Yesterday, the thunder of history once again rolled across Nassau Harbour as John Watling’s Distillery unveiled its newest attraction — the Cannon Firing Experience — at the storied 1789 Buena Vista Estate, home of The Rum of The Bahamas.

Affectionately known as “Bam Bam,” the 1.75-inch field cannon was first fired on July 2, 2025, during the United States Embassy’s celebration of America’s 249th Independence Day. The inaugural firing was led by U.S. Chargé d’Affaires Kim Furnish, joined by Her Excellency the Most Honourable Dame Cynthia A. Pratt, Governor General of The Bahamas; the Honourable Philip E. Davis, Prime Minister of The Bahamas; and His Excellency the Most Reverend Patrick C. Pinder, Archbishop of The Bahamas. The moment served as a powerful symbol of the enduring friendship between the United States and The Bahamas.

As of October 15, visitors to the Buena Vista Estate can now experience the might of Bam Bam for themselves. The free-to-the-public Cannon Firing Experience invites guests to witness — and for one lucky participant each day, to command — the firing of the cannon overlooking Nassau Harbour. The event takes place daily at noon, except on national holidays, and marks another milestone in John Watling’s partnership with the Antiquities, Monuments & Museums Corporation (AMMC) to celebrate and preserve Bahamian heritage.

“The cannon firing symbolizes our ongoing commitment to highlighting the history and heritage of The Bahamas,” said Pepin Argamasilla, co-founder of John Watling’s Distillery. “We’re reigniting the stories that shaped the nation. This experience allows both locals and visitors to feel history come alive in a tangible, unforgettable way.”

Before each firing, the AMMC’s West Indian Guard — a modern ceremonial unit — performs a brief presentation honoring the legacy of the West Indian Regiment, the historic British colonial corps established in 1795, just six years after Buena Vista was built. Comprised largely of Caribbean soldiers of African descent, the Regiment once garrisoned Fort Charlotte and defended Nassau’s shores. Today, the Guard carries that tradition forward, symbolizing strength, discipline, and Bahamian pride.

Each day, one lucky visitor may purchase the right to fire the cannon through johnwatlings.com. The participant not only commands Bam Bam but also receives an official certificate — a lighthearted keepsake granting full bragging rights:

“This certificate proudly affirms that the recipient has earned the distinguished title of We B Learnin’ Rum Academy Official Cannon Firing Specialist — a recognition reserved for those with steady hands, precise timing, and the thunderous flair to stop tourists mid-selfie. Bestowed with full bragging rights, the bearer may now recount — with authority and undeniable gusto — the exact moment they made history shake and rumble. Cheers to daring, discipline, and unforgettable memories of The Bahamas!”

“After the blast, the lucky visitor is invited to raise a glass of JOHN WATLING’S Amber rum — a refreshing salute to craftsmanship and celebration,” added Argamasilla. “The sound of that cannon isn’t just an echo of the past. It’s proof that preservation can be thrilling, meaningful, and fun. Every visitor who fires that cannon becomes part of The Bahamas’ living story.”

The Cannon Firing Experience is presented in conjunction with John Watling’s Distillery and the AMMC’s Water Battery Restoration Project — one of Nassau’s most significant heritage preservation efforts. Located on West Bay Street near the Buena Vista Estate, the late-18th-century Water Battery once formed part of the island’s coastal defenses, protecting the western shoreline from privateers and pirates throughout the 1700s and 1800s.

Don Cornish, Director of the AMMC, praised the collaboration as a model for public engagement:

“The Water Battery restoration and cannon firing experience show how heritage can inspire participation,” Cornish said. “Through partnerships like this, Bahamian history doesn’t gather dust — it roars to life. John Watling’s Distillery is proving that preservation and celebration can go hand in hand.”

Together, John Watling’s Distillery and the AMMC are ensuring that The Bahamas’ most storied landmarks continue to educate, entertain, and connect future generations — one cannon blast at a time.

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