16/03/2026
MOETVT, GB & the Cays District celebrates the launch of Rake N' Scrape Month!
The foyer of the Cornelius A. Smith Government Complex, Grand Bahama was nothing short of spectacular. The MOETVT, GB & the Cays District proudly hosted the National Launch of Rake N' Scrape Month, with an energetic celebration of Bahamian music and culture. The stairwell & center stage was beautifully decorated with colorful Androsia fabric, while a captivating display of traditional Rake N' Scrape instruments were the main attraction, from the rhythmic goatskin drums, the iconic saw and scraper, to the guitar and the legendary scrubbing board which highlighted our beloved Bahamian sound & heritage.
Exhibition boards were decked in historical facts and Bahamian artistry was showcased with handcrafted straw bags, purses, hats and other cultural treasures. The atmosphere was vibrant as the authentic rhythms of Rake N' Scrape filled the air. The audience was entertained with electrifying performances by the Deep South Island Boys and the talented Lewis Yard Primary School Rake N' Scrape Band, whose dynamic melodies had honored guests and Ministry officials clapping along, while others cheerfully danced in celebration.
Let's not forget the vibrant dance performance by the Bahamas Dance Theatre, bringing traditional dances to life such as the conch style, mash the roach, heel and toe and the quadrille.
Of course, no Bahamian celebration would be complete without down home Bahamian flavors! Guests were treated to favorites such as Conch Fritters, Conch Salad, refreshing Switcha, Gully Wash and sweet delights like Coconut and Benny cake, creating a fully immersive cultural experience.
Special Guests included the Hon. Ginger Moxey, Mr. Kingsley Smith, M.P., Mr. Norris Bain, Director of Sports for the Ministry of Youth Sports & Culture, Northern Division and Director of Education Mrs. Dominique McCartney-Russell. Also in attendance was Mr. Michael Pateman, Guest Speaker and a contributor of the MOETVT National History Textbook. In his remarks, he noted that Rake N' Scrape is more than music, it is memory, resilience and identity. He added that preserving and teaching this form of music in our schools matter. When Bahamian children learn about Rake N' Scrape, they learn about our ancestors who were innovators, creating culture by turning ordinary tools into instruments. Hearing Rake N' Scrape means hearing one's history, identity and the sound of the Bahamas.
Be sure to visit our display in the Foyer of the C. A. Smith Government Complex, Grand Bahama as we continue to let cultural identity, indigenous music and creativity shine in celebration all month long! The Ministry of Education & Technical & Vocational Training, Bahamas
