Twelve employees of the Office of the Governor-General were awarded medals, and some 70-plus Bahamians who have served in various areas of the Public Service received Distinguished Service Medals at the third 2023 National Honours ceremony Tuesday, October 10.

Governor General, Her Excellency the Most Honourable Cynthia A. Pratt, Chancellor of the Societies of Honour presented the awards during the final Investiture of National Honours at the Lower Grounds of Government House, Mount Fitzwilliam. Two other ceremonies were held the day before, which was celebrated as National Heroes Day.

Distinguished Service Medals are conferred on Bahamians who have served in public service, military service, police, fire and prison and uniformed services; and for exceptional service by members of civil society.

The Governor General’s Award is given for long, valuable service worthy of special recognition to the Governor General; his or her spouse or the Vice Regal Household which is worthy of special recognition in ranks of: Gold, Silver and Bronze.

Among the awardees was Permanent Secretary Jack Thompson, a 43-year career public servant.  Mr. Thompson received a Gold medal for his service as Permanent Secretary/Secretary to the Governor-General in 2019, a post he held until from 2019 to 2023.

Mrs. Sherrilyn Bastian-Wallace was awarded a Silver medal for her service to four Governors-General while employed in the Public Service for some 45 years. She retired in 2022. 

Among those receiving a Distinguished Service Medal was Henry Nixon, head warden of the Inagua National Park and a member of the Bahamas National Trust. He was recognized for his devotion to the protection of flamingos.

Basil Dean, Meteorologist and former Deputy Director of the Bahamas Department of Meteorology, retired from the Public Service in 2021 after serving the Bahamas Department of Meterorology for 46 plus years. He received a Distinguished Service Medal.

Prime Minister and Minister of Finance the Hon. Philip Davis described the event as a “momentous” occasion.

In his keynote address, Prime Minister Davis said it is imperative to remember that the nation thrives not just because of political giants like Sir Lynden Pindling, Sir Milo Butler and Dame Janet Bostwick, but also because of trailblazers in business, journalism, law, spirituality, law enforcement, medicine, arts and beyond.

“Each individual, each journey, represents a unique verse in The Bahamas’ grand tale – a tale of unwavering devotion and dedication to the enhancement of our homeland.”

He said the honourees represent the fields of education, the arts, science and the public service.
 “Their triumphs serve as guiding beacons for all Bahamians, irrespective of age.

“And so, tonight we proudly bestow upon these community pillars our prestigious national accolades: The Governor General’s Award and the Distinguished Service Award.”

The Hon. Fred Mitchell, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Chairman, National Honours Advisory Committee, congratulated the honourees for their achievements.

He recognized the work of the National Honours Advisory Committee and thanked them for their efforts. “They made the recommendations to the Prime Minister under the Act. The recommendations were unanimous; no divisions, no discriminations. The Prime Minister signed off on these recommendations and the Governor General is making the presentations today.”

He also recognized the “pilgrims in the vineyard” who helped to bring about the Legislation beginning in/around 1989. They include Canon Sebastian Campbell, the late Al Dillette, the late Terence Bethel, Freddie Munnings Jr., Max Turner, Rev. C.B. Moss Sr., Vana Moss, Keod Smith, among others.

“The legislation was passed in 2016 and today we have this wonderful ceremony.  Thanks to you all,” he said. 

