The Governor General, Her Excellency the Most Hon. Dame Cynthia Pratt made her annual Sandilands Rehabilitation Centre visit -- a Governor General's tradition this time of year -- on December 4, 2024 under the theme 'Caring and Sharing at Christmas Time.'  Dame Cynthia is pictured giving remarks and greetings. 

University of The Bahamas (UB) will pay homage this weekend to nine alumni who have contributed to progress in key areas of national development including education, medicine, youth and community development, law and media, distinguishing themselves as outstanding pacesetters.

The accolades will come at UB’s Hall of Fame and Outstanding Alumni Awards which this 50th jubilee year is also the President’s Soiree. Long-standing corporate partner, Deloitte Bahamas, has once again affirmed the power of higher education with a $10,000 sponsorship of the prestigious event and honours.

“Deloitte is both the beneficiary of the work of UB in the form of numerous stellar alumni working and leading its organization, and an outstanding benefactor,” noted Ms. Felicity Humblestone, UB’s Chief of Staff. “Their loyal investment in UB demonstrates their belief that education matters and that building a national university also builds a nation.

“Whether through their support for student awards or sponsoring events, Deloitte, along with our entire family of private donors help make what we do at UB possible.”

Deloitte has a vested interest in ensuring UB’s success—some 50 percent of its partners and staff are UB alumni, including managing partner and one of this year’s Hall of Fame inductees, Mr. Mark Munnings. Mr. Lawrence Lewis, a 2023 UB Outstanding Alumnus, highlighted the firm’s enduring connection with UB.

“Our relationship with the University of The Bahamas and its predecessor institutions is both rich and deep,” said Mr. Lewis. “As a firm, we believe in nurturing and developing young Bahamians into world-class professionals.

“We thank UB for the opportunity to continue our partnership with the University of The Bahamas. Deloitte is proud to be the title sponsor for the President’s Soiree and Hall of Fame and Outstanding Alumni Awards.”

This year UB is awarding veteran educator Sharon Poitier with its Lifetime Achievement Award; financial services professional Mark Munnings and attorney Merrit Storr (class of 1984) are being inducted into the Hall of Fame; physician and infectious disease professional Dr. Nikkiah Forbes and communications professional Tameka Lundy (class of 1994) will receive the Outstanding Alumni Awards; and attorney Khrystle Rutherford-Ferguson and educational psychologist Dr. Nicora Stubbs-Young (class of 2004) will receive the Trailblazer Awards. Chorister Ashley Knowles and educator Alphonzo Major (class of 2014) will be awarded with the Emerging Leaders honour.

Nyisha Tilus, Chairperson of UB’s Alumni Association, emphasized the event’s broader significance.

“It serves as a platform to recognize the remarkable accomplishments of our alumni who have emerged as leaders, pioneers and change makers in their respective fields,” said Ms. Tilus. “The awards themselves are a hallmark of this event, celebrating individuals who embody UB’s values: leadership, innovation, service, and a commitment to excellence.”

Beyond the night’s festivities, the gala will have a lasting impact on UB’s future. Proceeds will help sustain UB’s mission of national development, supporting scholarships, operations, and essential programs.

“Tuition alone doesn’t cover a world-class university education,” said Mr. Elvardo Thompson, Director of Alumni Affairs and Event Co-chair. “Annual funds help great institutions keep their costs of education affordable by providing extra support for operations, basic needs, and unexpected contingencies.  

“At the University of The Bahamas, tuition and fees from our students and their families cover about 50 percent of the true cost of an education. While funding from the government helps, the University of The Bahamas needs the support of alumni, friends like Deloitte to be the best that we can be.”

University of The Bahamas (UB) will pay homage this weekend to nine alumni who have contributed to progress in key areas of national development including education, medicine, youth and community development, law and media, distinguishing themselves as outstanding pacesetters. The accolades will come at UB’s Hall of Fame and Outstanding Alumni Awards which this 50th jubilee year is also the President’s Soiree. Long-standing corporate partner, Deloitte Bahamas, has once again affirmed the power of higher education with a $10,000 sponsorship of the prestigious event and honours. “Deloitte is both the beneficiary of the work of UB in the form of numerous stellar alumni working and leading its organization, and an outstanding benefactor,” noted Ms. Felicity Humblestone, UB’s Chief of Staff. “Their loyal investment in UB demonstrates their belief that education matters and that building a national university also builds a nation. “Whether through their support for student awards or sponsoring events, Deloitte, along with our entire family of private donors help make what we do at UB possible.” Deloitte has a vested interest in ensuring UB’s success—some 50 percent of its partners and staff are UB alumni, including managing partner and one of this year’s Hall of Fame inductees, Mr. Mark Munnings. Mr. Lawrence Lewis, a 2023 UB Outstanding Alumnus, highlighted the firm’s enduring connection with UB. “Our relationship with the University of The Bahamas and its predecessor institutions is both rich and deep,” said Mr. Lewis. “As a firm, we believe in nurturing and developing young Bahamians into world-class professionals. “We thank UB for the opportunity to continue our partnership with the University of The Bahamas. Deloitte is proud to be the title sponsor for the President’s Soiree and Hall of Fame and Outstanding Alumni Awards.” This year UB is awarding veteran educator Sharon Poitier with its Lifetime Achievement Award; financial services professional Mark Munnings and attorney Merrit Storr (class of 1984) are being inducted into the Hall of Fame; physician and infectious disease professional Dr. Nikkiah Forbes and communications professional Tameka Lundy (class of 1994) will receive the Outstanding Alumni Awards; and attorney Khrystle Rutherford-Ferguson and educational psychologist Dr. Nicora Stubbs-Young (class of 2004) will receive the Trailblazer Awards. Chorister Ashley Knowles and educator Alphonzo Major (class of 2014) will be awarded with the Emerging Leaders honour. Nyisha Tilus, Chairperson of UB’s Alumni Association, emphasized the event’s broader significance. “It serves as a platform to recognize the remarkable accomplishments of our alumni who have emerged as leaders, pioneers and change makers in their respective fields,” said Ms. Tilus. “The awards themselves are a hallmark of this event, celebrating individuals who embody UB’s values: leadership, innovation, service, and a commitment to excellence.” Beyond the night’s festivities, the gala will have a lasting impact on UB’s future. Proceeds will help sustain UB’s mission of national development, supporting scholarships, operations, and essential programs. “Tuition alone doesn’t cover a world-class university education,” said Mr. Elvardo Thompson, Director of Alumni Affairs and Event Co-chair. “Annual funds help great institutions keep their costs of education affordable by providing extra support for operations, basic needs, and unexpected contingencies.   “At the University of The Bahamas, tuition and fees from our students and their families cover about 50 percent of the true cost of an education. While funding from the government helps, the University of The Bahamas needs the support of alumni, friends like Deloitte to be the best that we can be.”

