Battle of the Bands hosted by Urban Renewal and the Royal Bahamas Police Force

NASSAU, BAHAMAS — Mrs. Ann Marie Davis of the Office of the Prime Minister’s Wife speaks at the Battle of the Bands held at the G.L. Isaacs Sports Arena in Kendall on Sunday, July 7, 2024. The event for the Ministry of Housing and Urban Renewal and the Royal Bahamas Police Force was held under the patronage of Prime Minister Davis and Mrs. Davis.

Mrs Davis commented:

As Prime Minister Davis is out of the country on government business, we offer our apologies and love.

I thank the organizers of this collaborative cultural event, where government agencies work together to promote the public interest.

It is the policy of this Government to support and build the Orange Economy as a key pillar of the national economy through youth development, fine arts, creative arts, performing arts and culture.

Some of our more important and globally renowned figures have left an indelible mark through art and culture. People like Sir Sidney Poitier, Calvin Lockhart, Johnny Kemp Michael Thompson and Buddy Heard.

I have drawn upon the glorious history of art in order to place today’s Battle of the Bands into its proper context. Arts and culture are renowned for promoting peace, love and unity, as this year’s theme strongly suggests.

Arts and culture can help end wars around the world and civil unrest. So as these young people find their voices through music, I encourage them to play music for conflict resolution. Protest gang violence in our communities and schools, while using melody, rhythm and harmony to promote peace in our streets, love in our families and unity across our country.

I wish all participants good luck and success in this exciting competition that showcases children’s self-expression, skills and creativity.

Thank you for your kind invitation and may the best band win.

good afternoon.