Twelve employees of the Office of the Governor-General were awarded medals, and some 70-plus Bahamians who have served in various areas of the Public Service received Distinguished Service Medals at the third 2023 National Honours ceremony Tuesday, October 10. Governor General, Her Excellency the Most Honourable Cynthia A. Pratt, Chancellor of the Societies of Honour presented the awards during the final Investiture of National Honours at the Lower Grounds of Government House, Mount Fitzwilliam. Two other ceremonies were held the day before, which was celebrated as National Heroes Day. Distinguished Service Medals are conferred on Bahamians who have served in public service, military service, police, fire and prison and uniformed services; and for exceptional service by members of civil society. The Governor General’s Award is given for long, valuable service worthy of special recognition to the Governor General; his or her spouse or the Vice Regal Household which is worthy of special recognition in ranks of: Gold, Silver and Bronze.   Among the awardees was Permanent Secretary Jack Thompson, a 43-year career public servant.  Mr. Thompson received a Gold medal for his service as Permanent Secretary/Secretary to the Governor-General in 2019, a post he held until from 2019 to 2023. Mrs. Sherrilyn Bastian-Wallace was awarded a Silver medal for her service to four Governors-General while employed in the Public Service for some 45 years. She retired in 2022.    Among those receiving a Distinguished Service Medal was Henry Nixon, head warden of the Inagua National Park and a member of the Bahamas National Trust. He was recognized for his devotion to the protection of flamingos.   Basil Dean, Meteorologist and former Deputy Director of the Bahamas Department of Meteorology, retired from the Public Service in 2021 after serving the Bahamas Department of Meterorology for 46 plus years. He received a Distinguished Service Medal. Prime Minister and Minister of Finance the Hon. Philip Davis described the event as a “momentous” occasion. In his keynote address, Prime Minister Davis said it is imperative to remember that the nation thrives not just because of political giants like Sir Lynden Pindling, Sir Milo Butler and Dame Janet Bostwick, but also because of trailblazers in business, journalism, law, spirituality, law enforcement, medicine, arts and beyond. “Each individual, each journey, represents a unique verse in The Bahamas’ grand tale – a tale of unwavering devotion and dedication to the enhancement of our homeland.” He said the honourees represent the fields of education, the arts, science and the public service.   “Their triumphs serve as guiding beacons for all Bahamians, irrespective of age. “And so, tonight we proudly bestow upon these community pillars our prestigious national accolades: The Governor General’s Award and the Distinguished Service Award.” The Hon. Fred Mitchell, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Chairman, National Honours Advisory Committee, congratulated the honourees for their achievements. He recognized the work of the National Honours Advisory Committee and thanked them for their efforts. “They made the recommendations to the Prime Minister under the Act. The recommendations were unanimous; no divisions, no discriminations. The Prime Minister signed off on these recommendations and the Governor General is making the presentations today.” He also recognized the “pilgrims in the vineyard” who helped to bring about the Legislation beginning in/around 1989. They include Canon Sebastian Campbell, the late Al Dillette, the late Terence Bethel, Freddie Munnings Jr., Max Turner, Rev. C.B. Moss Sr., Vana Moss, Keod Smith, among others.   “The legislation was passed in 2016 and today we have this wonderful ceremony.  Thanks to you all,” he said. 

Hundreds of people from all walks of life gathered at the Pro-Cathedral of Christ the King on Saturday, October 14, 2023 for the funeral service of the late Hon. Obadiah H. Wilchcombe, Minister of Social Services, Information and Broadcasting and Member of Parliament for West Grand Bahama and Bimini.

A State Funeral service was held in Nassau on Thursday, and the Minister’s body was flown to Grand Bahama for a Memorial Service on Friday at Bishop Michael Eldon Auditorium.  The Funeral Service and Burial in Grand Bahama, his birthplace, took place on Saturday.

Former Prime Ministers the Rt. Hon. Perry Christie and the Rt. Hon. Hubert Ingraham, current and former Members of Parliament, senior government officials and a cross-section of people from not only Grand Bahama but all over the nation came together to honour and pay last respects to a person widely described as having given a life of service to his country.

Giving a special tribute to Minister Wilchcombe was former Prime Minister Christie, who shared the long-time friendship they had and how Minister Wilchcombe was instrumental in his becoming leader of the Progressive Liberal Party. He said that “Obie had a specialness” that enabled him to connect with people from all walks of life, leading to his success as government minister, politician, and friend.

After the two-and-a-half hour service, the motorcade carrying the Minister transported him to West End. At the West End Public Cemetery a mausoleum was erected by the community for their leader.  

Cars and people lined the entrance to the cemetery as the motorcade was escorted in by Legends Marching Band. 

At 2:30 p.m., the hearse carrying the Minister pulled into the cemetery, lined with members of the Royal Bahamas Police and Defence Force officers, along with the public.  Although hundreds of people were in attendance, silence filled the air. As the flag-draped coffin got closer to its final resting place, the crowd stirred. Tents had been erected so those attending were protected from the rain. The late Obie Wilchcombe was laid to rest just after 3:30pm.  

