As she assumed the high office of governor general of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas on Friday, Cynthia Alexandria Pratt, affectionately known by Bahamians everywhere as "Mother" Pratt, renewed her commitment to serve the Bahamian people, not long after she pledged allegiance to King Charles III, his heirs and successors at a ceremony at Government House at Mount Fitzwilliam.
She succeeded Sir Cornelius Smith, who demitted office on Thursday evening.
"I believe it important to observe that my appointment to the position of governor general is proof that, without aspiring to this high office, by the grace of God, I am here, dedicated to continue serving my beloved country and our people to the best of my ability," said Pratt, the 12th governor general.
"All of us are encouraged to believe that everything is possible in this country if we are dedicated to those principles which demonstrate loyalty, a love for people, and a solid belief in the superior power of the God through whom we are enabled to 'lift up our eyes to the rising sun'.
"As I assume this distinguished position, I come, therefore, with a determined heart and mind to promote and encourage the fullest application of those time-honored principles of mutual respect, self-discipline, sharing with others in our commitment to be law-abiding citizens; proud in every respect to demonstrate to each other and to the world at large, that we are a people of self-respect, loyal to the principles which unite us, ready and willing to promote and share those standards with each other and with the world at large.
"I am confident that all of these, held together by our faith, will 'mark the manner of our bearing' nationally and will be an example to each other across the beautiful seas which unite our archipelago as one people."
Pratt served as deputy prime minister after the Perry Christie-led PLP won the 2002 general election. She was also national security minister.
She was previously also an athlete, teacher, student recruiter, nurse and community leader.
For her moment in the spotlight, Pratt was adorned in an elegant cream dress, overlaid by a lavish black brocade. She also wore a stylish wide-brimmed black hat that was topped with the same delicate fabric as her dress and provided adequate shade from the brutal August sun.
In her remarks, she encouraged a focus on youth development - which has been a life-long passion.
"As a mother, my eyes and ears are always open to the needs of our young people, and the importance of doing all we can to uplift them as they grow into adulthood, and inherit full responsibility for the continued development of our nation," she said.
"However, we must acknowledge that our encouragement and support [are] essential to enable them to continue the established efforts which will allow them to inherit and manage a land where love and peace abound, and where they can live in certain hope.
"It is essential, I believe, to do all we can to support those young Bahamians who are 'special' due to situations beyond their control.
"They also need our help and encouragement as they develop, and it is our solemn duty to assist them to rise beyond the trials they suffer, and eventually become citizens, making positive contributions to our system, and our development."
Pratt told young Bahamians "there is a place for you in the growth and continued prosperity of our nation".
She said there are also older men and women in The Bahamas who need an outstretched arm to assist them to live in dignity.
"I, therefore, invite all to look around and see where help is needed, and respond to those needs in whatever ways we can," she said.
"I am convinced that we shall continue to accomplish great things if we work together to ensure a better quality of life for all our people."
Prime Minister Philip Davis described Pratt as an unparalleled nation builder with a heart for the people.
"While we often speak of her nurturing nature as the 'mother' of a nation, I also wish to emphasize her strength. You see, she isn't just a comforter, she is also a defender of those who cannot defend themselves. And there can be no mistaking her kindness for weakness. Cynthia 'Mother' Pratt is a force of nature with a passion for people," Davis said.
"Her own story is a testament to her resilience, but even as she relied on that strength to move forward and to overcome hardship, she also shared it, to uplift the people around her.
"There are countless stories of young women whose only pathway to a college came through Cynthia 'Mother' Pratt.
"Take a walk through the Grove and you will meet young men who will tell you that it was 'Mother' Pratt who helped them to get a job, turn their life around, and break a cycle of poverty and imprisonment."
The prime minister said he has also benefited from Pratt's encouragement and support.
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