The Government of The Bahamas bestowed the nation’s highest honours on over two hundred people in commemoration of National Heroes Day. The two ceremonies occurred October 10th at the Bahamar Resort, where Governor General, His Excellency, the Most Hon. Cornelius Smith handed out the various medals and certificates.
Also on hand at the ceremonies held were various cabinets ministers including Minister of Foreign Affairs and the Public Service, the Hon. Fred Mitchell who brought remarks. He told those in attendance, “I am pleased that you saw fit to accept the award and the nation sees today how you are honoured for the great contributions which you’ve made to our country. I hope that you’re success and the success of what we’re engaged in this morning of state craft is an important example to the younger ones who are coming up behind us.”
Prime Minister, the Hon. Philip Davis also brought remarks at the event saying, “these are our heroes. These two hundred Bahamians honoured today represent but a small fraction of those who have lent their strength to the building of this great nation. These women and men truly embody the good, the righteous and the worthy. Some of them, like the four brave marines who lost their lives working in defense of the fledgling Bahamas forty two years ago, serve as enduring reminders of the courage, tenacity and fortitude that make a hero. These honourees stand as tall pillars and today we left them up in the highest gesture of gratitude.”
The Bahamas has been bestowing these national honours on exemplary Bahamians since 2017. Among this year’s honourees were former long serving Chief Clerk of Parliament, Maurice Tynes and Secretary General of the Progressive Liberal Party, Barbara Cartwright.