Cuba and The Bahamas Unite To Celebrate Half a Century of Diplomatic Relations

8th March, 2024

This year marks the 50th Anniversary of formal bilateral diplomatic relations between The Bahamas and the Republic of Cuba and several events have been planned to commemorate and celebrate this landmark occasion.

The festivities kick off in June with performances in Havana by the world-famous Bahama Brass Band as part of its 100th anniversary celebrations. In July, a gala reception and concert are planned featuring The Bahamas National Youth Choir and its Cuban counterpart. It is expected that the three former Bahamas Ambassadors to Cuba, Carlton Wright, Vernon Burrows, and Brent Dean will be honored at this event. In August, the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services’ Marching Band will travel to Cuba to perform a drill display, Junkanoo Rush Out and street party. During its performance in Havana last year, the band attracted some 5000 people to a culturally enhancing street concert.

The finale of the celebrations is a performance by the Chipman Family in Las Tunas, Cuba in October at a festival celebrating the life of Bahamian-born Cuban music icon Carlos (Charles) Ingram. This will mark the festival’s 28th year of production.

Ambassador to Cuba Dr. Elliston Rahming (center) during a cultural exchange meeting with officials from the Cuban Ministry of Culture and Embassy staff. From left: Secretary to the Ambassador Grethel Martinez, Embassy Finance Attaché Sanovia Stuart, Lindbergh Smith, Administrative Officer for Trade, Mayte Vigoa de la Uz, Director of Culture, Yamilka Fleitas Torres, Deputy Director of Culture, Reynaldo Mendez, Director, Carnival Company and Yusleidis Maldonado, Specialist, Carnival Company, William Nottage, First Secretary, and Yasmary Santamaria Leon, Embassy Special Events Coordinator