An elite cadre of nation builders, business owners, educators and community leaders have made the list of honorees for the Second Annual Phoenix Awards, to be hosted by The Government High School (GHS) Alumni Association on Saturday, April 6, 2024.
These individuals have given exemplary service to the nation and have proven the high caliber of effective leaders and history makers that The Government High School has produced over the years. The event promises a stellar lineup of entertainment, food and tributes to awardees, including families who will receive an award for their loved ones posthumously. It will be held at the University of The Bahamas Performing Arts Center, formally the GHS Auditorium, on April 6 starting at 7pm.
The awardee list includes former GHS Head Girl Janet Bostwick, who went on to become the first woman to serve as acting Prime Minister, first woman Attorney General and the first woman Member of Parliament in the Bahamas.
Receiving the Government High School Alumni Association Phoenix Lifetime Achievement Award will be Businessman Rupert Roberts, owner and operator of Super Value, “the Bahamian supermarket” – the largest food store franchise in the country.
Legendary singer, poet, performer and architect Pat Ramming will be honored, as well as former Supreme Court Justice Jeanne Thompson, the second Bahamian woman in history to be called to the Bahamas Bar.
Dame Anita Allen, President of the Court of Appeal will also be honored at the second annual Phoenix Awards, along with former GHS Head Boy Henry Bostwick, noted King’s Counsel Attorney. Other outstanding awardees include: Iris Knowles, Orry Hanna Sands, Beryl Higgs, Dr. David Allen, Anita Bernard, and former GHS teacher Leroy Thompson.
Heading the list receiving the GHS Alumni Association Phoenix Award posthumously are: the families of former Governor General and Past President of the Government High School Scholars Association Sir Gerald Cash; Sir Kendal Isaacs; cultural giant Winston Saunders, Paul Adderley, the longest serving Attorney General of the 20th century; Anatol Rodgers, former student, teacher and first female Headmistress; Parliamentarian George Mackey; Sir Arlington Butler, Businessman Franklyn Butler; Vernell Albury-Armbrister; Warren Rolle; Clement Bowleg; and Emma E. Cooper.
The GHS Alumni Association was established and registered as a nonprofit Association in September 2022 to formally replace The Government High School Old Scholars Association, established in1941.
The Government High School prepares to mark its Centennial Celebration (April 27th 1925-April 27th 2025). In April 2025, the Alumni Association has planned a number of events which include golf tournaments; an All-Classes Reunion; a Jazz concert; and a 99th Anniversary Church Service, climaxing with a Centennial Celebration Gala on Saturday April 19 and a Centennial Church Service on April 27.
The GHS School Pop Band Blue Ivy will head performances at the GHS Alumni Association Second Annual Phoenix Awards. For more information, contact tghsalumni@gmail.com
Source: Felicity Darville
