The Tribune

Bahamas Girl Guides Association

Monday, March 7, was an exciting day in Long Island.  The Ranger Guides participated in the establishment  of the Wall of Fame for  alumni of the NGM Major High School where Dr Ruth Sumner, president, and Elma Garraway, assistant chief commissioner, were among the old scholars who  were  inducted.

In the afternoon, 18 Brownies  travelled from.Simms Primary School and joined the 12 Sunflowers at Mangrove Bush Primary for their Promise Ceremony.  The creative presentations by the girls in poetry, choral speaking, singing and knowledge of the Guiding programme were received enthusiastically by parents, teachers and guests.

Gratitude is extended to the Sunflower leader,  Patrice Minnis, for her commitment to ensuring the continuity of a vibrant Sunflower Patch at Mangrove Bush Primary. Ginger Turnquest, principal, commended the quality of meetings and expressed tangible support with a donation to the BGGA Building Fund.

Stephanie Brown, leader of Simms Brownies, assisted by Miss Boudie,  teacher and assistant Brown Owl, were applauded for their work and significant  effort to ensure that the Brownies are engaged in the programme, earn badges and do many good turns in the community. 

Parents and principals join the association in seeking leadership for the establishment of a Guide Company at both high Schools on Long Island.

Pilot club of Nassau

The Pilot Club of Nassau, through its Pick Me Up Division, hosted a Caregivers’ Recognition Luncheon on Saturday, April 5, at the Canon Neil Roach Hall, Holy Cross Anglican Church. Ten caregivers were honoured under the theme “Caring for the Caregiver.”

The event celebrated nurses, teachers, police officers, patient care technicians, hostel workers, and family caregivers for their dedication to helping others. Each honoree received a token of appreciation and a heartfelt tribute.

Part of Pilot International’s Pick Me Up programme, these monthly events offer small acts of kindness to uplift caregivers and highlight their often-overlooked service.

Guest speaker Rev Cheryl Carroll, in her inspiring message, encouraged our award recipients to continue rendering outstanding service. 

“Caregivers give so much of themselves without expecting anything in return,” said Serethea Clarke, co-ordinator of the Pick-Me-Up Division. “This is our way of saying thank you.”

The  recipients honored were: Sr Marva Coakley, OSB, Judy Carey, Kezetta Edwards, Alexander Gibson, Stephanie McKinney, Mavis Pratt, Lakeno Strachan, Narona Smith, Lauralyn Smith and Shirley Bell-Walker.

Saxons Junkanoo group

Never in the history of our number one culture, Junkanoo, a prolific leader like Percy “Vola” Francis has ever emerged.

As the Saxons celebrate their 60th Anniversary this year, so too does Vola Francis as their leader!

In 1965, when the Mason Street Boys formed their Junkanoo Group and named themselves after the costume they were performing under the Saxons, they also named Vola as their leader.

This artistic young man who wanted to be a doctor found himself as the leader of a coalition of groups from over-the-hill who wanted to rush on Bay Street and compete with the best of them.

This was an unprecedented challenge and Vola was used to challenges from he was a small boy. Coming from a large family headed by a Baptist preacher who didn’t tolerate his children going astray. This Junkanoo venture was an outlet for Vola and his artistic talents that he embraced wholeheartedly, and emerged as a likable leader.

This was a great move by Vola to embrace the leadership role, but it was also a great move by the coalition of young Junkanoo groups to name Vola as their leader.

Yes, 60 years later the whole world now see the benefits of what these moves mean to The Bahamas and the world at large. The Saxons are the number one group who have weathered many storms but have remained as the core Junkanoo group with one leader for 60 years.

Nobody today can imagine Junkanoo without the Saxons and Vola leading them. They have remained strong and have set many records including the last four straight Junkanoo victories. They have remained almost unbeatable and have set the Junkanoo world ablaze. Who can beat the Saxons, is now the number one priority for all the groups.

In addition to the Saxons and Vola celebrating parallel anniversaries, their sponsor Shell is also celebrating 40 years as their sponsor. This too is a record and have set the benchmark even higher for groups and sponsors alike. Who can match Shell?

Vola is grateful for the leadership role and the life that Junkanoo has given him. He has blossomed as a better leader, father, friend, husband and family man all because of the Saxons and Junkanoo.

He’s especially grateful to the relationships this has brought to him including members of his executive circle which includes Olvin Rees his Treasurer, Toby Austin his Chairman of the Saxons and many others including Sir Franklyn Wilson, chairman of their sponsor who he considers one of his biggest supporters and friend.

“I’m extremely grateful for the opportunity to serve as leader of the Saxons these last 60 years”  said Vola. “God has been so good to me to bring me these people to help steer me in the right direction and make the right decisions”, continued Vola. “I don’t know what my life would have been like without the Saxons and Junkanoo with so many friends and people that I love, I’m eternally grateful”.

The Shell Saxons Superstars are jointly celebrating 60 years and 40 years. Their partnership has yielded unprecedented breakthroughs and results, and Vola has been the center of it all. This anniversary year, the Saxons and Shell have planned several events to highlight these milestones.

“The best is yet to come” said Olvin Rees, treasurer of the Saxons and Chairman of their 60th Anniversary Committee! Indeed it is as Vola has made a commitment to celebrate and give thanks throughout this historic year to everyone who have contributed to their success.

We congratulate the Saxons on their 60th anniversary and also Shell on their 40th anniversary as well. We look forward to great things from both.

TOASTMASTERS CLUB 1600

For over five decades, the First Bahamas Branch of Toastmasters Club 1600 has been a pillar of leadership, personal development, and excellence in communication. On March 22, the club commemorated its remarkable history with the Legacy Leadership Banquet, a sold-out black-tie affair held at the Grand Hyatt Baha Mar Convention Center.

The evening served as a tribute to the 60 Past Presidents whose dedication and vision have shaped the club’s success over the past 56 years. A major highlight of the night was the Legacy Leadership Awards, recognising seven distinguished members for their outstanding contributions to the club’s growth and impact.

The banquet was held under the esteemed patronage of Past President #12, Philip Davis KC, DTM, Prime Minister of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas. His presence underscored the profound influence of Toastmasters in developing leaders who go on to serve in critical roles throughout the nation.

Club president TM Camron Reckley expressed gratitude on behalf of the executive team. Special appreciation was extended to the dedicated banquet planning committee, chaired by TM Azano Major (vice president Membership) and co-chaired by TM Daniel Douglas (vice president public relations).

As Toastmasters Club 1600 continues to empower individuals through communication and leadership, the Legacy Leadership Banquet served as a powerful reminder of the club’s rich history and its unwavering commitment to shaping the leaders of tomorrow.