The Tribune

THE remaining nine nominees for the 2016 R E Cooper Sr National Meritorious Awards to be honoured at the gala event at the Atlantis Ballroom on October 29 have been released.

They are Basil L Sands, Senator Greg Burrows, Elaine Pinder, Percy “Vola” Francis, Dr Albert Ferguson, Joan Albury, Herbert Brown, Delglanville Panza and Cynthia “Mother” Pratt,

The Awards started 31 years ago seek to honour outstanding Bahamians who, according to the committee, “ have given so much to the development of mankind. These people through service have made a difference in the lives of so many.”

Dr R E Cooper Sr was an educator who gave out hundreds of scholarships to Bahamians to colleges and universities in Florida. He was also instrumental in the establishment of Prince William High School, where thousands of Bahamians received a solid education. Although he is remembered as the keynote speaker at the first Independence Ecumenical Service in 1973, as he was president of the Bahamas Christian Council at the time, his message of “we are a chosen nation, a peculiar people” still resonates today.

Basil Sands, an accountant and recently the first non-American to hold the prestigious Freemasonry high office of Sovereign Grand Commander, has served on many boards and worked with many charitable and civic organisations over the past 50 years.

Senator Greg Burrows has helped build the lives of hundreds of Bahamians through his Freedom Farm Baseball League, which he started 28 years ago. Hundreds of Bahamians have gotten scholarships to colleges and universities abroad and gone on to meaningful lives. Freedom Farm today is ever growing and teaching and training young Bahamians about baseball and preparing them for college scholarships and a career after college.

Elaine Pinder, the owner of Bamboo Shack, Frankie Gone Bananas, Sapodilla Restaurants and others, is a remarkable woman who has donated time and money to various organizsations and charities. Her support of the Cookie drive through Bamboo Shack outlets is still a major contributor to social services. Recently honoured with a Trumpet Award, Ms Pinder continues to make a difference in the lives of many, employing dozens of Bahamians contributing to their families.

Percy “Vola” Francis is also being recognised for the many outreach programs that he has initiated through the Saxons Junkanoo Group, of which he is the leader. Fully entrenched in the church as well, he does a tremendous amount of work to help others and show them how they can be empowered through junkanoo and other areas.

Dr Albert Ferguson is an educator, an author who just completed his tenth book, a musician, motivational speaker and a recording artist. Dr Ferguson wears many hats, but he has helped so many people through his school and his tutoring.

Starting The Counselors more than 25 years ago as her latest project, Joan Albury has empowered thousands of people through her Business Outlook and bringing revenue and awareness to many of Family Islands. The media professional has made a huge difference in the lives of many Bahamians through the early morning show, Bahamas @ Sunrise. Through these shows, many people got exposure and opportunities are open to them because of that spotlight on the show. She continues to find innovative ways to empower our people and make a difference in their lives.

As the Managing Director of the Public Hospitals Authority in the Bahamas, Herbert Brown has done so much to help turn around public hospitals in the Bahamas. He is also involved in many outreach programs through church and other organisations.

Delglanville Panza is a former trade unionist with the Stevedoring Union, accomplishing much for his fellow union members. Before retiring he helped unify the stevedores, which gave them more bargaining power and as a result a better working environment. Today he is involved in Urban Renewal and community outreach.

Cynthia “Mother” Pratt is a legendary Bahamian in many areas. Although she became known for her athletic abilities, she raised the bar by going to college at a late age, and then helping dozens of other Bahamians get tertiary education through scholarships. Her role as the first Woman Deputy Prime Minister was just one of many firsts for this tireless woman who loves her country. Now with the Urban Renewal and the outreach programs that include helping young people get an education, especially with the Urban Renewal GED program, Mother Pratt has done so much to help others.

At next month’s gala event, three families are also expected to receive awards posthumously for their fathers - the late Bismark Coakley, Dr H W Brown and King Eric Gibson. Also being recognised and honoured are George Myers, Dr Sidney McPhee, Steve Mckinney, Commissioner Ellison Greenslade, Clinton McKiney, Stephanie Hanna, James Schaeffer III, Alphonso “Boogaloo” Elliott, and the Munnings Brothers, Raphael & Fred Jr.

For more information visit www.recooperaward.org.