At 85 years old, he's one of the few legends of his generation still alive…

The Bahamas’ 40th Independence Anniversary celebrations will kick off on November 2, 2012 with a star-studded concert at the Atlantis resort on Paradise Island honoring legendary Bahamian actor, Academy Award winner Sir Sidney Poitier.

The announcement was made during a press conference at Cabinet Office on Tuesday, October 9.

During the weekend Independence celebration, the Government plans to rename the National Centre for the Performing Arts as well as the Paradise Island Bridge (the largest in the Bahamas) after Sir Sidney Poitier, who also has served as Bahamas Ambassador to Japan.

The Prime Minister confirmed that both landmarks have have agreed to rename themselves in honor of Sir Sidney.

The celebrations take place on November 2 – 3, and will include the best in Bahamian talent, combined with a special concert by Jennifer Hudson, who will pay a special tribute to Sir Sidney.

"Sir Sidney not only has an incredible story, but in his later years he made significant contributions in the field of diplomacy to The Bahamas… We are going to use the 40th Anniversary as a catalyst to create this higher level of awareness about the importance of developing, properly, the ethos of country and being able to connect this island destination in a very special way through all of the components that make up this country and the characteristic spirit that makes us all Bahamians,” the Prime Minister said.

Other plans to celebrate the 40th Independence Anniversary will be announced later.

Kudos and bravo!