Bahamians named in New Year Honours

As of Monday, December 30, 2019

Former Cabinet minister Tommy Turnquest with Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis in 2017.

By KHRISNA RUSSELL

Deputy Chief Reporter

krussell@tribunemedia.net

NEARLY two dozen Bahamians are among 1,097 people chosen for Queen Elizabeth’s 2020 New Years Honours – with former Cabinet minister Tommy Turnquest named as an awardee.

Topping the new list is Godfrey Kelly who was selected for Knight Commander of the Order of Saint Michael and Saint George (CMG). The award is given to people who have made notable contributions to the business and sports communities.

Three men including Mr Turnquest, who is former National Security Minister, have been chosen for Commander of the Most Excellent Order of The British Empire (CBE). Others include Peter Goulandris for services to business and Rev Dr Carrington Samuel Pinder for services to religion and the community.

Mr Turnquest’s contributions to politics and the public service in the country are what earned him this award.

Speaking to The Tribune yesterday, the former Free National Movement leader said he was “surprised” several months ago when he was asked if he would accept the CBE.

“I am honoured actually,” he said. “The years that I’ve been involved and served it was because I felt I had something to offer, not that I was looking for any award or reward. So to be recognised is always a great achievement.

“When my wife, children, family members (and) friends found out about it they all felt proud for me. A lot of them made the sacrifice over the years and so I am pleased in that regard that its been recognised.”

Order of Distinction honouree Godfrey Kelly, who is to be a Knight Commander of the Order of St Michael and St George. Photo: Terrel W. Carey Sr/Tribune Staff

He further explained the process: “Well they ask you months in advance. I was surprised when I was first asked but they ask you, if offered, would you accept. The Queen doesn’t give you something if you’re not going to accept it, so if someone recommends your name to Buckingham Palace you have to say whether you would accept it or not before they do so.

“It wasn’t a surprise yesterday, but it was nice to be recognised.”

Peter Desmond Cole, having contributed services to business, was given the award of Order of the British Empire (OBE).

For the Member of the British Empire (MBE) honour, seven Bahamian women and men received the distinction – including Senate President Dr Mildred Hall-Watson.

FNM chairman Carl Culmer.

She was given the honour for services in medicine and civic involvement.

Assistant Commissioners of Police Samuel Butler and Ismela Davis-Delancy were also recognised for the Queen’s Police Medal, while eight others – including FNM Chairman Carl Culmer received the British Empire Medal for service in politics.

This as multiple international news agencies have reported the United Kingdom government has come under fire for reportedly posting on a state website the home and work addresses of more than 1,000 celebrities, government employees and politicians.

The situation is being considered accidental and constitutes a major security breach particularly because senior police and ministry of defence staff were among those whose potentially sensitive addresses were made public.

Many of the more than a dozen ministry employees and senior counter-terrorism officers who received honours had their home addresses revealed, along with countless others who may believe the disclosure has put them in a vulnerable position.

Prominent public figures including musician Elton John, the cricketer Ben Stokes, Chief Executive of England’s National Health Service Simon Stevens and Britain’s former director of public prosecutions Alison Saunders were among those whose home addresses were published.

TalRussell 4 years, 3 months ago

Comrade Godfrey, long deserving with so many years accomplishments back to his beloved colony, whilst them other two whatever's, be's rewarded for their good and loyal political yes man's..You can't just make up putting these three man's up on same accomplishments stage, you just, can't. Both man's are still to this day and moment serving in politically tainted red positions

birdiestrachan 4 years, 3 months ago

It does not mean much. /. especially coming from doc.

PROVERBS like one who entangles the stone in a sling is he who gives honor to fools.

CatIslandBoy 4 years, 3 months ago

I remember Godfrey Kelly from back in the days when he was the junior member for Cat Island, along with Harold Christie. I clearly remember an occasion when, as a curious youth, his the young son, Ian, proceeded to discreetly show me a briefcase loaded with cash (It was pounds and shillings then) that was intended to be distributed to voters. I remember my grandmother took his crisp five pound note, but voted for Culmer and Johnson of the PLP anyway. While I respect Mr. Kelly's business acumen and accomplishments, I could never shake that scene from memory. Over the years, I have often wondered if he ever came to respect Cat Island voters as equal citizens of this great country or as mere underprivileged constituents who could always be purchased for a few shillings.

sealice 4 years, 3 months ago

Just like the PLP does every year with $100 bills in Tshirts??

BONEFISH 4 years, 3 months ago

Votes have been brought and sold in the Bahamas long before the PLP. There are people today quite willing to sell their vote.

TalRussell 4 years, 3 months ago

Yeah, no. Comrade CatIslandBoy your granny had've been one Sir Godfrey's campaign generals to have been on UBP's $5 pound note's payroll? You cant make up, you just, can't - how Granny could've double her payment to $10 by her just declaring before God and all that she was blind and required someone to mark X on her voting ballot, another UBP designated campaign helper to the blind voter of course. - nevertheless no extra $5 pound note for granny, that is unless granny was your male granddaddy and that as a man's, he was a Cat Island property owner.

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