EDITOR, The Tribune.
On April 6, 2021, I lost a very dear friend and mentor. He was a giant of a man; a fearless fighter for inclusion, justice, equality, and opportunity for all, no matter where you were from.
Congressman Alcee Hastings was a voice for those without a voice and his impact on my life and the lives of many others will be long lasting.
I will honour, cherish and hold dear the bond of friendship that we had, not only with myself, but also my family over the years. As a lawyer, Judge, and Congressman, he would visit my father and always provided encouraging words to me.
Congressman Hastings has been an inspiration and a model as a public servant. His support of the tourism industry and black hotel ownership did not stop when he appointed me to the White House Conference on Tourism during the Clinton Administration. He made sure that The Congressional Black Caucus supported the National Association of Black Hotel Owners and Developers (NABHOOD) workshops and seminars on Capital Hill.
His support as a participant and speaker at our Summits contributed greatly to my success and the success of the organisation. He was also a great supporter of The Bahamas and from his first visit with me over 20 years ago to his last visit this past year, he always looked for opportunities to help. On his last visit he met with local leaders in government and business, including the Director General and Permanent Secretary of Tourism; Brave Davis, leader of the opposition; Sir Franklyn Wilson and United States Embassy personnel. He dined at Fish Fry where both he and his wife enjoyed our local food cuisine. As a lasting commitment to his legacy and friendship, we are going to name The Bahamas Pre-clearance Centre at Fort Lauderdale Hollywood International Airport “The Alcee Hastings Bahamas Clear Centre”.
On behalf of NABHOOD and his many friends in The Bahamas, I want to personally extend our deepest sympathies to Congressman Hastings’ wife, Patricia, my college professor; son Jody, his entire family, and staff. Congressman Hastings was a leader who fought to create jobs and provide greater economic opportunities for all.
He was a true international leader and a blessing to our entire community, particularly The Bahamas. Goodbye my friend and thank you for the many opportunities and memories. May you rest in peace.
ANDY INGRAHAM
Nassau,
April 7, 2021.
Comments
tribanon 3 years ago
Alcee Hastings was certainly no role model. According to Wikipedia: "In 1988, the Democratic-controlled United States House of Representatives impeached him for bribery and perjury by a vote of 413–3. He was then convicted on October 20, 1989, by the United States Senate, which, at the time, was also controlled by Democrats. Hastings became the sixth federal judge in the history of the United States to be removed from office by the Senate. The Senate, in two hours of roll calls, voted on 11 of the 17 articles of impeachment. It convicted Hastings of eight of the 11 articles."
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