Grand Bahama Regatta & Homecoming Press Conference
On Tuesday, June 27th, the Grand Bahama Regatta & Homecoming Committee held a press conference on Taino Beach to announce the 22nd Annual Grand Bahama Regatta & Homecoming, slated for July 28th- 30th, 2017.
The three-day event, which will feature live entertainment, a kiddy corner, cultural activities, a beach party, beer fest and a sailing component targeting C class boaters across The Bahamas, will attract residents and visitors to the pristine shores of Taino Beach on Grand Bahama Island.
Chervita Campbell, Chairman, G.B. Regatta & Homecoming Committee, said that "We are looking at going bigger and harder in terms of planning and getting other sponsors aboard to participate".
Additionally, the committee is calling on corporate Bahamas to assist with defraying costs to improve this year's events.
It is hoped that, with the improvement of the Regatta and Homecoming events, the sailing culture will continue to develop on Grand Bahama Island so that Grand Bahamians can actively participate in future events.
While this year, many sailors will come from other islands to participate in the sailing aspect of the regatta, the committee is urging all residents and visitors to find their way to Taino Beach for an exciting weekend of fun-filled festivities.
Jackie Rolle, Onshore Activities Coordinator, Grand Bahama Regatta & Homecoming Committee, said that "Regatta this year is going to be different. We want to bring that energy and let residents and visitors alike know that you want to come out and participate. We are going to have onshore activities, steel pan band, Kevin Tomlinson and his group, a fire dancer and Grumma's Kitchen...This is a family fun-filled time and we are encouraging persons to come out".
Other activities include onion peeling and watermelon eating competitions, hopscotch, a "back in time" treasure hunt, face painting, bouncing castle and many other family-friendly activities.
Jay Phillippe, Assistant Manager, Sports Tourism, MOT GBI, said that "The Ministry of Tourism totally endorses the Grand Bahama Regatta & Homecoming. This is an opportunity to first and foremost showcase the island of Grand Bahama. Regatta is considered a sport culturally and it is an excellent opportunity to promote this island with a number of persons visiting the island to attend".
Phillippe added that "The Ministry of Tourism has been sponsoring this event for a while now and we will continue to do as much as we can because we see this as an excellent opportunity to promote the island of Grand Bahama".
The Ministry of Tourism will not only promote the event but also provide free transportation for visitors to and from their respective hotels to the site of the event.
Local vendors and artisans interested in investing in a stall for the Grand Bahama Regatta & Homecoming weekend can collect a form from the GB Chamber of Commerce in order to participate.
The Grand Bahama Regatta & Homecoming is a free event for the general public and residents and visitors are encouraged to attend.