ORDER of distinction honorees at yesterday’s ceremony. Photos: Austin Fernander
By LEANDRA ROLLE
Tribune Staff Reporter
lrolle@tribunemedia.net
MORE than 200 Bahamians were recognised on National Heroes Day for their contributions to national development that helped shape The Bahamas.
The patriotic citizens, who were accompanied by friends and family, were honoured during a special ceremony that was split in two parts at the Baha Mar resort yesterday.
Governor General Cornelius A Smith conferred honours under the Order of the Bahamas; Order of Distinction and Order of Merit award among categories.
Speaking at yesterday morning’s ceremony, Prime Minister Phillip “Brave” Davis applauded the recipients who he categorised as leaders across the “swath of public profession.”
“These 200 Bahamians honoured today represent but a small fraction of those who’ve lent their strength to the building of this great nation,” he told those attending.
“These men and women truly embody the good, the righteous and the worthy. Some of them, like the four brave marines who lost their lives working in defence of the fledgling Bahamas 42 years ago, serve as enduring reminders of the courage, tenacity and fortitude that make a hero.
“These honourees stand as stalwart pillars of our community – and today, we lift them up in the highest gesture of gratitude.”
He also said while all those being honoured come from different backgrounds, one trait that was shared among each was their dedicated commitment to positive action and a “selfless attitude in pursuit of better.”
“While this list is certainly not exhaustive, its chosen represent us at our best. I extend heartfelt thanks to the award recipients whose leadership and example set a firm foundational standard for us all,” Prime Minister Davis added.
“It is you, our heroes, who use your God-given talents to boldly tackle the challenges we face as country and work tirelessly in the interest of all.”
Those selected for Order of The Bahamas included Philip Bethel, Companion; Gail Saunders, Companion; Rev Dr Michael Symonette, Officer; Rupert Roberts Jr., Officer; George Myers, Member, and Judge Joseph Strachan, Member and others who were awarded posthumously.
Others honourees were Bishop Lawrence Rolle, community activist Khandi Gibson, former police commissioner Paul Rolle and High Commissioner of The Bahamas to the United Kingdom (UK) and Northern Ireland Ellison Greenslade.
The recipients of 2022 National Honours were first announced in July, but they were officially recognised yesterday.
Comments
bahamianson 1 year, 6 months ago
Bey , stop talking foolishness bout national heros. Youll mussie.bord.every last one of them got paid for a.service.they go their reward, it was money. Heros work for free. I hope you didnt use tax money for your free lunch. You kept the plp together and.reqarded your team.
sheeprunner12 1 year, 6 months ago
Mitchell's little experiment of National Honours can only succeed if we get rid of British Honours.
The two are like oil and water ..........
joeblow 1 year, 6 months ago
... as a black Bahamian, what this nation has become in my lifetime under these so called "heroes" makes me think we might have been better off still being under the British thumb. At least we would have had a better educational system and more efficient administrative system in government!!
carltonr61 1 year, 6 months ago
It is great to have National Heroes.but someone played God and erased from the tapestry of Bahamian history, Christopher Columbus. No man has such power to unwind God's history. What about King Herod and Pilot for their deeds upon history. 200 years after Columbus 's death African slavery began in The Caribbean that minor impact on The Bahamas as a working force but as a class and race struggle that still exists today. Columbus is best known around the world as the dummy who thought he found India with its carpets,gems, gold and spices by sailing Westward. Our region was first named West Indies for that geographical error by Columbus. The Portuguese had our territory mapped out but kept the gold secret of the Amazon to themselves. September 1st 1755 the great Lisbon Earthquake destroyed Portuguese sailing. But October 12 1492 is heralded around the world as Bahamas historical day of epic proportions woven within our historical tapestry between Lucayan arrival here then whites and blacks. The gods must weave our historical fabric which is the destiny of time continuum to its rightful place.
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