Hundreds of people from all walks of life gathered at the Pro-Cathedral of Christ the King on Saturday, October 14, 2023 for the funeral service of the late Hon. Obadiah H. Wilchcombe, Minister of Social Services, Information and Broadcasting and Member of Parliament for West Grand Bahama and Bimini. A State Funeral service was held in Nassau on Thursday, and the Minister’s body was flown to Grand Bahama for a Memorial Service on Friday at Bishop Michael Eldon Auditorium.  The Funeral Service and Burial in Grand Bahama, his birthplace, took place on Saturday.   Former Prime Ministers the Rt. Hon. Perry Christie and the Rt. Hon. Hubert Ingraham, current and former Members of Parliament, senior government officials and a cross-section of people from not only Grand Bahama but all over the nation came together to honour and pay last respects to a person widely described as having given a life of service to his country. Giving a special tribute to Minister Wilchcombe was former Prime Minister Christie, who shared the long-time friendship they had and how Minister Wilchcombe was instrumental in his becoming leader of the Progressive Liberal Party. He said that “Obie had a specialness” that enabled him to connect with people from all walks of life, leading to his success as government minister, politician, and friend. After the two-and-a-half hour service, the motorcade carrying the Minister transported him to West End. At the West End Public Cemetery a mausoleum was erected by the community for their leader.   Cars and people lined the entrance to the cemetery as the motorcade was escorted in by Legends Marching Band.  At 2:30 p.m., the hearse carrying the Minister pulled into the cemetery, lined with members of the Royal Bahamas Police and Defence Force officers, along with the public.  Although hundreds of people were in attendance, silence filled the air. As the flag-draped coffin got closer to its final resting place, the crowd stirred. Tents had been erected so those attending were protected from the rain. The late Obie Wilchcombe was laid to rest just after 3:30pm.  

A significant number of former employees of the Broadcasting Corporation of The Bahamas and residents of West Grand Bahama and Bimini (some posthumously) comprised the list of recipients awarded the Order of Merit at the Investiture of National Honours 2023.

Six men, some retired and some posthumously, who have or continue to serve the Royal Bahamas Defence Force, received Medals for Acts of Bravery.

Just under 100 awardees received National Honours during the second of two ceremonies held Monday, October 9 at the Lower Gardens of Government House, Mount Fitzwilliam.  Governor General Her Excellency the Most Honourable Cynthia A. Pratt, Chancellor of Societies of Honour, presented the awards before guests including the National Honours Advisory Committee, members of parliament, senior government officials, family and friends.

In brief remarks, the Hon. Fred Mitchell, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Chairman of the National Honours Advisory Committee, congratulated the honourees for being nation builders.

“You didn’t know it when you were doing all of the work that you were doing, but you were helping to build the Commonwealth of The Bahamas and for that we are deeply grateful.”

Minister Mitchell said the service was “especially” moving for him because the late Al Dillette, former journalist and the Bahamas’ Consul General in Toronto, a friend and “good” colleague, was honoured posthumously.

“In that connection I remember my fallen colleague [the Hon.] Obie Wilchcombe [former Cabinet Minister and Member of Parliament for Bimini and West End, Grand Bahama] who insisted that those who were his colleagues at the Broadcasting Corporation of The Bahamas, those who were his constituents in Bimini and West End, Grand Bahama, should be suitably honoured in this honours investiture service.

“And that’s what it’s all about. National Heroes Day is a time of reflection, a time to show where we’ve come from and also to look in the future so that all of those young people coming behind us could look at your lives, sacrifice and hard work and can say I would like to do that I would like to be there one day too,” said Minister Mitchell.  

He noted that in 1972 when the nation’s independence was being negotiated it was an all-male delegation at the table and in 1973 when The Bahamas became an independent nation there were no women at the table. “Similarly, up to this year there were no females included in those of the heroes of our country. This year we’ve rectified that and I’m pleased that the Prime Minister agreed with us that Dame Dr. Doris Johnson should go down in the history of our country as one of the heroines of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas.”  The Dame was awarded the Order of National Hero (posthumously) during the earlier ceremony.

Prime Minister and Minister of Finance the Hon. Philip Davis urged those present to remember that the recognition and celebrations do not end with the event.

