Newly elected Commissioner Avril Cherasard honored with the key to the city of Barraterre during the 40th annual homecoming festival in Exuma, The Bahamas

Miramar, Florida – In a remarkable fusion of culture, heritage, and transnational unity, newly elected Miramar City Commissioner Avril Cherasard received the Key to the City of Barraterre, Exuma, The Bahamas, during the 40th Annual Barraterre Homecoming Festival & Regatta. The event, held from June 5 to 9, 2025, marked a significant milestone for both the city of Miramar and the Bahamian community, celebrating not only the achievements of the people of Barraterre but also the remarkable leadership of Cherasard, who holds deep ties to the island.

The timing of the award was especially poignant as it occurred during Caribbean-American Heritage Month, a time of year dedicated to honoring the enduring contributions of Caribbean-Americans to the history, culture, and public service landscape of the United States. For Commissioner Cherasard, who was born and raised in Nassau, Bahamas, and whose father hails from Barraterre, the recognition is a reflection of her unyielding commitment to both her Bahamian roots and her service to her adopted community in Miramar. She holds the distinction of being the first female Bahamian-American elected to the Miramar City Commission, making her achievement even more significant.

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“I am incredibly honored to be recognized for something I do as representation of great Bahamianism in other countries,” said Cherasard. “I am an extremely proud Bahamian with beautiful roots right here in Barraterre; I never forget where I come from. Everywhere I go, I represent my Bahamaland.”

The prestigious honor of the Key to the City was presented to Cherasard by the Barraterre Development Association, underscoring her important role as a cultural ambassador who bridges the gap between the Bahamas and the United States. This recognition symbolizes not only her accomplishments but also the deep, ongoing relationship between the two communities.

In addition to receiving the Key to the City, Commissioner Cherasard took the opportunity to present an official proclamation from the City of Miramar to the Bahamian delegation, recognizing the Barraterre Homecoming Celebration Week. This proclamation formally acknowledged the cultural and historical significance of the event, which brings together families and the Bahamian diaspora from across the world to celebrate their heritage and traditions.
A particularly touching moment during the festivities came when the City of Miramar presented a custom two-sided street sign to the people of Barraterre. This unique gift commemorates the 1,271-mile distance between Miramar and Barraterre, serving as a powerful symbol of unity, shared heritage, and the enduring bond between the two communities. The sign encapsulates the strength of the ties that bind the people of the Caribbean and the diaspora in the United States, reminding everyone of their collective journey toward progress and cultural preservation.

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The Barraterre Homecoming Festival & Regatta, a hallmark event celebrating Bahamian heritage, was the perfect backdrop for the recognition of Commissioner Cherasard. The festival draws people from far and wide, all coming together to reflect on their shared history, celebrate their cultural identity, and honor the progress made in the Bahamas and the broader Caribbean. Cherasard’s recognition during this time only deepens the cultural bridge between Miramar and the Caribbean, creating lasting bonds that will undoubtedly continue to flourish for years to come.

Cherasard’s recent election and the honor bestowed upon her during the Homecoming Festival mark a historic moment not only for the city of Miramar but also for the Barraterre community and the larger Caribbean-American population. The award highlights the significance of representation, the importance of embracing one’s heritage, and the global impact of civic leadership. It stands as a testament to the power of community, culture, and the unbreakable links between the Bahamas, the Caribbean, and the United States.

With this recognition, Cherasard continues to pave the way for future generations of Caribbean-American leaders, embodying the spirit of service, pride, and cultural celebration that has long defined the Bahamian-American community. Her efforts underscore the importance of fostering strong relationships between different cultures, honoring one’s heritage, and, above all, leading with integrity and dedication.