National

Abaco Strong At Battle Of The Bands

NASSAU, BAHAMAS – Despite the challenges Abaconians have faced in recent years, residents’ spirits remain strong, and music has played an instrumental part in uniting the community.

Published

5 months ago

July 13, 2024

Jean Joseph

NASSAU, BAHAMAS – Despite the challenges Abaconians have faced in recent years, residents’ spirits remain strong, and music has played an instrumental part in uniting the community. Our Jean Joseph brings you a story of hope for Abaco’s young musicians.

Young Abaconians, part of the island’s Urban Renewal Program, recently travelled to Nassau to participate in the battle of the bands hosted by the Ministry of Housing & Urban Renewal and the Royal Bahamas Police Force.

Band Administrator ASP Nicole Gilbert says the newly formed band put their show together in 3 weeks–practicing nonstop–with members coming from all over the 120-mile long island to represent their hometown.

Gilbert says despite the band’s crowd-pleasing performance, the program is handicapped and could use the public’s assistance to supply instruments and other materials necessary to transform the Abaco band.

Junior Instructor David King was part of a team that helped the Abaco band prepare for their New Providence debut.
He says the band’s growth is inspiring and hopes the program will continue to build on its foundation.

Contact the Urban Renewal Program to see how you can empower the next generation of musicians on Abaco and other islands.

Reporting for Our News, I’m Jean Joseph.