Letter from Prime Minister Perry Christie:
I received the news today of the passing of William (Bill) Cartwright CMG with great sadness.
Mr. Cartwright, a native Long Islander, was the last surviving founder of the Progressive Liberal Party, having been preceded in death by Sir Henry Taylor and Cyril Stevenson.Together they hold a singular place in Bahamian history as the co-founders in 1953 of the first national political party in The Bahamas. At the time, Mr. Cartwright was also the representative for Cat Island in the House of Assembly.
A realtor and, in later life, a magazine publisher, Mr. Cartwright was a man of great faith and humility. He was always at pains to play down the historical role he had played in laying the foundations for party politics in The Bahamas. Although he personally suffered a great deal for that, and for his courageous battle against the racial and economic injustices of his day, he was never one to hold grudges against anyone.
He was a man of enormous goodwill, and a spirit of reconciliation was deeply embedded in his character.
Mr. Cartwright will be remembered as a individual of great historical importance to the development of true democracy in the Bahamas. He was a brave man and a mighty patriot who nearly 60 years ago struck a blow for freedom that continues to reverberate in the life and political ethos of our country.
On behalf of the Government and people of The Bahamas and on my own behalf, I extend deepest condolences to Mr. Cartwright's family.
In recognition of Mr. Cartwright's special historical importance, there will be a state-recognized funeral for him at a time and place to be announced once necessary consultations with Mr. Cartwright's family have been completed.
May he rest in peace.
Comments
rdonaldson 11 years, 10 months ago
It is a shame that Mr. Cartwright could not have been remembered when he was alive and needed assistance from his party. Shame on Mr. Christie for using this man's death to advance his political agenda.
concernedcitizen 11 years, 10 months ago
knew mister cartwright well ,he was an honorable man ,too bad the PLP, Got wrestled away from the founders by people of jamaican and barbadian descent ,,,tal russell i await your lambasting lol
dpratt 11 years, 10 months ago
It is soooo sickening that some people must always turn everything into politics. Is it humanly possible to just simply reflect on the great deeds of this man and give him the respect he deserves?? Jesus. I don't know how deep this hatred goes, but it cannot be healthy for those of you who harbor these thoughts. I am a proud Long Islander, and my condolences goes out to the family of this great man. May his soul rest in peace.
JJSherman 11 years, 10 months ago
I do agree about the way that Mr. Cartwright was treated, that is how it is in the Bahamas, people seem to forget all the good that anyone does, and when they die they want to come out and then tell what the person was and the good that they have done. But as for Mr. Cartwright God know's what he has done for the Bahamian people and he's getting his reward in Heaven. God rest his soul and give peace to his family;.
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