The Tribune

TRIBUTES continue to pour in for beloved Bahamian actor and former ambassador Sir Sidney Poitier, who celebrated his 92nd birthday yesterday. Tribune reporter Denise Maycock recalls his visit to Grand Bahama in the late 1990's, and canvasses Bahamians from all walks of life on his impact.

Bahamians far and wide are indebted to Sir Sidney, and the legacy of his immense contribution to the country as a fighter for civil rights, and a proud son of the soil who never forgot his Bahamian roots amid critical acclaim as a world renowned actor.

An international icon and Knight Commander of the Order of the British Empire, Sir Sidney's voice is unmistakable. It is a voice of strength, hope, and grace. So stirring was his influence that a former Prime Minister credited him for helping the first majority rule government win office in 1967.

Born in Miami, Florida, Sir Sidney grew up in Cat Island as a boy and later moved to Nassau at age 10 with his parents before being sent off to the US at age 15.

He overcame many struggles on his journey to being an actor, but in 1963 he became the first black person to win an Academy Award for Best Actor for his role in “Lilies of the Field.”

"As a little boy who overheard elders speaking respectfully of him, said Grand Bahamian Harold Alcigair, "and in my later mature years, I gained a better appreciation after seeing his late work and then comparing those to his early material.

"I can't by any measure declare the special admiration of his generation, but I always thought he could have done much more. Nevertheless, what he achieved in that era as a black man, under very restrictive and racist conditions, is noteworthy. We all today have even greater freedom of choice to excel and fewer excuses to fail," he said.

A massive welcome home motorcade was held through the streets of Nassau for Sir Sidney, who was also honored at a gala dinner at the British Colonial Hotel.

Sir Sidney's visit to Grand Bahama in the late 1990's, when he was appointed Ambassador to the Bahamas for Japan, was truly memorable for me as a young reporter.

He toured industrial developments, including Freeport's mega container port and other major projects on the island.

Many people came to see him, to talk to him, shake his hand, get his autograph, and take pictures with the iconic Bahamian actor. It was a surreal moment for me to be standing next to Sir Sidney, who was this towering, graceful man that did not flaunt his celebrity status.

The Tribune spoke with Bahamians from all walks of life about their views of Sir Sidney and what he's meant to them and The Bahamas.

"Sir Sidney is a giant of a man and we wish him Happy Birthday," said Deputy Prime Minister Peter Turnquest, MP for East Grand Bahama, who said the actor was an inspiration to many Bahamians who grew up watching him in films from the 70s, 80s and 90s.

"All of us would recall the extreme pride we felt watching Sir Sidney on the big screen recognizing that one of our own was acclaimed for his professional accomplishments and stature internationally," Mr Turnquest continued.

"His films were not just art but served as inspiration to us locally that we could achieve worldwide renown despite our small island stature. He was also an inspiration to many black Americans and took an active role in civil rights struggle," he said.

Eleuthera resident Gustavis Merrick Roker said Sir Sidney represents what one can attain with hard work and preserverence.

"As a Bahamian, I am proud of the accomplishments of Sidney Poitier," Mr Roker said.

"He came from humble beginnings in Cat Island and became the first black actor to win an Oscar at a time when racism was more openly prevalent in American society. He showed what hard work, consistency, endurance, and perseverance can do.

Mr Roker said: "He has represented The Bahamas as an ambassador by never forgetting his roots even before he had the official title. He is one of the first Bahamians to show we can accomplish great things on the world stage and not be confined by the islands of The Bahamas."

Former veteran broadcast journalist Pakesia Parker Edgecombe, the MP for West Grand Bahama and Bimini, and parliamentary secretary for Communications and Information in the Office of the Prime Minister also shared her sentiments.

"Sir Sidney Poitier has taken the name of the Bahamas to heights that are immeasurable," she said.

"The fact that he was the first black actor to win an Oscar, and one who remains revered by many, says a lot about him as a human being. He has always made it known of his heritage and upbringing and never forgot where he came from. We should all be so proud of a man, whom I believe is the epitome of a dream and purpose being fulfilled through the exhibition of pure talent, hard work and love for people and country."

Sir Sidney has close ties to The Bahamas. In 2012, as part of the 40th anniversary of The Bahamas' Independence Celebrations, the northbound Paradise Island Bridge was named in his honor.

During his 89th birthday in February 2016, he was awarded the British Academy Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) Fellowship Award. Sir Sidney was moved to tears when Bahamian singer Angelique Sabrina sang the theme song from his movie, 'To Sir with Love', during a celebration dinner held in Beverly Hills.

The BAFTA Fellowship Award is the highest honour given by the academy and is awarded to individuals in recognition of outstanding and exceptional contributions to film and television.

Inagua descendant Etienne Farquharson, 82, stated that the Bahamian actor represented a "beacon of hope" for black Bahamians in the 50's.

"Though I have no personal experience with Sir Sidney, however he represented a beacon of hope for black Bahamians in the 1950s as black political struggle was intensifying," he said.

Mr Farquharson, who was a young teen at the time, recalled the movie Sir Sidney starred in called 'No Way Out.'

He said the showing of the film was disallowed in movie theatres in Nassau which were owned by the White Bay Street Boys.

"It was feared the pride and energy the film engendered would inflame the black struggle. After much civil and legal protests the film was allowed at the old cinema theatre on the corner of East and Lewis Streets in Nassau," Mr Farquharson said.

"This event was a watershed moment and contributed to the political narrative in a singularly way for the emerging drive to Majority Rule some 14 years on. Sir Sidney co-star was white actor, Tony Curtis, and to put this event in an historical context, I was 17 years old.

"My next birthday will be my 83rd," Mr Farquharson added, "we have come a long way."

Grand Bahama resident Dave Mackey, a former band member of the famous T-Connection, said Sir Sidney was able to broke through the colour barrier at a time when black actors were only cast in menial roles.

"In the history of Hollywood and the roles blacks played, Sir Sidney stands the tallest of them all in a global way. At a time when black actors only got stereotypical roles of servitude, Sir Sidney broke through the colour barrier and not only garnered respectable roles but also attained Hollywood's highest honor of the Academy Award. For The Bahamas to be linked in such a way this giant of a man is beyond words," Mr Mackey said.

Sir Sidney left a phenomenal impression on me during his visit to Grand Bahama, and Bahamians will undoubtedly remember his many contributions throughout his acting career, philanthropic works, and service to the country.

Happy 92nd birthday, Sir Sidney.

With love, Denise