The Tribune

UPDATE:

It was announced early this morning that former Attorney General of the Bahamas, Paul Adderley, has passed away. More in tomorrow's Tribune.

By KHRISNA VIRGIL

Tribune Staff Reporter

kvirgil@tribunemedia.net

FORMER Member of Parliament George Smith remembers Paul Adderley, former Attorney General of the Bahamas, as one of the few front line politicians who left an indelible mark on everything he touched. 

Yesterday, Prime Minister Perry Christie, who was at the side of Mr Adderley when he was first admitted to the Princess Margaret Hospital, said Mr Adderley’s condition had not changed.

“He’s desperately ill,” Mr Christie said. “I haven’t checked this morning (Tuesday), but he is desperately, desperately ill and that is what it is. The family is preparing themselves for whatever the outcome will be.”

Mr Smith praised Mr Adderley’s “incredible foresight” to ensure a sustainable future for the country with his efforts in 1989 to see a National Lottery come into existence.

“This was seen,” Mr Smith said, “in his lobbying for the Bill for an Act to Establish a Board to Conduct a National Lottery. At that time he was the Minister of Finance. He had a vision that the proceeds from such a lottery would go towards sustaining culture, care for the elderly, education and health in this country.

“Unfortunately, others did not see the importance or potential of it so they did not support the Bill and it was put down.”

Mr Adderley also had a particular interest in improving higher education, Mr Smith said.

“He always admired and appreciated academic excellence as a Minister of Education. Although people thought he was a bit aloof, that was not the case. He was always accessible and available for people to talk to.”

As Mr Adderley’s family continues to grapple with his illness, Mr Smith said he wishes them all the best and will continue to offer prayers at this time.

On Monday, news hit the airwaves that the former MP, who is 84-years-old, was rushed to the hospital at around 1am with health issues. The Tribune understands that Dr Duane Sands, Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgeon, was the attending physician.

Mr Adderley was originally a member of the PLP, first elected to the House in 1961. He briefly left the political group to found the National Democratic Party (NDP), later returning to the PLP where he has remained.