“Back to School Family Friday’s” (BTS Friday’s), an initiative of The Grand Bahama Port Authority, Limited (GBPA) and its Invest Grand Bahama Small Business Bureau (IGBSBB), brought Churchill Square to life on Friday past, with ‘Jazz in The Square’; event number two, in a series of four events planned for the month of August.
Scores of Jazz enthusiast gathered in Churchill Square to enjoy the soulful performance of Methice Rigby & Friends, which perfectly blended art and music with Spoken Word from Poets, ‘Esi Amani’, ‘T.O Gittens’, Siadra Sutherland, Antonio Smith and ‘Copy Written’.
“The evening was extremely entertaining, and should become a regular event in the Downtown area,” conveyed one attendee. “I love music, art and poetry, so I was really excited when I heard about the event. GBPA did an excellent job hosting it,” she continued.
According to Derek Newbold, GBPA’s Sr. Manager of Business Development and Invest Grand Bahama, “This event provided exceptional entertainment, as well as the opportunity for merchants to showcase their products and services,” he shared.
“The event was well attended and the performances were all first rate,” Newbold stated. “It really was a one of a kind event for Downtown, and the attendees loved it. It’s important to us that our licencees and residents of this amazing island understand that we value their support. In fact, we established the IGBSBB to serve as a vehicle to provide the local business community with a more streamlined support mechanism geared toward delivering more tangible business solutions.” he said.
Merchant stores Patrice’s and Steppin’ Out featured a combined display which offered Jewelry, Scarfs and other trinkets all affordably priced. Nesbitt Rentals, Freeport Wild Wings, Chocolatess and Grill Masters were also present, offering tasty delights.
Business Services Manager for IGBSBB, LaShawn Dames says she hopes to make the BTS Friday’s an annual event. “This is the 2nd BTS Friday’s event and we are gaining great momentum. Tonight was amazing, and the artists and musicians did an excellent job keeping the crowd entertained. It was a true display of talent and a truly a wonderful evening.” Dames stated. “I’m already looking at how we can do it better for next summer.”
President, Ian Rolle shared that GBPA is pleased with the BTS Fridays’ initiative, and hopes that both merchants and consumers would continue to buy into the “BUY Local, SHOP at HOME message.
“BTS Fridays is about creating opportunities that empower our Licencees, and encourage consumer spending,” he said. “These events are intended to promote economic activity for Licencees, while delivering a value based shopping experience for residents, so that more money is kept at home with Bahamian businesses. But, we also want to create an environment that provides clean, fun entertainment for families and individuals,” Rolle continued. “BTS Friday’s is about creating win/wins for both merchants and consumers.”
The BTS Vocalist Competition is scheduled for Friday, August 19th and is sure to be a hit. Vocalists will compete for a grand prize of $1,000.00 cash. Vocalist interested in participating should register at www.gbpa.com no later than Wednesday 17th, August.
