NASSAU, Bahamas - Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Hon Brent Symonette, challenged local fraternities to serve as the channel through which the Government can impact the lives of Bahamians. He made that charge as he officially opened the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge and Chapter 59th and 45th Annual Grand Session, June 29, at SuperClubs Breezes, Cable Beach.

Leading the list of guests, some from the United States, was His Excellency Arthur Hanna, Governor-General of the Bahamas. The session is being held under the theme 'The Fraternity Role in the Development of a New Bahamas Past, Present and Future'.

Mr. Symonette underscored the significance of the theme, which he said demands reflection, review and strategic planning. He said such a gathering is a proper forum for national issues to be discussed, after which a position paper could be forwarded to the Government. ?I must impress upon you," he said, "that you being organised as you are, could ably assist government initiatives and social programmes. "Through the methods which bind you as a cohesive body of people, united to improve brotherly and sisterly love (you) are already equipped to speak with on voice."

As an autonomous entity, he said, they can formulate plans and take the lead, propositioning government collectively, to benefit national purposes. ?You could serve as a conduit to the Government on national issues. Once you establish your collective force, the Government would be obliged to at least consider our collective position,? Mr. Symonette said. The self-governing Prince Hall Masonic family was incorporated by an Act of Parliament on August 5, 1975.

Mr. Symonette noted that the country?s prime ministers became Prince Hall Masons on various occasions. His father, the late Sir Roland Symonette, the first premier of The Bahamas, showed his ?intimate regard? for Prince Hall Masons by granting loans to Royal Eagle Lodge No. 1 and St James Masonic Lodge No. 3 to complete their temples.

He hailed their ?rich history and powerful political connections." As their membership is representative of diverse people, so is a government, he said. ?Your fraternity is avowed to cohesiveness, brotherly obligations and unity. "Melting these ideas into a single social initiative would effectively and successfully propel the development of our Bahamas.?

There are 28 lodges and 25 Eastern Star Chapters in 10 Family Islands. He commended them for establishing an all-inclusive death benefit plan and had 288 death benefits paid out in the amount of $576,000. ?But laudable as this achievement is," he said, "it must not be regarded as the mountain top of possibilities. "It must always be your goal to improve on this living co-operatively experience to enhance financial benefits for each other.?

Prince Hall (Bahamas) reached the top rung of The Bahamas Masonic status on June 13, 2006 when the ?amity visitation agreements were signed between Prince Hall affiliation Masons and the English, Irish and Scottish Constitution Masons, attaining world recognition, Mr. Symonette observed. Having reached such historic status, "can you afford to sit by and be contented with a meagre effort in maintaining your lofty status built by your forefathers? ?It is your duty to thank them (forefathers) continuously for their broad shoulders on which you now stand. "I invite your challenges for social enhancement, as I likewise challenge you to increase in numbers and Prince Hall Masonic prominence by increased social activity."

The Most Worshipful Grand Master, Carl Culmer, presented Mr. Symonette with a plaque for his ?dedication? to nation building.