The Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture yesterday unveiled plans to commemorate the first National Culture Month which will be celebrated throughout the month of March.
Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture Dr. Daniel Johnson made the announcement at a press conference yesterday.
He said the purpose of this month is to recognize and celebrate Bahamian culture. He added that Bahamian heritage is important and Bahamians should ensure that their heritage is passed on to future generations.
“As the national month of culture, we are urging Bahamians to celebrate all things Bahamian,” he said.
“Under the theme ‘Dis We Culture’, the objectives of National Culture Month are to recognize our Bahamian culture which can be portrayed through our arts, fashion, storytelling, and culinary delights. We need to tell people of our unique cultural heritage created from our rich and colourful history of people.”
Minister Johnson said he plans to present the National Arts and Culture Council Bill 2015 in the House of Assembly this month.
He also expressed that he will be seeking the Bahamian people and the government’s approval on a number of issues of national importance.
“The first thing we are going to look at is our national dress,” he said.
“For once and for all we will put in the public domain what the national dress should be. Also, we will focus on the national dance. We’ve been reaching out to the Bahamian community on the traditional dance styles of The Bahamas. We will also focus on our official kind of music.”
Minister Johnson encouraged communities in New Providence and the Family Islands to plan and/or implement a cultural event in observance of culture month.
He urged families to have cultural discussions with children and young people about the traditions that have molded the Bahamian society and learn about areas such as cooking, woodcarving, storytelling, ring play, bush medicine and much more.
He highlighted that for in observance of this month, Bimini will be having its first Junior Junkanoo Festival.
Minister Johnson promised that this culture month will be one that will attract many young people.
