Calendar of virtual events to span month of Dec.
NASSAU, BAHAMAS — The Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture has announced the official launch of National Cultural Heritage Month 2020, noting that celebrations will be held virtually this year due to the ongoing novel coronavirus pandemic.
“We recognize that this year has presented unprecedented challenges for the Bahamian people as a result of the spread of the coronavirus, identified as the COVID-19 pandemic,” the ministry noted in a statement released yesterday.
“As a consequence of the phenomenon, people are unable to gather or connect in ways accustomed, or celebrate the Christmas holidays in the usual manner and traditional form. Notwithstanding these challenges, the Division of Cultural Affairs is the agency charged with delivering the government’s cultural agenda. The division’s mandate is to promote, facilitate, coordinate and advance the development of Bahamian culture and related activities.
“Thus, we have coordinated a host of activities to commemorate this year’s celebrations albeit under a virtual platform in compliance with the Emergency Powers Orders.”
The theme for Cultural Heritage Month 2020 is “Rejuvenated, Re-enhanced and Recommitted to the Culture: Building A Modern Bahamas”, the ministry noted.
“In this regard,” it continued, “the Division of Cultural Affairs, together with our partners, the National Art Gallery of The Bahamas, the National Junkanoo Committee (NJC), the wider Junkanoo community and local entertainers of the cultural sector, have joined forces to create Bahamian-centered performances and a host of celebratory activities designed to inspire, uplift and encourage Bahamians to cherish our heritage while staying safe and remaining committed to who we are, where we came from and where we are headed as a people.
“Modified for a virtual experience, this year’s National Cultural Heritage Month activities are expected to be one of the most creative cultural experiences recorded in the history of The Bahamas. Creating an unforgettable effect, the strategic calendar of events will showcase our diverse cultural heritage, legacy of resilience and the heart and soul of the people born to the Bahama Islands, who continue to overcome and prosper because of our faith, inheritance and commitment to enhancing, igniting and preserving the richness of the Bahamian culture.”
Events will be aired on ILTV Channel 224, ZNS Broadcasting Network Channel 211, Rev Cable Bahamas Channel 212 and streamed live on Facebook and YouTube, the ministry noted. The full calendar of events can be found on the ministry’s Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/moysc.bah.
