The Tribune

By DENISE MAYCOCK

Tribune Freeport Reporter

dmaycock@tribunemedia.net

THE Free National Movement has planned a number of activities this weekend in Grand Bahama to celebrate the life and legacy of the late Sir Cecil Wallace Whitfield, who founded the FNM party in 1971.

Sir Cecil was born on March 20, 1930 and every year party supporters celebrate his birthday.

“Sir Cecil was a man with profound love for God, his family and his country,” said former FNM Senator David Thompson, chairman of the FNM Council in Grand Bahama.

“He is one of the founders of the modern democracy of the Bahamas, having helped tremendously in establishing the two party system of government constitutionally in our country.”

This year, the party will kick off celebrations with a Youth Night on Friday, March 21.

Students from various high schools on the island will compete in a step competition. Competing high school groups must reflect on the life and contributions of Sir Cecil to democracy in the Bahamas. On Saturday, March 22, FNM leader Dr Hubert Minnis will be in Grand Bahama for an all island meeting at 10am at the party’s headquarters. There also will be an FNM Family Fun Day at 1pm for all constituencies.

On Sunday, March 23, a church service will be held at the Pro-Cathedral of Christ the King Anglican Church.

Mr Thompson invited persons throughout the community to join the party as it celebrates Sir Cecil’s life and his contribution to the country.

He noted that many Bahamians might recall the pivotal role Sir Cecil played in safeguarding Bahamian democracy, and the contributions he made in the first majority rule government.

“Although he only served briefly as a cabinet minister, the work he did was far-reaching,” Mr Thompson said.

“As Minister of Works, he made it his business to bring critical infrastructure to the majority of Bahamians. His ambitious efforts to put streetlights in Over the Hill neighbourhoods, building new schools and roadways in the Family Islands and in New Providence improved the lives of many Bahamians.”

Mr Thompson said a hallmark of Sir Cecil’s legacy was his commitment to promoting education and being a champion of labour for ordinary Bahamians.

“He understood the fundamental necessary for educational advancement and student achievement. As Minister of Education, he spearheaded the establishment of a teacher’s college in San Salvador. He understood the need for more Bahamian teachers, as well as the critical role of capable teachers in learning and overall national development.”

Mr Thompson noted that during the dedication ceremony of the Cecil Wallace-Whitfield Centre on January 27, 2012 in New Providence, then Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham praised Sir Cecil for being among the generation of great men and women who led the struggle for Majority Rule and equality in the Bahamas.

Mr Ingraham also noted that when Sir Cecil came to believe that some of the ideals of that struggle were not being honoured, he was at the forefront of the formation of a new political party.

Mr Thompson believes that Sir Cecil would be pleased that 47 years after he helped to bring about Majority Rule in 1967, and 43 years after he helped to form the FNM party in 1971, the country he lived, and the party to which he devoted considerable energy, continues to flourish.

Neko Grant, FNM MP for Central Grand Bahama, said it is important that Bahamians celebrate Sir Cecil, a man who has done so much for the preservation of democracy in the Bahamas.

Peter Turnquest, FNM MP for East Grand Bahama, added that Sir Cecil was a national hero and a man of principle.

FNM Senator Kwasi Thompson said Sir Cecil’s life serves as inspiration to him and many Bahamians.

“He continues to motivate and inspire us,” he said.