The Tribune

By DENISE MAYCOCK

Tribune Freeport Reporter

dmaycock@tribunemedia.net

THE Grand Bahama Port Authority (GBPA) has renamed streets in honour of three veteran educators in Grand Bahama who made significant contributions to education and the development of young people.

An official unveiling ceremony was held on Tuesday. The first renaming was held at Coral Road, near the Grand Bahama Sports Complex, which is now Gladstone ‘Moon’ McPhee Drive. The second was at Beach Way Drive, near Bishop Michael Eldon School, now renamed Anita Doherty Drive. The third, East Atlantic Drive near the Pro-Cathedral of Christ the King, has been renamed Cecil Thompson Drive.

Ian Rolle, President of the Grand Bahama Port Authority, said the initiative is part of a broader effort to recognise people who have left a lasting impact on Freeport.

“One of the initiatives we had a few years ago was to rename a few of these streets,” he said. “And this year, in particular, is very important to the City of Freeport because we are celebrating 70 years of the Hawksbill Creek Agreement. We saw it very fitting to start the renaming process that we envisioned a few years ago this particular year.

“A number of these individuals were chosen because they are nation builders. And what we are trying to achieve at the GBPA is to ensure that the ordinary man who has contributed to the building of this city have their names etched in stone — or signs. Today is just the start of a process where we will rename several streets in honour of people who truly made a difference in this city.”

Mr Rolle explained that a committee had chosen a few names and they then went out to the public, originally looking for one name. However,  because the voting was so overwhelming for the three people they decided to honour all three.

He said that they felt it was important to invite students to witness the street renaming.

“It is particularly important that people recognise the contributions of teachers. It is not all about lawyers, accountants, and politicians. The true heroes are people in the classroom — community builders, coaches, and mentors who dedicate their private time to developing young people on Saturdays and after school. These are the true heroes of The Bahamas, not just Freeport, and they deserve to be honoured.”

Gladstone ‘Moon’ McPhee was also presented commemorative plaque and flowers. He expressed his gratitude for the recognition.

“I am happy that the Grand Bahama Port Authority thinks so much of what I have done, so I am extremely happy,” he said. 

His street renaming took place near the Grand Bahama Sports Complex, where he played a significant role. Mr McPhee, known for his lifelong dedication to education and athletics, spent many years shaping young minds at the Grand Bahama Catholic High School.

The late Anita Doherty taught at Bishop Michael Eldon for many years and passed away in March 2022. Her son, John Jr, and wife, Tara, were present and accepted the plaque on her behalf.

Wayne Smith, a close colleague of Ms Doherty, described the recognition as well deserved. 

“It is a well-deserving honour for Ms Doherty. She has been a pillar in this community,” he said. 

Mr Smith said Ms Doherty initially taught at Hawksbill High and later at Freeport High. He said she was an excellent educator and contributor to both the school and the community. 

He said Doherty began her teaching career in Nassau, making an impact in New Providence as well. 

Cecil Thompson called the recognition a humbling experience. Mr Thompson was a teacher and principal before he was elevated to various ranks in the Ministry of Education, including District Superintendent and Deputy Director.

“It is a tremendous honour and a humbling experience. Over the course of my teaching career, I have received hundreds of honors, but never before has a street been named after me. And so, I am most grateful to Sarah St George, chairman of the GB Port Authority, and her executives for considering someone like me from Andros worthy of being called one of the icons of the city.”

“I can’t find the words to describe it because most people who receive such honours are unaware of it — they are honoured after they have passed. But Gladstone ‘Moon’ McPhee and I have that rare distinction. He is a legendary coach, and the late Anita Doherty — who was celebrated in her lifetime — did not live to see a street named in her honour. Having students at the ceremony made it even more special to me.”