By KHRISNA VIRGIL

Tribune Staff Reporter

kvirgil@tribunemedia.net

OSCAR-winner Sir Sidney Poitier called on young people to take The Bahamas to levels ‘unimagined’ by their ancestors as the western Paradise Island bridge was officially renamed in his honour and The Bahamas started its celebrations to mark 40 years of independence.

Standing before hundreds of students, many from Cat Island, well wishers and supporters yesterday, Sir Sidney challenged the next generation to contribute to the success of the country for years to come. 

“You are the gifts, the golden gifts of our ancestors long gone,” said the 85-year-old.

“You are the future of The Bahamas. You will design its future, you will take this country to levels unimagined by your ancestors and you and the education that you will provide to the culture, to the history, to the ongoing strength of the country of your birth, will also be remembered.

“So young ladies and young gentlemen, your education will lead you across different roads to marshall success of every conceivable kind.”

The ‘To Sir Sidney with Love’ dedication was the first of many events happening this weekend, and the precursor to events in 2013, celebrating the 40th anniversary of independence.

Last night Bahamian stars took to the stage including Ronnie Butler, Tingem Dem, Puzzle, The Region Bells, The Rahming Brothers, Angelique Sabrina and an all-star Bahamian choir featuring Grammy award-winning artist BeBe Winans. Tonight, pop star and Oscar-winning actress Jennifer Hudson will perform an Atlantis LIVE concert on Paradise Island with proceeds going towards the National Centre for the Performing Arts, which will be named the Sir Sidney Poitier Centre for the Performing Arts.

Prime Minister Perry Christie led the praise at the dedication ceremony to rename the bridge the Sir Sidney Poitier Bridge, thanking the Academy Award-winning star and international icon, for years of charitable efforts to Bahamians.

Sir Sidney deserved the honour as a form of the country’s gratitude to him, said Mr Christie.

“Here at home in The Bahamas, and in the United States, you were a fearless fighter in the struggle for racial equality. And you did it at a time when fighters were few and front-line fighters even fewer. You didn’t have to do it but you did,” said Mr Christie.

“You helped so many others along the way too.  Perhaps we don’t know as much about this as we should because you’re a modest man who doesn’t like to talk about the good he’s done for others.  Indeed some of the philanthropy you’ve done here in The Bahamas over the years I only recently found out about myself, by hearing about it from others like your holding of the world premiere for ‘Buck and the Preacher’ here in Nassau 40 years ago and of how you donated all of the proceeds for good works here in our country,” added Mr Christie.

Sir Sidney was born in Coconut Grove, Miami, where his Bahamian parents travelled to sell produce from their Cat Island farm.

He was raised on Cat Island and in Nassau and became the first black person to win an Oscar for Best Actor for his role in Lilies of the Field in 1964.

Charles Carter, co-chairman of the 40th Anniversary of Independence committee, said yesterday’s ceremony marked a turning over of Bahamian heritage from one generation to the next.

Mr Carter said: “It’s the beginning of a process that I hope will make the young Bahamians of today as nationalistic and loving of his country as my generation has been.

“This is the beginning of us beginning to tell our story to this generation. If you grow up without a history, if you grow up without a heritage and if you grow up without heroes then unfortunately you grow up not knowing who you are.”

The brief ceremony was marked by vibrant National Children’s Choir and National Youth Choir performances.

A sight impaired woman

sang the national anthem and a youth band entertained the audience.