The Tribune

By KORTNEY RODGERS

THE organisation 242 Salute has kicked off a series of events set to honour Bahamians for their outstanding contributions to the country.

After a ceremony of praise and thanksgiving at Mt Nebo Baptist Church earlier this month, the Director of 242 Salute, Darnell Whyms, told The Tribune that from the initial group of 242 nominees, 50 persons will be recommended to the National Heroes Day Committee.

Ms Whyms also said that people will be chosen based on the level of impact their contributions have had on the nation and each person must have been involved in their various disciplines for at least 10 years.

Reverend Canon Sebastian Campbell, the group’s advisor, said that the entire effort is being made to “put fire under the government to put in place the national honours awards system,” which he feels should replace the colonial awards system in the country.

“We hope the national honours award system will soon be brought to Parliament and made into law,” Rev Campbell said.

He added: “Because we are a free, sovereign, independent country, we should not have to depend on Great Britain or any other foreign country to honour our people for us. The Bahamas is dragging its feet behind many countries who have gone ahead with their own system.”

The 50 candidates will be announced at an event at the Church of God Auditorium, Joe Farrington Road, on August 9. The date for the final banquet, to be held in November, will be announced later.