Governor General, Her Excellency the Most Hon. Dame Cynthia Pratt presented the honours at the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture's National Sports Hall of Fame Ceremony at Baha Mar resort, Cable Beach, Friday, November 22, 2024. 

Prime Minister the Hon. Philip Davis was among those recognized (shown with framed award and receiving jacket).  Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture the Hon. Mario Bowleg was in attendance.   

Mrs. Ann Marie Davis of the Office of the Spouse of the Prime Minister commended the Bahamas State Association of Elks for their mentorship and support of young people at a presentation of awards ceremony on Sunday, November 24, 2024 at the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture Conference Room, where she was guest speaker.

Mrs. Davis also commended the young persons being recognized for their achievements: Honoured by the Elks Beauty and Talent Department was Miss Revere Bethell, and by the Elks Department of Education was Mr. Lester Arnette, oratorical contest winner of an Elks Education Scholarship.

Mrs. Davis said: "I am so honoured and delighted to be with you tonight for this significant and important night for the Bahamas State Association of Elks and our youth. I extend my deepest gratitude to Past Grand Exalted Ruler and District Deputy, Brother Randolph Curtis, for the kind invitation to join this evening of celebration and inspiration. Thank you for the opportunity to share in this moment where we honor and uplift the bright future of our nation and acknowledge the legacy of an important organization in this country.

"The Bahamas State Association of Elks, as part of the Improved Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks of the World, has long stood as a pillar of hope and transformation in the community. Your efforts, founded on the ideals of love, charity, and justice, continue to influence lives and build a better, more united Bahamas.

"Tonight, our focus is on a special group of individuals: the young people who have distinguished themselves through their talents, hard work, and dedication. These awardees represent not only the promise of tomorrow but also the excellence of today. Their achievements remind us of the boundless potential that our youth have within them and the greatness that will bloom when they are encouraged, nurtured, and supported."

"I would like to extend hearty congratulations to the young awardees. Your accomplishments are a testament to your determination, your discipline, and your commitment to excellence. You are the hope for all of us and a shining example of what is possible when young minds are given the opportunity to thrive.  Give yourselves a round of applause."  

Mrs. Ann Marie Davis of the Office of the Spouse of the Prime Minister commended the Bahamas State Association of Elks for their mentorship and support of young people at a presentation of awards ceremony on Sunday, November 24, 2024 at the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture Conference Room, where she was guest speaker. Mrs. Davis also commended the young persons being recognized for their achievements: Honoured by the Elks Beauty and Talent Department was Miss Revere Bethell, and by the Elks Department of Education was Mr. Lester Arnette, oratorical contest winner of an Elks Education Scholarship. Mrs. Davis said: "I am so honoured and delighted to be with you tonight for this significant and important night for the Bahamas State Association of Elks and our youth. I extend my deepest gratitude to Past Grand Exalted Ruler and District Deputy, Brother Randolph Curtis, for the kind invitation to join this evening of celebration and inspiration. Thank you for the opportunity to share in this moment where we honor and uplift the bright future of our nation and acknowledge the legacy of an important organization in this country. "The Bahamas State Association of Elks, as part of the Improved Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks of the World, has long stood as a pillar of hope and transformation in the community. Your efforts, founded on the ideals of love, charity, and justice, continue to influence lives and build a better, more united Bahamas. "Tonight, our focus is on a special group of individuals: the young people who have distinguished themselves through their talents, hard work, and dedication. These awardees represent not only the promise of tomorrow but also the excellence of today. Their achievements remind us of the boundless potential that our youth have within them and the greatness that will bloom when they are encouraged, nurtured, and supported." "I would like to extend hearty congratulations to the young awardees. Your accomplishments are a testament to your determination, your discipline, and your commitment to excellence. You are the hope for all of us and a shining example of what is possible when young minds are given the opportunity to thrive.  Give yourselves a round of applause."