Our theme this year was most appropriate as we were recovering from Hurricanes Francis and Jeanne.  In fact as we were still recovering from these devastating storms in November, we laid down our tools and work gloves  to come together and celebrate the burning of the 'GUYS'!  It was wonderful celebrating together and we were once again reassured that all would be okay through the promoting and remembering of our wonderful heritage that brought us through good times and bad.

At this festival we were truly celebrating our Sister City relationship with Key West and continued to invite all 'The Conchs' (what Key Westers are called) back home to enjoy a weekend full of learning about our heritage through delicious Bahamian food, exciting Bahamian games, Beautiful Bahamian art and crafts, fabulous Bahamian music and entertainment.

We hadn't had pirates hiding out on our shores since Anne Bonney, Mary Reid and Calico Jack Rackham in the early 1700s, so we decided to go to Key West, our Sister City and ask a few of them back for our 4th Annual Island Roots Heritage Festival!! Not only did Anne, Mary and Jack come to reaquaint themselves, but the Conch Republic's Admiral and First Sea Lord, Finbar Gittleman, his first mate Blossom and his crew of the Flagship Schooner WOLF sailed the seas to offer memorable sails and tours and entertainment to our festival goers! Even our first Governor General Woodes Rodgers came back in search of the pirates! He posted many a 'Wanted' sign on the lamp posts!

 This festival was a fun filled time and cultural experience for Bahamians and visitors alike!  The Theme: The Bahamas, The Jewel of the Crown, reflected how Britain influenced The Bahamas through government, education and architecture.  By exploring this theme, the committee was able to show how the history of The Bahamas intertwines tightly with that of the United Kingdom.