By DANA SMITH

Tribune Staff Reporter

dsmith@tribunemedia.net

THE Co-Chairman of the 40th Anniversary of Independence Committee replied to reports alleging a “foreignisation” of Friday’s bridge-naming ceremony in honour of Sir Sidney Poitier.

At the Attorney General’s office yesterday, Charles Carter explained reports circulated, mainly through social media, about a Jennifer Hudson concert at Atlantis, and the nationality of Sir Sidney, and other musicians performing at the free concert.

Mr Carter officially announced that the northbound Paradise Island bridge will be officially named in honour of “Bahamian son” Sir Sidney in a ceremony that will launch the country’s 40th anniversary celebrations.

“The government has decided to mark this momentous occasion (40th anniversary) through a series of events celebrating the lives of and highlighting the contributions made by our native sons and daughters to the total development and success of our beloved Bahamas,” Mr Carter said.

“I am very pleased to announce and to reaffirm, we kick off our 40th anniversary celebrations of activities this Friday by honouring a great Bahamian son who is an international icon by any standard.”

The work and character of “our very own” Sir Sidney helped to dramatically improve race relations, not only in the United States, but in the Bahamas and internationally, Mr Carter said.

“He changed the face of the earth as far as blacks in theatres are concerned.”

Mr Carter clarified “some misinformation,” stating: “There has been a lot, circulating mostly in the realm of social media, surrounding this event.

“Firstly, the Atlantis Resort does not own the Paradise Island entrance bridge,” he said. “This bridge is literally owned by the people of the Bahamas through a $20 million bond issue and is managed by the Bridge Authority – a corporation of the Bahamas Government.

“Secondly, the paid concert to be held in the ballroom at the Atlantis Resort featuring Jennifer Hudson is a private affair being hosted and paid for by Atlantis. The government of the Bahamas has absolutely nothing to do with that event. If you want to go to that event, you are invited to go. Go on their website, select a ticket, pay your money, go and have fun.”

Thirdly, Mr Carter continued, “it is instructive” to know that Sir Sidney was born in Coconut Grove, Miami, where his Bahamian parents travelled to sell produce from their Cat Island farm.

“Because of his birth in the US, he automatically gained US citizenship. He was premature. They didn’t want him to be born over there. They didn’t go over there to borne him,” Mr Carter said. “The place of his birth was beyond his control and this is not an unusual phenomenon for Bahamians.

“So all this talk about the Bahamas Government ‘foreignising’ this important celebration is completely false and in some cases, smacks of mischief-making.”

Mr Carter also defended the choice of artist Bebe Winans as a performer for the government’s free concert.

“There has been a lot spoken about the foreign acts in this thing. Let me just say it has been completely pushed out of all focus. Those of us will remember when Sir Lynden (Pindling) died. Bebe Winans came here. He formed a relationship before Sir Lynden died and he continued his relationship with the Bahamas,” he said.

“Those of you who go to specific churches you’ll know that Bebe Winans is played all the time. You’ll also know that Bebe Winans comes here all the time. You’ll also know that there’s so many gospel groups that feel a part of the religious culture that we have... Bebe Winans is going to top off an inspirational evening of music and you’ll see why he wanted to be here, because he wanted to salute Sir Sidney Poitier.”

The bridge-naming will take place through a plaque unveiling ceremony on the Betty Cole Park at 10:30am on Friday and students from Cat Island will be given the opportunity to meet Sir Sidney.

The government warned road closures are to be expected during the morning ceremony.

Later that evening at 7:30pm, a free concert will take place a the old Chalk’s airline launch site on Paradise Island. There will be no bridge toll for those attending the free concert.

The concert is sponsored by the government and will feature artists: Ronnie Butler, Puzzle, The Region Bells, The Rahming Brothers, Angelique Sabrina, and Bebe Winans.

Following the concert there will be a fireworks display by fireworks expert, Gucci.