5 sec SLIDE SHOW: Thousands turned out at the 15th Annual International Cultural Festival at the Botanical Gardens in Nassau. Photos by The Bahamas Weekly

Twenty-six countries were represented and each of the countries vied for best booth. This year the overall winner was Cuba, who had more like a village than a booth.

By region the winners were: Europe: France #1 and Spain #2; Asia: Phillipines #1 and Myanmar #2; North America: Mexico #1 and USA #2; Africa: South Africa #1; Bahamas:Rock Oven #1 and Mortimer's Candy Kitchen #2; and Central/South America": Peru#1.

The following are remarks made by the Hon. Brent Symonette, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, who officially opened the Festival:

Members of the Diplomatic Corps, Members of the Consular Corps, Members of the International Cultural Festival and the Advisory Council, Members of the Press, Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen, boys and girls, Good Morning. 

The 1960s song “Melting Pot”, sung on this stage today here in The Bahamas in 2010 by Berkley Van Byrd on, epitomizes what was envisioned some 15 years ago when this Festival was first conceived (by a visionary and my predecessor as the then Minister of Foreign Affairs, Sir Orville Turnquest) … and it is due to the hard work and commitment of all of YOU that we are gathered here this morning, celebrating the start of the 15th Annual International Cultural Festival. 

One certainly does not have to cast one’s eyes very far to recognize how cosmopolitan we’ve become as a country and how important it is to civil society here in                 The Bahamas, that we enjoy the harmonious blending of different cultures resident here … your presence today is a fine testament to this achievement. 

The Hon Brent Symonette, Minister of Foreign Affairs officially opens the 15th annual International Cultural Festival on October 16th, 2010 Photo: The Bahamas Weekly

I’d like to congratulate the organizers, Janet Johnson and her Advisory Council, the Production Team drawn from the Ministry of Tourism & Aviation (represented by Madam P.S., Hyacinth Pratt, present here this morning), the technical staff of the Ministry of Works & Transport;  the staff Ministry of the Environment (who has responsibility for the wonderful green space in the City of Nassau;  earlier in the week, the prison detail who helped to prepare the grounds as well as the fine officers of the Royal Bahamas Defense Force Band and Honour Guard here today loaned to us by the Ministry of National Security … and the many volunteers who help to make it all possible every year, including Rotary, Omega Phi Psi (the Qs), Kiwanis, Zonta and the Girl Guides.    

Notwithstanding the bevy of corporate citizens who continue to grow in number, giving in-kind or in-cash to help to undergird the Festival, it would not be possible without the country representatives and my fellow Bahamians who create authentic experiences through native cuisine, booth displays, national costuming, dance and song  … for patrons to enjoy.   We thank you all, for your enthusiastic participation and for your commitment to making this unique and very popular event a sustainable fixture on the annual calendar. 

Having just returned two weeks ago, from addressing the General Assembly at the United Nations in New York where I was joined by an impressive group of Queen’s College students (members of their debate team), and winners of Rotary’s 13th Annual Model United Nations Session (that is coordinated each year in April by my Ministry), I must commend you for your charitable contribution to the these worthy UN-related initiatives for Bahamian youth... through your partnership with the Rotary and Zonta Service Clubs and their programmes. 

Welcome back to the USA and England who return to the Festival with a presence this year and welcome to new ICF members Spain and Mexico. 

Good luck to all participating nation states in the International Cultural Awards to come.  Thank you for generously sharing a window into your cultural heritage with us here in The Bahamas.  It is now my great honour and privilege, as National Chairman of ICF, to declare this 15th Annual International Cultural Festival, officially opened.

5 sec SLIDE SHOW photos by The Bahamas Weekly

2 representatives from Cuba, who won best booth overall. Photo: The Bahamas Weekly

International Cultural Festival Committee Chairman, Janet Johnson gives welcome remarks on October 16th.

5 sec SLIDE SHOW: Awards Presentation - Artist John Cox led the judging committee and remarked on the noticable improvement of the booths over the years. Janet Johnson and DPM Hon Brent Symonette handed out awards to best and second best in each region, as well as best overall. Photos: The Bahamas Weekly

Girls of Peru Photo: The Bahamas Weekly

A young beautiful participant Photo: The Bahamas Weekly