On November 21st, 2015, Mrs. Eileen Caron (The Tribune) (Lifetime Achievement Award), Mr. Kenneth Francis (posthumously) for contributions at the Nassau Guardian, Mr. Wendall Jones (Bahama Journal, Love 97 & JCN Television), Mr. Anthony Ferguson (Guardian Radio), ZNS Radio & Television Network, MORE 95FM and Silbert Mills of Abaco Radio, will be presented with our Pioneer Awards, in recognition for their contribution to media.
PASTOR SILBERT MILLS – RADIO ABACO
Silbert Mills was born in Dundas Town, Abaco to the late Bertram and Viola Mills.
Pastor Mills met his bride, Dolly, in 1978. They were married in 1980 and their union produced two children, Teneil and Dario and 2 grandsons, Dario Jr. and Zander Major.
He received his early Christian education at Friendship Tabernacle Church. In 1995 he assumed the position of Praise and Worship Leader at Friendship Tabernacle Church. On September 1st, 2004, he was appointed Interim Pastor. Three months later, he was elected as Pastor of Friendship Tabernacle Church. He was honored with a Doctorate of Divinity Degree in December 2009.
In August 2010, his appointment as Justice of the Peace was approved by Cabinet. He was sworn in on December 16th, 2010.
On October 18th, 2010 he was awarded the National Visionary Award for Business Development. He was appointed as a marriage officer in November 2010.
On September 16th, 2013 he was awarded a National Men’s Award in Media, Christian Ministry and National Development. He received the Bahamas National Gospel Excellence Award for National Service on May 25th, 2015.
Pastor Mills is C.E.O. and owner of The Bahamas Christian Network television station. Pastor Mills gives all glory and honor to his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ for every aspect of his life. He has a passion for helping the needy and winning souls for Christ.
When the application was submitted to operate a private radio station on the island of Abaco, it took three years for approval by the Government. But being the visionary that he is, Silbert Mills completed the construction of the building and installation of equipment just in time to broadcast the returns of the March 14, 1977 General Election.
His vision for the station was to provide local news and weather reports for Abaco. He determined that the local demographics would be better served with ‘”yesterday’s favourite, today’s hits with a Bahamian mix of music.”
Silbert Mills, a licensed private pilot, used his aviation weather training to deliver weather to the locals and the large cruising yachtsmen’s community. During Hurricane Floyd in 1999, it was Silbert Mills’ weather warnings that prevented loss of life on the northern island.
Radio Abaco operated a 600-square foot studio building and in 2005, the new studio building was completed as he continued to service the island. He believes that his approach to presenting more news of human interests over politics and tragedy continue to be well-received and supported by the communities of Abaco.
In 2007, Silbert Mills made application to operate a local television station, to provide 24 hour Christian content. After 18 months, the application was approved. Four months later, February 28, The Bahamas Christian Network TV began broadcasting via Cable Bahamas Channel 55. The TV station remains on air servicing Abaco, Eleuthera, New Providence, Grand Bahama and the Turks and Caicos Islands.
The Bahamas Christian Network made history as the first and only TV station in The Bahamas to offer live morning television news and weather to start the day, seven years running. Psalm 91.1FM provides 24 hours of commercial-free gospel music.
Each year the station delivers 400 news stories.
