National

52nd Pre-Independence Beat Retreat Electrifies Rawson Square

NASSAU, BAHAMAS – Bahamians gathered in Rawson Square for the annual Beat Retreat, featuring vibrant performances from armed forces bands and youth choirs, uniting generations through music, culture, and national pride.

Published

12 months ago

June 30, 2025

Denielle Miller

NASSAU, BAHAMAS – Rawson Square came alive on Sunday evening with an explosion of sound and spectacle, as Bahamians gathered for the annual Pre-Independence Beat Retreat. The performance featured a dynamic fusion of horns, drums, and symbols, blended with high-stepping footwork, intricate choreography, and theatrical storytelling that captivated the crowd.

Superintendent Whitney Bastian, one of the directors of the show, explained that the event was a collaborative effort from the Royal Bahamas Police Force Band, the Royal Bahamas Defence Force Band, and the Bahamas Department of Corrections Band.

“Practice was going on for months and because we have so much diverse timetable we have a schedule for basically three different bands we perform everywhere it was hard getting everybody together one time so sometimes we had to practice with just the defense force sometime just the prison but we made sure we did everything to have a production here today,” Bastian said.

The evening also included performances by the Combined Pop Band, the Yellow Elder Primary School Choir, and the Bahamas National Children’s Choir, along with a moving tribute to Bahamian icon Elon Moxey.

Every detail was carefully orchestrated to stir national pride and highlight the importance of cultural legacy. Bastian emphasized that involving young people in the event is essential to keeping traditions alive.

“Without the kids we don’t have a future so we have to make sure we incorporate them so that years to come they could be doing this and we could be watching them.”

Among the young performers was Harmony Willamson of the Bahamas National Children’s Choir.

“The Bahamas National Children’s Choir is performing ‘Oh My Andros’ and ‘Catch the Crab.’”

Also taking the stage was Yellow Elder Primary student Amia Wallace, who shared her excitement.

“What song did you’ll perform? Crime doesn’t play.”
“Were you scared? No ma’am.”
“You’re a natural? Yes ma’am.”

The Beat Retreat once again proved to be more than just a performance, it was a celebration of identity, youth, and national pride.