As the final days count down to the 40th Anniversary of Bahamian Independence the celebratory mood is evident throughout the country in the number of businesses and individuals who are showing their national colours with pride and celebrating all things Bahamian.

Bank of The Bahamas is no exception. In fact the Bank’s thirteen branches throughout the archipelago have been transformed with festive décor in colours of aqua, gold and black in preparation for Independence and BOB’s Customer Appreciation Day (June 9). BOB staff are also demonstrating their independence spirit in some very tangible ways. Some BOB branches have even mounted historical exhibitions and displays of Bahamian arts and crafts in observance of the anniversary.

The centrepiece of BOB’s Independence celebrations is a Photographic Timeline Exhibition at Shirley Street Branch that highlights the major accomplishments of The Bahamas over the past 40 years.  This informative exhibition traces the progress of the country since 1973 and features major political, social and economic advancements as well as important developments in the areas of culture, sports and religion.  Also included in the display are milestones from BOB’s history, an era that actually began some 43 years ago, although the Bank this year celebrates 25 years as Bank of The Bahamas Limited.

The Timeline Exhibition at BOB’s Shirley Street Branch has been a labour of love for Shirley St. Branch Manager, Felton Beneby and his staff.  Mr. Beneby says he was present when the flag was raised on Clifford Park some 40 years ago.

“I was fourteen and I got goose pimples when they lowered the union jack because I knew we were transitioning to self rule and from then on we would be making our own decisions. That was very exciting to me and I still get excited about Independence and how far we have come as a nation. We have much to be proud of,” Mr. Beneby said.

BOB Chairman Richard Demeritte added. “The independent Bahamas is a great success story and Bank of The Bahamas has played an integral role in that success by contributing to the growth of the thirteen communities of which we are a part. We are a Bahamian bank and because we are Bahamian we don’t have to go to Canada or elsewhere to make our decisions. We hope our customers will enjoy the exhibition and other Bahamians and visitors will also take the opportunity to come and learn about our history.”  Mr. Demeritte said.

BOB’s Independence Timeline exhibition will run from July through September.  Simultaneously in July a “National Heroes exhibition” is running at Village Road Branch while Bahamian Arts and Crafts are on display at Thompson Blvd. and Carmichael Road Branch.  All BOB branches throughout The Bahamas will celebrate Customer Appreciation Day on July 9. On this day there
will be Bahamian treats and refreshments, Bahamian history trivia games, prizes and giveaways for BOB customers.

With more than 4,000 Bahamian shareholders and 350 employees across the archipelago, Bank of The Bahamas this year
celebrates its 25th anniversary.  Known as “the Bank of Solutions,” BOB is a leader in financial services with 13 branches in seven islands and a long history of firsts in the local Banking Industry. BOB has four times received the Euromoney Award for Excellence in Banking and was named Best Bank in the Country three times by The Banker, part of the Financial Times Group.

BOB INDEPENDENCE EXHIBITION – The Hon Ryan Pinder, Minister of Financial Services & Investments and The Hon. Michael Halkitis, Minister of State for Finance view the newly launched Independence Timeline Exhibition at Bank of The Bahamas’ Shirley St. Branch along with BOB Chairman Richard Demeritte and Felton, Beneby, Manager, Shirley St. Branch. (BOB Photo)