He said, “We must continue to acknowledge and honour the legacies of those who have made invaluable contributions to our nation. We must preserve the record of our accomplishments so our children, and our children’s children have access to the stories of greatness that will inspire them when the time comes for them to make their own contributions.”

The final group of honourees will receive awards during National Investiture ceremony Tuesday, October 10, 2023.

A significant number of former employees of the Broadcasting Corporation of The Bahamas and residents of West Grand Bahama and Bimini (some posthumously) comprised the list of recipients awarded the Order of Merit at the Investiture of National Honours 2023. Six men, some retired and some posthumously, who have or continue to serve the Royal Bahamas Defence Force, received Medals for Acts of Bravery. Just under 100 awardees received National Honours during the second of two ceremonies held Monday, October 9 at the Lower Gardens of Government House, Mount Fitzwilliam.  Governor General Her Excellency the Most Honourable Cynthia A. Pratt, Chancellor of Societies of Honour, presented the awards before guests including the National Honours Advisory Committee, members of parliament, senior government officials, family and friends. In brief remarks, the Hon. Fred Mitchell, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Chairman of the National Honours Advisory Committee, congratulated the honourees for being nation builders. “You didn’t know it when you were doing all of the work that you were doing, but you were helping to build the Commonwealth of The Bahamas and for that we are deeply grateful.” Minister Mitchell said the service was “especially” moving for him because the late Al Dillette, former journalist and the Bahamas’ Consul General in Toronto, a friend and “good” colleague, was honoured posthumously. “In that connection I remember my fallen colleague [the Hon.] Obie Wilchcombe [former Cabinet Minister and Member of Parliament for Bimini and West End, Grand Bahama] who insisted that those who were his colleagues at the Broadcasting Corporation of The Bahamas, those who were his constituents in Bimini and West End, Grand Bahama, should be suitably honoured in this honours investiture service. “And that’s what it’s all about. National Heroes Day is a time of reflection, a time to show where we’ve come from and also to look in the future so that all of those young people coming behind us could look at your lives, sacrifice and hard work and can say I would like to do that I would like to be there one day too,” said Minister Mitchell.   He noted that in 1972 when the nation’s independence was being negotiated it was an all-male delegation at the table and in 1973 when The Bahamas became an independent nation there were no women at the table. “Similarly, up to this year there were no females included in those of the heroes of our country. This year we’ve rectified that and I’m pleased that the Prime Minister agreed with us that Dame Dr. Doris Johnson should go down in the history of our country as one of the heroines of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas.”  The Dame was awarded the Order of National Hero (posthumously) during the earlier ceremony. Prime Minister and Minister of Finance the Hon. Philip Davis urged those present to remember that the recognition and celebrations do not end with the event. He said, “We must continue to acknowledge and honour the legacies of those who have made invaluable contributions to our nation. We must preserve the record of our accomplishments so our children, and our children’s children have access to the stories of greatness that will inspire them when the time comes for them to make their own contributions.” The final group of honourees will receive awards during National Investiture ceremony Tuesday, October 10, 2023.

 

The Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture’s youth division paid homage to 60 long-serving youth leaders on Saturday, October 7, 2023 for the outstanding impact they have had on the youth in the community of Grand Bahama over the years.

The Appreciation Breakfast was held under the patronage of Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture, the Hon. Mario Bowleg at the Foster B. Pestaina Hall as part of the celebration during Youth Month of October.

Youth Programs Coordinator Carla Brown-Roker noted that one has to have a special gift when it comes to the development of our youth and she thanked those assembled in her presence for the work they have done for decades.

The 2023 honourees are Pedyson Baillou, Annie Beckles, Angela Burrows, Dorlan Cartwright, Vanessa Cash, Ann Charlton, Keith Cooper, Marcus Cooper, Clayton Curtis, Edmund Dames, Ron Dames, Reggie Dean, Fredlin Delancy, Anita Doherty, Patrick Ferguson, Elaine Gomez, Jaron Harvey, Loleta Henfield, Marvin Henfield, Lisa Higgs, Daryl Jones, Dorothy Major, Beverly Mather, Leslie McDonald, Yvonne McDonald, Gary McIntosh, Kenneth Miller, Derricka Missick, Martin Munroe, Lenwood Neely, Frank Outten, Alisa Robinson, Gea Robinson, Darrin Rolle, Brennamea Rolle-Cooper, Robert Rose, Bruce Russell, Fenrick Russell, Rev. Lindy Russell, Dione Saunders, Sharon Sawyer, Narada Scott, Dudley Seide, Mavis Shepherd, Nevar Smith, Vernique Smith, Shelly Stewart-Rolle, Derek Stubbs, Madelyn Stubbs, Andrea Taylor, Sandra Taylor, Cecil Thompson, J. Maria Thompson, Kevin Tomlinson, Peter Watson, Richard Williams, Laquez Williams and Charlene Melbourne-Wright.

