The Tribune

FORTY outstanding women in Grand Bahama have been honoured as part of the 40th Anniversary of Independence celebrations.

Sharon Wilson, President of the Senate, was the guest speaker for ‘Forty Gems,’ which saw the Grand Bahama Independence Committee honouring 40 women on the island. She said: “Forty years is a sufficient period to afford an opportunity to reflect on our journey to this point. It is a sufficient time to see and understand where we are.”

She reflected on a question put to the late Sir Lynden Pindling by his biographer as they toured New Providence.

She said the writer wanted to know whether Sir Lynden thought the ‘game’ was worth the struggle, and that as a country were we really better off?

“Sir Lynden’s answer is really what has weighed on me.

“It was words to the effect that he was not certain, he didn’t really know,” she said.

“Tonight I say that is cause still for reflection. As we acknowledge that there are many bigger homes, we must ask, what is the state of family life in The Bahamas?

“As we applaud the education that many of our youths are receiving, we must examine the standards, especially in personal decorum.

“As we admire people at our gala and state affairs, are we satisfied really with their behaviour?

“As we celebrate the professionals among us in all fields, are we pleased with their ethical standing? Many of us in this room have taken the full forty-year journey with an independent Bahamas.”

She commended the Independence Committee for putting the spotlight on “these gems of finer womanhood, who have been purveyors of the best of our heritage.”

She added: “By this event, the organisers are saying to Grand Bahama and to The Bahamas that these are woman worth emulating. These are women to be emulated as we strive to build the country that we all love so much. Congratulations to each gem, we are indebted to each of you.”

The honourees included persons from throughout Grand Bahama. They received their recognition during a special reception at Pelican Bay Resort. Minister for Grand Bahama, Dr Michael Darville and Senator Tanisha Tynes were on hand to make the presentations.

This week sees the culmination of events to mark the 40th Anniversary of Independence.

At 1pm today in Rawson Square a set of commemorative stamps will be launched, followed by a viewing of constitutional documents and independence mementos in the Senate Building.

Tomorrow celebrations start at 8pm in Clifford Park and on Wednesday a national float parade leaves the park at 3pm and will travel around New Providence.

• THE Tribune publishes a special supplement tomorrow which focuses on 40 Bahamians who hold the future of the islands in their hands.