The Tribune

TWENTY SIX Bahamians from all walks of life have been recognised in Her Majesty the Queen’s 2016 New Year’s Honours list for exemplary service to the country, Government House announced on Thursday night.

Receiving knighthoods are Franklyn Wilson, for services to business and philanthropy, and Charles Carter for broadcasting and the media. Anita Allen is named Dame for services to the Bahamas Court of Appeal and Judiciary.

Named Companions of the Most Distinguished Order of Saint Michael and Saint George (CMG) are Wilfred Alfred McCartney, Sr for services to the Brethren Denomination and entrepreneurism, and Dr Leonard A Johnson, for services to the church.

Officers of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire Civil Division (OBE) are James Catalyn, for culture and acting; Cleophas R E Adderley for contributions to music; Telator Strachan for crafts and entrepreneurship; and Rev Dr Philip Arthur Rahming, for civic service and religion.

Members of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire Civil Division (MBE) are Thomas A Basden, for business and commerce; George Gilbert E Pinder, for commerce and fishing; Dennis Hall for service to the community; Joshua Emerald Culmer, JP, for civic affairs and community development; Rev Dr Marina Sands, for service to the community and religion; Ansil Saunders for service to the historic and cultural development of Bimini; and Romeo Farrington, for business and tourism.

Receiving the British Empire Medal Civil Division (BEM) are Curtis Dazel Hanna, for business and tourism; Hilton Alexander Bowleg, for service to the community; Rev Revy Francis for service to the community through religion and civic service; Rev Albert Strachan, for service to the community and religion; Carmetta Burns, for community development and social services; Doris Farah, for community development and social services; Sister Agatha Hunt for religion and education; and Everette Ferguson, for his contributions to sport.

Awarded the Queen’s Police Medal for their services to the Royal Bahamas Police Force are Senior Assistant Commissioner of Police Steven Seymour, and Retired Assistant Commissioner of Police Bishop Hulan Hanna.

Dame Anita Allen, the president of the Court of Appeal, said the recognition was "for me a consummate and truly gratifying honour".

"I consider this honour the culmination of my life’s work, one that recognises my unwavering passion for the law and my fervent love of country. My service and what it has meant to me is epitomised by this quote from Theodore Roosevelt that 'far and away the best prize life offers is the chance to work hard at work worth doing'.

"The law is the indispensable foundation of a civilised nation. In its proper dispensation, application and interpretation it provides the bulwark that protects, guarantees and nurtures the rule of law and ultimately the stability of a nation. I consider myself fortunate to have been given such a precious and awesome responsibility for over 19 years and wholeheartedly say that it has been my esteemed privilege and joy to serve my country in this arena."