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Goodman’s Bay Comes Alive for Dragon Boat Festival

NASSAU, BAHAMAS – Over the weekend, the waters of Goodman’s Bay came alive for the Bahamas Chinese Association’s 3rd annual Dragon Boat Festival.

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6 hours ago

October 18, 2024

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NASSAU, BAHAMAS – The annual Dragon Boat Festival was held over the weekend at Goodman’s Bay Beach. Although the festival is only a few years old, its growth has been explosive.

Over the weekend, the waters of Goodman’s Bay came alive for the Bahamas Chinese Association’s 3rd annual Dragon Boat Festival.

A showcase of both Bahamian and Chinese culture, the two-day event thrilled both participants and spectators. Unfortunately, weather conditions on Saturday forced the festival to delay all 46 races until Sunday. But the setback only added momentum, as fans arrived at 8 a.m. Sunday to cheer on their favorite teams.

Dr. Christine Chin – President of the Bahamas Chinese Dragon Boat Association
“The red balloons are the start lines, and the other red ones are the finish lines. We’re doing 200 meters as well as 500 meters, and you might see them racing between a 500-meter and 200-meter course.”

A total of 27 teams, including four international teams, registered for the races. Local teams were supported by corporate Bahamas, youth programs, and law enforcement.

Insp. Terrell Stubbs – Team Manager, King Tide
“Well, we are competitive as an organization. We not only fight crime, but we also have that athletic bone in us where we compete against other teams as well.”

Ernesto Gongora – Cable Bahamas Dragon Warriors
“It’s an excellent team-building exercise. You get to know other people from other departments and learn how they act in situations of stress or when you really have to work together.”

Insp. Terrell Stubbs – Team Manager, King Tide
“Do you think you guys will come out champions today? Of course, we came out here to win, and that’s what we’re going to do.”

Ernesto Gongora – Cable Bahamas Dragon Warriors
“We’re going to try.”

Ruth Fox & Kim Kuipers – Delicate Warrior Princesses
“I think we’ll do well. Agreed! And if not, we’re having fun—that’s what it’s all about.”

In the end, Baha Mar Buoys and Gulls emerged as the official champions.