The Tribune

By PAVEL BAILEY

Tribune Staff Reporter

pbailey@tribunemedia.net

TRIBUTES were paid across the political aisle after former Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture Neville Wisdom died over the weekend at the age of 76.

Mr Wisdom served in former Prime Minister Perry Christie’s Cabinet from 2002 to 2007 and was the MP for Delaporte.

During his tenure as Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture, Mr Wisdom championed the renaming of Harold Road to Tonique Williams-Darling Highway in honour of the Olympic champion’s achievements.

Fellow members of the Progressive Liberal Party described Mr Wisdom as loyal and a fierce advocate for the advancement of sports and culture, while members of the opposition Free National Movement also praised his contribution to public life.

In a statement, Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis paid tribute to Mr Wisdom’s years of service.

“Neville gave many years of his life to the Progressive Liberal Party and to public service,” Mr Davis said.

“He believed deeply in the movement and in its responsibility to create opportunity, expand access, and improve the lives of Bahamians. As a member of Parliament, he carried the concerns of his constituents into national service and remained a respected part of the PLP family.

“His contribution to sports in The Bahamas will also be remembered with gratitude. As Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture, Neville understood the power of sports to shape young lives, build discipline, create opportunity, and strengthen national pride. He supported the development of Bahamian athletes and helped advance the institutions and programmes that allowed young people to pursue excellence at home and on the international stage.

“He also understood the place of culture in our national identity and the responsibility of government to invest in the talent and creativity of our people.

“Neville’s service spanned politics, Parliament, sports, culture, and community life. He leaves behind a record of service to his party and to The Bahamas.”

Former Prime Minister Perry Christie lamented the loss of a close friend of many years, describing Mr Wisdom as a trusted adviser and tireless nation-builder.

“Neville and I shared a relationship that extended well beyond politics. We were friends before, during and after our years in government. I came to know him as a man of conviction, loyalty, profound honesty, strong views and a deep commitment to the development of young Bahamians,” Mr Christie said.

“Our families also shared a special bond. Bernadette and I will always remember the warmth and generosity with which Neville and his family opened their home to our children, Adam, Stefan and Alex. That kindness reflected the deeply personal nature of our friendship and will never be forgotten.”

Mr Christie recalled Mr Wisdom’s work with young athletes before entering frontline politics.

“Neville’s life of service began long before he entered Parliament. Through athletics and his work with the Bain Town Flyers, he helped to guide and develop young Bahamians who would go on to distinguish themselves at the highest levels of international competition. He understood that sport could shape character, discipline and confidence, and his contribution to Bahamian athletics will remain an enduring part of his legacy.”

Mr Christie said appointing his longtime friend to Cabinet was a “profound honour”.

“When I had the privilege of serving as Prime Minister, it was a profound honour for me to appoint Neville to my Cabinet and to see him assume the distinction and responsibilities of the Honorable Neville Wisdom. He served first with responsibility for Youth, Sports and Culture, and later for Youth, Sports and Housing. He carried that honour with dignity and brought to public office the same passion he had demonstrated throughout his life: a belief that young Bahamians should be given every opportunity to develop their talents and fulfil their potential.”

He added: “I valued Neville’s counsel, his candour and his willingness to speak plainly about the issues in which he believed. Like all enduring friendships, ours was shaped by moments of agreement and disagreement, but it was always grounded in mutual respect and genuine affection.”

Reflecting on Mr Wisdom’s legacy, Mr Christie said: “The passing of a friend with whom one has shared so many years inevitably causes reflection. Public office is temporary, and titles eventually pass from us. What remains is the measure of the lives we have touched, the service we have given and the relationships we have built along the way. By that measure, Neville lived a life of consequence.”

“His contribution can be seen in the athletes he coached, the young people he encouraged, the constituents he represented and the country he served. I will remember him most personally as a dear friend and colleague with whom I shared an important chapter in the life of our country. I am grateful for those years, for our conversations, for our work together and for the friendship between our families that endured long after our time in office had ended.”

“The country has lost a former parliamentarian and Cabinet Minister. Bahamian sport has lost one of its most dedicated builders. Our family has lost a cherished friend.”

Current Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture Mario Bowleg also paid tribute to his predecessor, hailing Mr Wisdom as a true patriot.

“I was deeply saddened to learn of the passing of former Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture, the Hon. Neville Wisdom,” Mr Bowleg said.

“Mr. Wisdom was a dedicated public servant and a man who understood the tremendous value of investing in our young people, our athletes and our national culture. During his tenure as Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture from 2002 to 2007, he helped advance the development of sports in The Bahamas, supported our cultural institutions and remained a strong advocate for Bahamian youth.”

“As the Minister now entrusted with responsibility for Youth and Sports, I have a special appreciation for the work of those who served before me. Mr. Wisdom's contributions helped strengthen the foundation upon which we continue to build today. Beyond the offices he held, he will be remembered for his love of country, his commitment to service and his belief in the potential of the Bahamian people.”

“The Bahamas has lost a dedicated nation-builder, but Neville Wisdom's contribution to Youth, Sports and Culture will remain a meaningful part of his legacy.”

Opposition leader Michael Pintard praised Mr Wisdom’s contributions to the country and said his service should be remembered.

“He was a serious, committed public servant from his youth, learning from his father, the former General Manager of ZNS. Wisdom was heavily involved with young people;” Mr Pintard said.

“He was a longstanding track-and-field coach, particularly with the Bain Town Flyers Track Club, where he coached prominent Bahamian athletes including Pauline Davis and Frank Rutherford.”

“Later, as Minister under the first Christie administration, he held portfolios that included responsibility for youth, sports, culture and housing. His work helped shape the framework that still guides Bahamian sports today, including the Sports Authority Act, and his support for the Bahamas Baseball Federation opened doors for young Bahamians to pursue baseball at higher levels, including in Major League organizations.”

Mr Pintard said he respected Mr Wisdom’s belief in investing in young people.

“What I always respected about Minister Wisdom was his refusal to accept the easy argument that our young people deserve more punishment than investment. He fiercely believed youth deserve to be challenged and assisted toward greatness, not managed through incarceration. That conviction shaped his approach to public policy, and this country still needs voices to carry it forward.

“Minister Wisdom and I sat on different sides of the aisle, but public service in The Bahamas has never been the property of one party. His service deserves to be saluted and remembered.”

Mr Wisdom is survived by his wife, Manita, along with his children and siblings.