By SANCHESKA BROWN
Tribune Staff Reporter
sbrown@tribunemedia.net
VETERAN journalist and broadcaster Paul Anthony White was described as an “outstanding family man, poet and champion” by loved ones who paid their final respects yesterday.
Mr White was laid to rest in St Agnes Church’s cemetery, surrounded by family and friends.
Former Governor General Sir Orville Turnquest said Mr White’s life serves as a shining example that where you are born does not determine how far you go in life. He said despite being born in an Over the Hill community, Mr White “overcame those disadvantages and struggles to enjoy a life that inspired others.”
“He was not only my cousin, but my friend and confidant. Many know him from being a speech writer for government and political leaders, but he also wrote plays and dramatic productions. He was also a faithful Anglican who loved and served his God from the day he was born to the end,” he said.
“He was a strong family man who was devoted to his children. He was a man of noble virtues and it is now up to us to continue his virtues through our lives. I will surely miss my cousin and my close friend. His life is forever a testimony that something great can come from Grants Town.”
Former Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham, in a special tribute to Mr White on Friday, said “P. Anthony still had so many words to write and pictures to paint because he was, by talent and life’s work, an artist – a journalist, playwright and political columnist – who sketched with words.
“P. Anthony,” he said, “was a father and a grandfather, delighted and fulfilled by the accomplishments of his children, but always understated, never prideful or boastful, always loving. He was passionate in his belief that every child had to have, deserved, a father, and he was not above standing in for an absent father. “P. Anthony was an FNM. He was the son of a staunch PLP who had stood for election for that party in the 1950s. But the son who had supported the progressive movement from the beginning finally became disillusioned with the party of his father as he witnessed the betrayal of the ideals of the quiet revolution. After joining the FNM he devoted his considerable talents to promoting its message among the people.”
Governor General Sir Arthur Foulkes and Lady Foulkes, Prime Minister Perry Christie, former Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham, cabinet ministers and former cabinet ministers attended the homegoing service. Archdeacon I Ranfurly Brown delivered the sermon. Mr White died last week from complications following surgery. He was 73. He worked as a professional writer for more than 40 years. At one point, he served as a New York correspondent for The Nassau Herald and spent three years at the New York Herald-Tribune.
He was chairman and CEO of the radio station Joy FM at the time of his death.
Mr White is survived by three daughters, one son and eight grandchildren.
Comments
banker 10 years, 11 months ago
I liked the White boy (as he called himself), particularly his memories of the golden age of Nassau. But family man? He was married and divorced enough to be called a multi-family man.
Rest in Peace.
Greentea 10 years, 11 months ago
I hope he left personal papers/writings/musings that the family would be willing to give to the National Archives or COB for future research. I only heard him speak a few times but during these events and through his writings, you could tell that he was a fount of knowledge. I hope that it all didn't die with him.
TuesdayW 10 years, 11 months ago
What do Mr. White's marriages and divorces have to do with him being a family man? Do you even know how many times he was married and who he was married to? Or is it just what you've been told or heard? He was an excellent father to his four children ALL of whom were born within wedlock. I am the youngest of the four and can attest to this.
In regard to his writings/musings, they will be published at a date to be announced in the very near future. We hope to also see his dramatic works become a part of the National Syllabus. Thank you for your kind words.
concernedcitizen 10 years, 11 months ago
I loved his writing style ,he could make you feel as if you were in the places and stories he wrote about .A true wordsmith and Bahamian treasure ,,RIP White boy ,,
TalRussell 10 years, 11 months ago
Comrade Tuesdaw W, as a son you have every reason to stand proud. The film on the life of your father was developed long before his sad passing. Your father was loved by many a Bahamalander. I guess we'll have to wait until, after they develop the negatives on Comrade Banker to see, if his life will have measured up to your father's. Something tells me he still has a long way to go. It took a damn lot of perseverance and hard work to write the way Comrade P. Anthony wrote. It appears as if it just takes a small-minded Comrade "without-sin" to knock the dead.
Amen!
TuesdayW 10 years, 11 months ago
Thank you, TalRussell. He was a great Bahamian and an even greater Dad!
eyeswideopen 10 years, 11 months ago
Some people just need to get a life!!!!! "banker"!!!!!!!!!! A man's personal history is just that, PERSONAL!!!
aurelia025 10 years, 11 months ago
Anthony's writing was the best.... he used words to paint vivid and detailed pictures of life and there will never be another like him! He was a loving and caring father and grandfather to his children and grandchildren who all loved him dearly. May his soul rest in peace.
TalRussell 10 years, 11 months ago
P. Anthony's words entered our mind's as images. On some night as we gaze far into the heavens, if we look closely who knows if we might not catch a glimpse of the Twinkle Twinkle Anthony Star.
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