Nassau Cruise Port had the honor of hosting a distinguished guest on Wednesday, September 13, 2023, First Lady Neo Masisi of Botswana. Her visit to Nassau, the vibrant capital of The Bahamas, was marked by a memorable port tour, insightful interactions with Authentically Bahamian vendors, and an engaging visit to The Bahamas Museum of Junkanoo.
First Lady Neo Masisi's arrival at Nassau Cruise Port was met with great enthusiasm and warmth from the port community. The day began with a captivating port tour, where First Lady Masisi had the chance to explore the picturesque surroundings and learn about the rich maritime history of Nassau. Accompanied by local officials and port representatives, she gained a deeper understanding of the significance of the Nassau Cruise Port as a hub for tourism and commerce in The Bahamas.
One of the highlights of the visit was the meeting with vendors of Authentically Bahamian products within Nassau Cruise Port. First Lady Masisi engaged in conversations with local artisans, craftsmen, and entrepreneurs, appreciating the diverse range of handmade products that reflect the cultural heritage of The Bahamas. From straw goods to Bahamian art, the First Lady was impressed by the craftsmanship and creativity of these talented individuals and spent some time with several of them asking questions about their products and about the inspiration behind their handicraft.
“Nassau Cruise Port is deeply honored to have hosted such a distinguished guest” said Mike Maura Jr., CEO of Nassau Cruise Port. “The First Lady was very engaged with our tenants and very warm in her interactions with those she met, even sharing some of her wisdom and ideas for promoting our tenants’ stories and showcasing their authentic products. We are grateful for the opportunity to show her around Nassau Cruise Port and introduce her to the producers of authentic Bahamian goods.”
The visit culminated with a tour of the renowned Junkanoo Museum, where First Lady Neo Masisi immersed herself in the vibrant and rhythmic world of Junkanoo, learning about the traditional Bahamian festival, its colorful costumes, lively music, and spirited dance performances. She was accompanied by museum curators and Junkanoo legend Percy “Vola” Francis, who provided fascinating insights into the history and significance of this cultural celebration.
First Lady Neo Masisi's visit to Nassau Cruise Port served as a testament to the importance of preserving and celebrating cultural heritage, and the opportunity to introduce visitors to Bahamian culture in unique and meaningful ways.
