PM 'humbled' as he joins civil rights walk of fame

As of Monday, January 27, 2014

PRIME Minister Perry Christie was among ten people whose footprints were added to the International Civil Rights Walk of Fame in Atlanta, Georgia, over the weekend.

The event, held on January 24 at the Martin Luther King, Jr National Historic Site, included such people as Roy Barnes, Bishop John Hurst Adams, Dr Tommie Smith, Dr Norman Frances, Reverend Jasper Williams Jr, Dr John Carlos Sr, Representative Calvin Smyre, Thomas Todd and Harry Johnson.

While expressing that he felt “privileged” to be recognised in this way, Mr Christie said that as he reflects on his life, he is “humbled but astonished at what God has done for him and through him”.

“As I think of the change that Dr King helped to bring about in this nation, and worldwide, in his brief but powerful life, I feel privileged to be named among past recipients of this great honour; illustrious persons of iconic stature such as Rosa Parks, Congressman John Lewis, and Presidents Lyndon B Johnson, Jimmy Carter and Bill Clinton. Now, I join my fellow countrymen – the father and founding Prime Minister of the Commonwealth of the Bahamas, the late Sir Lynden Pindling, Sir Sidney Poitier and Bishop Neil C Ellis – in this distinction.”

“I have been shaped by the events of the era of the great Civil Rights struggle. I have adopted as my heroes the great freedom fighters of the United States, those of my own country, and those around the world,” he said. “My heart swells with both gratitude and humility at the thought that I will be included in this International Civil Rights Walk of Fame.”

Bahamian Consul-General to Atlanta, Randy Rolle, said this was a “proud moment” for the Bahamas.

“We are absolutely delighted that the Prime Minister has been honoured during the Trumpet Award celebration,” said Mr Rolle.

“This type of recognition is indeed good for our country and so we embrace this opportunity with great pride and appreciation.”

The Annual Trumpet Awards was conceived and founded by Xernona Clayton, and was created to recognize African American achievers and those who support the African American experience. The Awards honour accomplishments in a cross-section of fields, including politics, law, medicine, entertainment, civil rights, business, sports, entrepreneurship, and the Arts.

Prior to the induction exercise, a programme was held at the Ebenezer Baptist Church and was hosted by Frank Ski with WHUR FM (96.3) Radio in Washington, DC. Also in attendance at the ceremony were Minister of Tourism Obie Wilchcombe and Minister of State for Trade and Investments, Khaalis Rolle.

ThisIsOurs 10 years, 9 months ago

Just asking...but what did he do to achieve this award...why didn't Hubert Ingraham qualify for example? And I am not saying (Tal) that Hubert Ingraham should have gotten it, I'm asking what makes Perry Christie uniquely qualified to have earned the award?

Emac 10 years, 9 months ago

Perhaps because he is a part of the former "hero", Lynden Oscar Pindling's regime. Unfortunately many people (especially black Americans) do not follow or know ALL of the history behind the great PLP. They're only looking at the fact that LOP was black and he won an election against the UPB etc. If ya ask me, the prime minister that gave Bahamian people a voice by opening up the airwaves and allowing them to express their opinions without fear of being victimized, is far more deserving of such a privilege. But then again, that's just my humble opinion.

ohdrap4 10 years, 9 months ago

Perhaps because he is a part of the former "hero", Lynden Oscar Pindling's regime.

__ So was hubert ingraham, so was hubert ingraham

Emac 10 years, 9 months ago

Nah, but Ingraham was fired and never returned to the People's Lazy Party, remember? PC was fired also but when back.

Honeybun 10 years, 9 months ago

@Emac I totally agree

jackbnimble 10 years, 9 months ago

I also agree. Boy this award must becoming watered down if they have the likes of Mr. Christie being honoured. They must be running out of options. I certainly can think of more OUTSTANDING and deserving Bahamians - Sir. Arthur Hanna, Hubert Ingraham... just to name a few - people who actually DID SOMETHING for black folk...

Honeybun 10 years, 9 months ago

Exactly

HolandObserver 10 years, 9 months ago

ok, so I still dont understand how and why our BAHAMIAN Prime Minister received this award.

'The Annual Trumpet Awards was conceived and founded by Xernona Clayton, and was created to recognize African American achievers and those who support the African American experience.

Did I miss something....did PM Christie support the African American experience in some profound way?

blackcat 10 years, 9 months ago

Great cause, but not so sure how our PM qualifies for this.

I think his efforts would be better spent trying to fix the social ailments of our youth before he steps abroad. Then I would definitely support this man. Until we weed out the corruption and make education a priority, changnig the social fabric and family unit of our county, we will not move forward. There are plenty issues at home worth rooting for Mr. Christie.

proudloudandfnm 10 years, 9 months ago

Our PM? Neil Ellis was honored before Perry! LOL!! Just another American money making scheme. Unfortunately they're using MLK's name but this is just another money making scheme. 15 grand to nominate someone according to their website...

hmm. Who paid for Perry? Hope it was Neil....

HolandObserver 10 years, 9 months ago

$15k for a nomination ah?!? what a scam

ThisIsOurs 10 years, 9 months ago

What??? I hope he paid that himself....this is what makes me so mad...well angry...he stands there and talks about how privileged he feels when he knows (I'm assuming), someone paid for him to get the award. Why doesn't he just walk around with a military jacket with 50 stripes on his chest, that would look equally impressive for the cameras.

Proud could be right, he paid for Neil and then Neil returned the favour...

242 10 years, 9 months ago

Yall better stop before Perry them band google or the whole internet. People can look up things for themselves in not just believe anything

concernedcitizen 10 years, 9 months ago

B/C PGC spent a lot in Atlanta while Bernatte tries to turn his daughter in to the next Beyonce ,,,Residences ,liasons ,driver etc ,,we got more people in Hotlanta on the public purse then we got in washington ,all promoting the next Ms B ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

sheeprunner12 10 years, 9 months ago

Then you wonder why we hate ourselves??????????????

SLOP, Neil and Perry covet the foreign accolades (British and American)

Yet still there is no highly decorated local awards eg Order of Bahamas, Bahamas Order of Merit etc.

Sad reflection Perry.......................... our leaders act just like shallow foreign lovin fools

thomas 10 years, 9 months ago

That's why this award shows up when PLP is in power. LOL

JohnDoes 10 years, 9 months ago

While Bernatte's face is soon to burst from the botox and the daughter who's mind is seduced by marijuana. PGC expresses gratitude for this award by saying: "My heart swells with both gratitude and humility at the thought that I will be included in this International Civil Rights Walk of Fame.”

Well one would think, based on the money that was spent, your heart ought to burst with gratitude and humility, a paid for prize? When since do you pay for a prize, the JEWS I tell ya, also I am not antisemitic, but ofcourse they are the driving force behind the money making schemes. .

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