DEATH ANNOUNCEMENT

MR. KURT IRVIN DORSETT, age 74 years of # 11 Silver Avenue, Freeport, Grand Bahama and formerly of Nassau, New Providence died at his residence on Monday, September 25th, 2023.  

He is survived by his Wife: Mildred Judith Dorsette; Son: Kurt Irvin Dorsette; Daughter: Vinita Danette Katrina Hodgkins; Son-in-law: Terry Austin Hodgskins; Daughter-in-law: Shekera L. Dorsett; Grandsons: Kurt Joshua Dorsett, Trent Kameron Dorsett and Azaire Richard Hodgskins and a host of other Relatives and friends.

Arrangements for the funeral service are being finalized and details will be announced at a later date.

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The Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) was all Obie Wilchcombe knew, and the political organization he loved with all his heart because he understood what the party means to the people of The Bahamas, his lifelong friend Glenys Hanna-Martin said at PLP headquarters in New Providence last night as PLPs paid tribute to the late West Grand Bahama and Bimini member of Parliament, who died unexpectedly on September 25.

"The PLP was at the core of all that Obie did in his life. The PLP was his life," said Hanna-Martin, the minister of education and MP for Englerston, who nominated Wilchcombe for Queen's College Student Council president when they were in high school there five decades ago, and whose friendship with him matured and endured through joyous and disappointing times.

"He had the gift of mobilizing and centralizing a cadre of loyal people and he never forgot the people."

Hanna-Martin said Wilchcombe was an "amazing and extraordinary Bahamian patriot".

"His selflessness, his courage, his commitment, his consistency, his tenacity, his humility, his authenticity, his love manifested a remarkable fidelity to the philosophical tenets of our party," she said, adding that Wilchcombe viewed the PLP as the hope of the Bahamian people.

She noted, too, "He was an exceptional friend and trusted confidant. To say that I am grateful for him would be a gross understatement of my sentiments."

Wilchcombe represented the Grand Bahama constituency from 2002 to 2017.

"He was back in 2021, a victory I believe was most meaningful to him because his comeback had to be so hard fought for," Hanna-Martin said.

She said Wilchcombe understood the meaning, the definition, the true essence and the crucial importance of the PLP.

"He knew that it was this Progressive Liberal Party that was the catalyst for the liberation of a groaning and oppressed people," Hanna-Martin said.

"He knew that this party was born in the fight for human dignity, in the struggle for justice and that it was in its organizational DNA to [be the champions] for the Bahamian people.

"He understood that this Progressive Liberal Party is an activated political force whose mission unfolds every day and never ends and whose work is never done until we wipe every tear from every eye.

"It is not a cliché nor empty rhetoric. This is at the core of the PLP. It is ironic that in his last two years of life, he was literally, and with great momentum, carrying out the mandate of wiping tears from the eyes of Bahamians everywhere."

When he died in office, Wilchcombe was the minister of social services, information and broadcasting. He is the only minister with portfolio to die in office in an independent Bahamas.

Wilchcombe also served as minister of tourism during the two terms of a Christie administration (2002-2007 and 2012-2017).

Speaking at the PLP memorial last night, former Prime Minister Perry Christie said, "I verily believe that when students or academics examine the period that he was minister of tourism, in the full light of the history of this country, they are going to see that Obie Wilchcombe was defining, that he made a significant impact and that for generations he set up a regime, a tourism product that will continue to be the leading economic generator in our country."

As he often does in these moments, Christie reminded, "We are here for a season."

He said, "My brother, I thought, and I often said to you that one day you will have the privilege of eulogizing me. Never did I dream that I would have the biggest privilege of speaking in tribute to you."

Wilchcombe died at 64. Christie turned 80 in August.

Deputy Prime Minister Chester Cooper, the current minister of tourism and MP for Exumas and Ragged Island, also praised Wilchcombe for his accomplishments as tourism minister.

"Clearly his time in journalism and his tenure as an MP made him seasoned, affable, quick-witted, and extremely well spoken; a standout orator and comfortable communicating in any occasion," Cooper said.

"In the wake of his passing, staff at every level of the Ministry of Tourism have spoken to me about how endearing he was...Obie played an important role in shaping our nation's tourism industry, particularly regarding sports tourism...and he made his mark not only in our nation, but throughout the Caribbean, serving as chairman of the Caribbean Tourism Organization twice..."

He said Wilchcombe was "driven by a passion to share our paradise with the world".

PLP Chairman Fred Mitchell, the Fox Hill MP and minister of foreign affairs, said Wilchcombe was "vibrant, encouraging, supportive and a leading light that has suddenly gone out."

He said Wilchcombe's was a life well lived.

Mitchell, who is six years older than Wilchcombe was, and who in the 1970s was director of news and public affairs at ZNS, found that Wilchcombe's talents were being under utilized at the Broadcasting Corporation's Northern Service. Mitchell brought the young broadcaster back to ZNS Nassau.

"He served with distinction and ultimately became director of news himself and assistant general manager," he noted last night.

In his tribute, Prime Minister Philip Davis said, "There are times when the weight of grief feels like an anchor, heavy and unforgiving. Today, we are gathered under its shadow, and I find myself stepping into it not just as your prime minister but as someone who has lost a dear, long-time friend."

Davis also said, "Obie's dedication to the Progressive Liberal Party was undeniable. From the early days, he was on the front lines, not just speaking about the party's values, but actively working to realize its goals. To him, the PLP was more than just a political affiliation; it was a mission.

