By NICO SCAVELLA

Tribune Staff Reporter

nscavella@tribunemedia.net

THIS country’s 43rd independence anniversary celebrations will be executed within a budget that is less than last year’s total cost, Independence Committee officials said yesterday.

The government spent $1.1m on last year’s events. The year before that, government officials had expressed their intent to spend under $1m for the festivities.

Ian Poitier, director of the Independence Committee, could not say how much the government intends to spend for this year’s celebration, but stressed that it will be “less than before, because I’m getting the pressure to spend less.”

Notwithstanding the budget restraints, Mr Poitier said this year’s celebrations, under the theme “Honouring our people’s excellence”, will remain a positive “chance for us to reassert our national identity and chance for us to tell our national story.”

Mr Poitier also said this year’s celebrations at Clifford Park will see special appearances by “some of the outstanding Bahamians who have achieved excellence on the international stage.”

“In line with the developing strategy, we want to make sure that independence becomes ever more inclusive, that there are many more chances for people to participate, and reasons for people to show up,” he said during a press conference at the Cabinet Office. “These events are not just landmarks on the calendar. They’re a chance for us to reassert our national identity and chance for us to tell our national story.

“And we’re very mindful of that, particularly at independence, which is effectively our country’s birthday.”

According to Mr Poitier, the festivities will get underway on Friday, July 1, with the National Pride Day celebration scheduled to take place in Rawson Square at 10am.

The traditional Clifford Park events will begin on Saturday, July 9, at 8pm, with an ecumenical service, and culminates with the flag raising at midnight.

On Sunday is the State Reception at Government House from 6-8pm, and at midnight heading into Monday, July 11, the day the holiday will be observed, is The People’s Love and Unity Rush on Bay Street.

Other events on the calendar include the Beat Retreat on Sunday, July 3, at 5.30pm in Rawson Square, as well as separate ceremonies to celebrate the country’s cultural and sporting legends on July 5 and 14, respectively.

The celebrations come to an end on Saturday, July 30, following the conclusion of the Junkanoo Summer Festival at midnight.

Assistant Commissioner of Police Stephen Dean, present at yesterday’s press conference, said the Royal Bahamas Police Force (RBPF) has taken “preparatory steps” towards implementing a “strategic plan” for spectator safety during the celebrations.

“We do not take anything lightly . . . we live in a global world, so we’re prepared for any eventualities, so that’s why we have been taking preparatory steps to ensure we have a sound security plan,” ACP Dean said. “We have devised an operation order to ensure Bahamians and visitors alike that you can come and enjoy these celebrations.”