L-R: His Excellency Dr. Eugene Newry, Bahamas Ambassador to the U.S., Chet Neymour, Deputy Chief of Mission and Paulette Zonicle, Consul General to Washington, D.C. toast to Independence.
Diplomatic officers attached to The Bahamas Embassy and Consular Annex pose at the Independence Reception. L-R: Krissy Hanna, Tracee Dorestant, Mikael Bullard, Janine A. Gibson.
Funky D performs his Bahamian hits at the Independence Reception.
Aisha Bowe, Bahamian-American, Jefford Kemp, Bahamian and Tracee Dorestant, Second Secretary/Vice Consul at the Embassy of The Bahamas dance to Rake-N-Scrape tunes spun by DJ Pumpkin.
Bahamians and guests form a conga line at the Independence Reception.
Paulette Zonicle, Consul General and Krissy Hanna, Second Secretary/Vice Consul participate in praise and worship at Metropolitan African Methodist Episcopal Church.
H.E. Dr. Eugene Newry, Bahamas Ambassador to the U.S., Chet Neymour, Deputy Chief of Mission, Paulette Zonicle, Consul General to Washington, D.C, Reverend William H. Lamar IV, Diplomatic Officers, local Bahamian staff and members of the Bahamian diaspora worship at Metropolitan African Methodist Episcopal Church.
