The Tribune

By RICARDO WELLS

Tribune Staff Reporter

rwells@tribunemedia.net

THE Bahamas Public Parks and Public Beaches Authority yesterday rededicated the “Mother” Frances Butler Park in the historic Bain Town community, with officials contending that the move marks the first of many for inner-city areas.

At a plaque unveiling ceremony held at the Meadow and West Streets intersection, area representative Dr Bernard Nottage told of the park’s namesake, labelling the late Frances Butler “a mother of many.”

He said she was a woman who refused to let her community and neighbours waste away.

Dr Nottage praised the lifelong work of Mrs Butler, noting that as well as being the mother of the country’s first Governor General Sir Milo Butler, she forged a legacy of her own in the country’s political and social arenas.

“Mother” Butler was the founder of the Mothers’ Club, the YWCA, the local YMCA and the Silver Bells.

These organisations were established in inner-city communities to aid many disfranchised Bahamians.

Also in attendance at the plaque unveiling ceremony was Minister of Environment Kenred Dorsett; Chairman of the Public Parks and Public Beaches Authority Senator Greg Burrows and Deputy Speaker of the House Dion Smith.

Mr Dorsett pledged more parks for the Bain and Grants Town constituency in the near future, suggesting that yesterday was the first of many such events planned for areas across the country.