"His respect and admiration for (the late former prime minister) Sir Lynden Pindling were evident. He saw Sir Lynden not just as the party's leader but as a mentor and guide. Their relationship was built on mutual respect and a shared vision for the future of The Bahamas."

Davis added, "Obediah Hercules Wilchcombe was more than a colleague. He was a beacon of dedication and patriotism. Those long hours spent in the trenches were a testament to his commitment, not just to me, but to every Bahamian he served."

The prime minister urged, "As we move forward, let us honor Obie's legacy by ensuring that every decision we make is anchored in the heartbeats of the Bahamian people. Obie wasn't just talking politics; he was laying out a roadmap of compassion, duty, and responsibility. For Obie, it wasn't just about politics; it was about heart."

The "one love" theme — said to have been Wilchcombe's mantra — was highlighted throughout the evening.

PLPs ended the event by signing Bob Marley's "One Love".

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The Bahamas Football Association (BFA) proudly announces the renaming of the esteemed New Providence Primary Schools Soccer Tournament to the ''Dawn N. Knowles Primary Schools Soccer Tournament''.

This honor comes in recognition of Knowles' enduring commitment and tireless efforts toward the event, which has showcased the athletic prowess and skills of under-10 (U10) and under-12 (U12) primary school students since 1995.

Knowles, the retired Senior Education Officer responsible for Physical Education, played an instrumental role in the inception and consistent success of this event. Her dedication was evident during her 28 years of planning and executing the tournament, ensuring its continuity even after her retirement.

"It is wonderful for the tournament to be renamed in Ms. Knowles' honor. I am an advocate for giving honor and showing appreciation to people while they are still here. We want to give her flowers while she can still receive them," said current BFA President Anya James, emphasizing the importance of recognizing Knowles' contributions during her lifetime. James further highlighted that renaming the tournament in Dawn Knowles' honor not only acknowledges her remarkable contributions but also serves as a testament to her enduring legacy. By celebrating her achievements while she is still with us, the BFA ensures that her impact and influence are duly recognized and appreciated by all.

When asked about her pivotal involvement, Daria Adderley, BFA Council Member responsible for Women's Football Development, commented: "Ms. Knowles has been instrumental in organizing the tournament from the beginning and remained a staunch supporter, even post her tenure in government service."

An emotional Knowles responded to the honor, stating: "I never expected such an honor from the BFA. I'm happy this is happening while I can enjoy it."

Former BFA President Anton Sealy, under whose leadership Knowles did much of her work, said: "Dawn Knowles was the driving force behind primary schools sports in The Bahamas. She was a big supporter and proponent. She ensured that soccer always had a space on the ministry of education's sports curriculum and that soccer always had a presence in the schools."

Highlights of the tournament's storied history include the pre-COVID victories of Claridge Primary (Boys) and Sadie Curtis (Girls) in 2019. The post-COVID champions were Sybil Strachan Primary (Boys) and Eva Hilton (Girls) in 2022. Notably, the tournament has produced exceptional talents, such as Lesly St. Fleur, a standout in both beach and grass on men's national teams, and Nesly Jean, the current head coach of the men's national team.

The positive ripple effects of this youth tournament are undeniable. Over the years, it has played a vital role in amplifying competitive football in the country, acting as a conduit for many players to secure scholarship opportunities.

The BFA's emphasis on grassroots development is a testament to the foundational importance of tournaments like these. As an organization, they firmly believe in grassroots as the sport's lifeline. These initiatives not only sustain interest but also cultivate future leaders, equipping them with qualities like discipline, teamwork, and commitment.

Schools are eagerly anticipating the 2023 tournament edition, which is set to commence October 17 and run to November 8 at the Roscow A.L. Davies Soccer Field. Preceding the matches, the official naming ceremony will be held on October 16 at the Breezes Resort. Details of special events and activities circling this ceremony will be unveiled soon.

The BFA remains committed to fostering football talents and encourages schools, parents and fans to rally behind the upcoming tournament, offering unparalleled support to the young and budding football stars of The Bahamas.

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The Bahamas Telecommunications Company (BTC) has experienced "record growth" in its fiber uptake in the market, the company said yesterday.

BTC said the company has exceeded its target for third quarter of the year.

BTC CEO Sameer Bhatti said the company set an aggressive market share target and have exceeded those targets every month.

"We are thankful to our customers for choosing BTC as their provider," said Bhatti.

"We take this partnership very seriously and I can assure our customers that they have made the right choice.

"There is no better way to close out my first year as CEO with this amazing achievement."

According to BTC, Grand Bahama is on its way to having most communities connected by the end of the year.

The company said it recently completed McClean's Town and Pelican Point and have employed 25 sales and service delivery team members to carry out work on the island.

Bhatti said BTC was the first to provide gigabytes of speed into homes and the first company to also offer symmetrical speeds with upload an download speeds being equal.

He contended that broadband is essential for the country's advancement and for evolution in industries.

"We are focused on growing our broadband business, as this yields national economic and social benefits for everyone," said Bhatti.

The statement said: "BTC also boasts of being the most modern and affordable service provider, with bundled offers designed to meet the needs of every customer."

Bhatti said the company encouraged a mindset that encourages BTC team members to put the customer first and to focus on company growth as a team.

"When I joined the BTC team, I encouraged our colleagues to engender a 'One BTC' mindset of growth potential, putting the customer first, and being consistent with our follow through," he said.

"The result is that we are earning our customers' trust more consistently. I'm thankful for such a diligent team."

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