DR GAIL North-Saunders, one of the nation’s foremost historians. Photographed by Duke Wells for The Bahamian Project
By PAVEL BAILEY
Tribune Staff Reporter
pbailey@tribunemedia.net
DR GAIL North-Saunders, one of the nation’s foremost historians, passed away Friday at the age of 79.
Dr Saunders’ contributions to the field include Historic Bahamas, Race and Class in the Colonial Bahamas, 1880–1960 and Islanders in the Stream: A History of the Bahamian People (Volume 1 and 2).
In his statement of condolence, former Attorney General Sean McWeeney said that Dr Saunders revolutionised the field of Bahamian history and her work brought a never before seen spotlight to the topic of slavery in the Bahamas.
“The death of Dr Gail Saunders is a great loss for our nation. She was the pre-eminent Bahamian historian of her time, including the post-Independence era to date,” said Mr McWeeney. “Her ground-breaking academic research and writings about slavery in the Bahamas form an especially important part of her legacy. This was a subject which had been glossed over, even trivialized in some cases, by historians who came before her”.
Mr McWeeney also highlighted Saunders’ contribution to the nation as an archivist.
“Dr Saunders changed all that. She put slavery front and centre, correctly treating it as the most defining experience in our development as a people. Of no less importance to her legacy was her pioneering work in putting the Department of Archives on a modern, professional footing, then guiding its growth for decades as Executive Director.”
In an official statement posted on Twitter, Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis lamented the loss of Dr Saunders so close to the country’s 50th anniversary of independence. The prime minister also commended her tireless work in the preservation of Bahamian history.
“Gail Saunders was more than an accomplished historian, archivist, and author,” Mr Davis said. “She was a beacon of light, a repository of wisdom, and a resounding voice in preserving and narrating our national story. Her life’s work was dedicated to ensuring that our history was not just accurately recorded but made accessible and meaningful to us all.
“With her late husband, Winston Saunders, by her side, Gail’s life was a testament to the power of passion, dedication, and commitment. Together, they formed an intellectual powerhouse, bringing our nation’s history to life, shaping our national identity, and fostering a deep sense of pride in our cultural heritage.”
Dr Sanders was awarded the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in 2003. She was predeceased by her husband in 2006.
Comments
mandela 10 months ago
May her historian soul rest in peace. Thank you, thank you.
ThisIsOurs 10 months ago
This is a great loss for the country. Condolences to her family
TalRussell 10 months ago
RIP my ex Queen's College classmate, Comrade "Sister" Gail --- You are still with us in spirit but unseen.
carltonr61 10 months ago
I bought her books and spoke to her personally a few times, myself a creative writer. With her vast knowledge I wish I had, I prodded her to convert historical fact, give it characters, scent, human passion then write a novel. She just loved history, directing me to Archives for research on Lucayans. Writer to writer, she was among the best.
sheeprunner12 10 months ago
Dr. Saunders deserves the highest Bahamian honour in the country & the title of Dame.
She almost single-handedly established the formal history of this country. She built a lasting legacy while the politicians muddied our national reputation.
May she rest in peace.
Sickened 9 months, 4 weeks ago
Well said.
Alan1 10 months ago
Dr. Gail Saunders served for several years as President of The Bahamas Historical Society as well as her work as Director of the Archives. She brought many historians from The Bahamas as well as other Commonwealth countries to address the members at the monthly meetings of the Society. She made a tremendous contribution to The Bahamas and will be really missed by all who knew her over the years.
ExposedU2C 10 months ago
Sadly, her scholarly work was in many respects tainted, used and too often abused by those within the PLP hierarchy who were much more concerned about an air of legitimacy being added to their mischieveous propagandist political agenda.
carltonr61 10 months ago
That is the problem writers face. Political correctness vs historical fact. They are enemies. But someone has to write it. The poor soul.
TalRussell 9 months, 4 weeks ago
.... Hopeful, thinking that Comrade "Sister" Dr Gail. — Distilled down, her most followed --- 'Ten Essential Rules for Success In Life' --- So as to enable as a --- 'beacon of light' --- To those that are to — 'Join and dropout early' — From life's next leg of 79 years. - 'Aye.' 'Nay?'
carltonr61 9 months, 4 weeks ago
Being a pure historian, the venerable Dr Saunders probably would have put Christopher Columbus' African slave false narrative to the timeliness. Our politicians probably failed history, or they would learn the first Africans arrived hundreds of years after Columbus' death. The tapestry our our unique and rich history, still being written, cannot and must not be erased by mere opinion and hatred of persons of history. Columbus' statue should stand. Acvordingvto world annals, The Bahamas will forever be uniquely positioned as that great epicenter if modern history that opened the gates of a new era. Only in The Bahamas could he peoples of Spain, Western Europe with all of The America's converge at San Salvador on each October 12 until eternity. Though according to historical records long before Columbus the Portuguese during their trade with the Amazon region found The Bahamas back then to be be the fresh waterering hole for their fleets, nor to mention slave trade. But not Columbus.
carltonr61 9 months, 4 weeks ago
We have to watch, and see how they honor the great natiinal historian but dishonor her historical view.
carltonr61 9 months, 4 weeks ago
Why don't they touch Sir Harry Oakes Monument of zero universal infamy but commit legendary historical sacrilege upon our tapestry. We must support the 100% purity of The Bahamas historical facts and not erase but defend and build upon its strength that cemented in its uniqueness.
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