I am deeply saddened by the passing of Tennyson Roscoe Wells. He was my personal friend and professional mentor, cultivating my aspirations, coaching me amid challenges, and investing in my goals.
I have had the good fortune to associate myself with this giant of a man since my teenage years. I am a firm believer in the doctrine of Divine Providence. God placed Tennyson in my life and I cannot sufficiently express my gratitude. I am confident that it was because of him – the fact that people loved him on both sides of the political divide – that I have successfully represented Bamboo Town. He walked with me, knocked on doors with me, advocated for me, and celebrated with me.
It is no accident that Tennyson’s service as Minister of Agriculture and as Minister of Transport and Aviation has been essentially mirrored in my life. I had the distinct pleasure of serving as Minister of Agriculture and Marine Resources when the Prime Minister appointed him as Chairman of the Bahamas Agriculture and Marine Science Institute (BAMSI). We worked well together there.
I mourn the loss of this son of Long Island and the patriarch of the Wells Clan. I will miss our Saturday mornings over-breakfast discussions. As I did in life, in death I thank this unyielding nationalist for his service to his country. I shall certainly miss his friendship and wise counsel, but continually endeavour to live up our shared ideals.
More importantly though, on behalf of the people of Bamboo Town and on behalf of my wife Sarah and our children, I extend condolences to Tennyson’s wife Stephanie, their children and grandchildren – all of whom he loved dearly. I thank them for sharing him with us. May his soul rest in peace.