The honourees have worked with youngsters in music, Girls and Boys Brigades, marching bands, girls and boys’ clubs and a number of sporting disciplines.

“These are people worthy of recognition and this morning we must give them their due,” she said while praising them for their selfless sacrifices.

Deputy Director of Urban Renewal Senator Kirk Russell thanked the honourees for giving of themselves and resourced to the youth of the country.

“When you pour into a young man, when you pour into a young girl to change their life; to cause them to walk the straight and narrow, to cause them to want to stay in school and get an education, to cause them to want to go to college, to cause them to want to make a positive contribution somewhere in this country, you are doing your job in building the economic revolution of this country,” he said.

“Ladies and gentlemen, I am here on behalf of a grateful prime minister, a grateful government to simply say thank you.”

The names of 60 honourees have also been submitted for the Youth Leaders Hall of Fame from Grand Bahama to be displayed on the wall of the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture in New Providence.

The Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture’s youth division paid homage to 60 long-serving youth leaders on Saturday, October 7, 2023 for the outstanding impact they have had on the youth in the community of Grand Bahama over the years. The Appreciation Breakfast was held under the patronage of Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture, the Hon. Mario Bowleg at the Foster B. Pestaina Hall as part of the celebration during Youth Month of October. Youth Programs Coordinator Carla Brown-Roker noted that one has to have a special gift when it comes to the development of our youth and she thanked those assembled in her presence for the work they have done for decades. The 2023 honourees are Pedyson Baillou, Annie Beckles, Angela Burrows, Dorlan Cartwright, Vanessa Cash, Ann Charlton, Keith Cooper, Marcus Cooper, Clayton Curtis, Edmund Dames, Ron Dames, Reggie Dean, Fredlin Delancy, Anita Doherty, Patrick Ferguson, Elaine Gomez, Jaron Harvey, Loleta Henfield, Marvin Henfield, Lisa Higgs, Daryl Jones, Dorothy Major, Beverly Mather, Leslie McDonald, Yvonne McDonald, Gary McIntosh, Kenneth Miller, Derricka Missick, Martin Munroe, Lenwood Neely, Frank Outten, Alisa Robinson, Gea Robinson, Darrin Rolle, Brennamea Rolle-Cooper, Robert Rose, Bruce Russell, Fenrick Russell, Rev. Lindy Russell, Dione Saunders, Sharon Sawyer, Narada Scott, Dudley Seide, Mavis Shepherd, Nevar Smith, Vernique Smith, Shelly Stewart-Rolle, Derek Stubbs, Madelyn Stubbs, Andrea Taylor, Sandra Taylor, Cecil Thompson, J. Maria Thompson, Kevin Tomlinson, Peter Watson, Richard Williams, Laquez Williams and Charlene Melbourne-Wright. The honourees have worked with youngsters in music, Girls and Boys Brigades, marching bands, girls and boys’ clubs and a number of sporting disciplines. “These are people worthy of recognition and this morning we must give them their due,” she said while praising them for their selfless sacrifices. Deputy Director of Urban Renewal Senator Kirk Russell thanked the honourees for giving of themselves and resourced to the youth of the country. “When you pour into a young man, when you pour into a young girl to change their life; to cause them to walk the straight and narrow, to cause them to want to stay in school and get an education, to cause them to want to go to college, to cause them to want to make a positive contribution somewhere in this country, you are doing your job in building the economic revolution of this country,” he said. “Ladies and gentlemen, I am here on behalf of a grateful prime minister, a grateful government to simply say thank you.” The names of 60 honourees have also been submitted for the Youth Leaders Hall of Fame from Grand Bahama to be displayed on the wall of the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture in New Providence.