By: MDRT Foundation Team
The team spent the first half of the day spreading the piles of sand evenly over the playground, preparing it for the children. After lunch, the tent was erected to house the dedication ceremony, and balloons and decorative ribbons were hung around the park in celebration. The flag poles were erected and the Bahamian and MDRT flags were raised high to remind the community of the local and international efforts that revitalized Sea Grape Community Park.
This afternoon, the dedication ceremony was a huge celebration, complete with schoolchildren performing dance routines, a high school choir, and both local school and professional Junkanoo groups. Junkanoo is a traditional Bahamian style of music and dance, complete with costumed drummers.
A number of dignitaries attended the ceremony, most notably the Right Honorable Prime Minister Perry Gladstone Christie MP as well as two Senators and other governmental authorities. Their attendance signified the importance of this project not just for the local community, but for the entire country. The Prime Minister acknowledged MDRT members as people who give to others, and thanked us as “contributing so magnificently to the islands of the Bahamas.”
When the park was turned over to the children, they rushed the playground, climbing atop the structures, rock walls and swings. Within just a few seconds every piece of equipment was crowded with children and their smiles and laughter were the reward for all the volunteers. We watched with joy for several minutes, then began the long walk back to the bus for the last time to leave Sea Grape.
The team spent the first half of the day spreading the piles of sand evenly over the playground, preparing it for the children. After lunch, the tent was erected to house the dedication ceremony, and balloons and decorative ribbons were hung around the park in celebration. The flag poles were erected and the Bahamian and MDRT flags were raised high to remind the community of the local and international efforts that revitalized Sea Grape Community Park.
This afternoon, the dedication ceremony was a huge celebration, complete with schoolchildren performing dance routines, a high school choir, and both local school and professional Junkanoo groups. Junkanoo is a traditional Bahamian style of music and dance, complete with costumed drummers.
A number of dignitaries attended the ceremony, most notably the Right Honorable Prime Minister Perry Gladstone Christie MP as well as two Senators and other governmental authorities. Their attendance signified the importance of this project not just for the local community, but for the entire country. The Prime Minister acknowledged MDRT members as people who give to others, and thanked us as “contributing so magnificently to the islands of the Bahamas.”
When the park was turned over to the children, they rushed the playground, climbing atop the structures, rock walls and swings. Within just a few seconds every piece of equipment was crowded with children and their smiles and laughter were the reward for all the volunteers. We watched with joy for several minutes, then began the long walk back to the bus for the last time to leave Sea Grape.
Top photo: The prime minister (center) is pictured with MDRT members (from left) Sandra Sturrup-Evans, Tiger Longley (hat), John Marshall Lee, Sally Munford and Arthur Salomon.
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