The Tribune

Their journeys took them along different paths, but Dr Joan Ilene Frazier Hunter Carey and Ursula Coakley share something enduring: lives of service that began with strong community foundations and ultimately touched generations of Bahamians.

The two women will be celebrated among eight recipients of the Cotton Tree Award during the 2nd Bi-Annual Bain and Grants Town Homecoming and Music Festival to be held October 30–31.

Their recognition places a special spotlight on the contribution of women whose work was not confined to a single profession or moment, but built over decades through education, leadership, faith, family, civic involvement and service to others.

For Dr Carey, education became both a profession and a life of service.

Her career in education spanned four decades, beginning in the classroom and eventually taking her into senior school leadership.

Dr Carey served as an educator before moving through the ranks to become a school administrator and principal, including leadership of Carlton E Francis Primary School and later Thelma Gibson Primary School.

Her advancement from teacher to principal reflected years of commitment to the development of children, teachers and the wider school community.

But her story is larger than the positions she held.

Over the course of her career, Dr Carey became part of a generation of Bahamian women educators who helped shape the country’s classrooms while assuming increasingly significant leadership roles within the education system.

Through that service, the lessons imparted extended far beyond textbooks.

Her Cotton Tree Award recognises a woman whose investment in education became an investment in generations — the children she taught, the teachers she led and the families and communities touched by the schools entrusted to her leadership.

Ursula Coakley’s journey tells another story of Bahamian womanhood — one characterised by adaptability, faith and a willingness to serve wherever life placed her.

Born on King Street in 1946, Ms Coakley attended Western Senior School and Prince William High School before entering the working world.

Her professional journey included employment in banking and later more than two decades with Eastern Airlines, where she worked as a linotype operator and writer.

But employment represents only one dimension of her story.

Throughout her life, Ms Coakley remained deeply involved in church, civic organisations and community service, giving her time and talents to causes and institutions beyond the workplace.

Her story reflects the contribution made by countless Bahamian women whose influence has often stretched simultaneously across their homes, churches, workplaces and communities.

For Ms Coakley, service became a thread running through the different seasons of her life.

While Dr Carey and Ms Coakley followed distinctly different paths, their selection for the Cotton Tree Award brings their stories together.

One devoted decades to the education and leadership of young people. The other built a life encompassing work, faith, civic involvement and community service.

Both demonstrate that the history of Bain and Grants Town cannot be fully told without recognising the women who helped educate its children, strengthen its families, support its churches and institutions and quietly carry forward a tradition of service.

The Cotton Tree Award takes its inspiration from the enduring cotton tree as a symbol of community, strength and a brighter tomorrow and recognises individuals whose lives and contributions reflect the rich legacy of Bain and Grants Town.

The women are two of eight honourees selected for 2026. They will be recognised alongside Brian R Christie, Leviticus “Romeo” Farrington, Fred “Papa” Smith, Bishop Simeon B. Hall, the late Prince Albert Richardson and Darren Edward Bastian.

The recognition of Dr Carey and Ms Coakley also provides an opportunity for younger women and girls to see community history through the lives of women who came before them — women whose accomplishments were built over years of showing up, working, leading and serving.

Their stories are different, but the legacy is shared.

Dr Carey and Ms Coakley represent two women, two journeys and decades of contribution — each leaving her own imprint on the people and communities she served.

The initiative is being spearheaded by Wayde Watson, Member of Parliament for Bain and Grants Town, alongside the festival committee, to celebrate the people whose contributions have helped shape the community.

The 2nd Bi-Annual Bain and Grants Town Homecoming and Music Festival will be held October 30–31, on Market Street, opposite the Southern Recreation Grounds, under the theme “Celebrating Our Heritage and Building Our Future.”

The two-day celebration will bring together residents, former residents, descendants and friends of Bain and Grants Town to celebrate the community’s people, history and culture while encouraging a new generation to help shape its future.