WEST END, Grand Bahama, The Bahamas – The West End Homecoming and Boat Race will not only provide entertainment, but economic stimulation and community building, said Minister for Grand Bahama the Hon. Ginger Moxey during a press conference in West End on Thursday.

According to Minister Moxey, she is excited about the homecoming and boat race. “This event is another indication that the spirit of resilience in West End, the spirit of economic fluency and the spirit of events and entertainment that we have come to know and love about our island is alive and well.”

The Ministry for Grand Bahama, one of the sponsors of the event, has continually stated that Grand Bahama is poised to become the home of events and entertainment, she said -- many events having been held, namely the most recent WelComing Home, designed to encourage Bahamians to come home and be a part of the growth and development.

“This West End Homecoming and Boat Race lends to that mission. We come together to celebrate our heritage and oneness. West End, in and of itself, created and maintains its own cultural currency which is unique.

“Events like the West End Homecoming and Boat Race are not just celebrations, they are significant contributors to our local economy. The influx of visitors and participants provides a much-needed boost to local businesses from hotels and restaurants to shops and service providers.

“This, in turn, helps to create jobs and stimulate economic growth in the community.”

Ministry of Tourism, Investments and Aviation manager for Grand Bahama, Nuvolari Chotoosingh said it is always exciting to be in West End, the capital of the island, and the event will only add to what is being done for the island with the goal to be the capital of events and entertainment.

He invited people to participate in all events on the island as it is a holiday weekend, Emancipation Day on Monday, August 5.

The events of the weekend will begin on Saturday, August 3 at the International Bazaar with a Block Party, followed by a float parade and motorcade into West End to another Block Party at the event site.

On Monday, August 5, gates will open at noon and the boat races will begin at 3pm sharp.

Designed to be a fun-filled family day, there will be about 30 vendors on site with local delicacies and drinks.

There is a cover charge and children under the age of 10 will be admitted free of charge.

The champion of the races was from Nassau in 2023; this year, also participating will be boat clubs from Abaco and Bimini as well.