The Tribune

FORMER Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham is among those offering condolences to the family of Sir Godfrey Kelly in the wake of his death last week, remembering the former politician as a man of “dignity and good humour”.

“I was saddened to learn of the passing of Godfrey Kelly, KCMG, CMG, DM,” Mr Ingraham said in a statement released yesterday. “I was pleased that his contribution to the development of our country was recognised by the government with the award of a knighthood just two years ago.”

He noted that Sir Godfrey began his political career as a member of the minority United Bahamian Party government in which he served as Minister of Education and Sport in 1964. “Importantly he was among a small group in that party who challenged the social and economic norms of that time,” Mr Ingraham said.

“His tenure as Minister of Education was marked by the first concerted effort by the minority-led government to expand educational opportunities to the long-neglected majority of Bahamian children. Under his leadership government-operated secondary education was expanded beyond the selective Government High School through the construction and establishment of additional high schools.

“And he was instrumental in The Bahamas joining the University of the West Indies even before the creation of CARICOM. Notably, the late Dr Cecil Bethel was among students in that university’s second medical class.”

Mr Ingraham said Sir Godfrey understood the value of sport in the formation of young people. His foresight for sport caused some 600 acres of government land in Oakes Field to be set aside for the development of sport beginning with the construction of the Queen Elizabeth Sports Centre, the former Prime Minister said.

He was also responsible for the establishment of the Cat Island Regatta in 1956, Mr Ingraham said.

“After not seeking re-election to the House in 1968 Sir Godfrey became a committed supporter of the FNM from its formation and proved a useful source of advice and dependable and generous financial support to the party during the 19 years when I had the honour to lead that party,” Mr Ingraham said.

“Sir Godfrey, a man of dignity and good humour, was a respected barrister at the Bahamas Bar for nearly 69 years, a successful businessman, accomplished sportsman, quality member of parliament, effective minister of education and a Bahamian patriot. The country has lost a great Bahamian.

“My wife Delores joins me in extending condolences to Lady Kelly and to all Sir Godfrey’s extended family.”

In a separate statement on Friday, FNM leader Michael Pintard remembered the crucial role Sir Godfrey played in the development of sports and education.

“Sir Godfrey had a privilege most of us cannot imagine: he carried the Bahamian flag and represented this country at the Olympic Games multiple times,” Mr Pintard said. “He was a giant of commerce, a pillar of the legal fraternity and, quietly, a philanthropist in his own right. We join his family and the country in mourning his loss, but we celebrate his life, and the inspiration he has been to so many.”

Sir Godfrey, 93, died at his Eastern Road home at about 10.30am on February 10 shortly after eating breakfast.

An avid sailor, he competed in the 1960, 1964, 1968 and 1972 Summer Olympics.

He was bestowed with a knighthood in Queen Elizabeth’s 2020 New Year’s Honours.

He was officially knighted at a ceremony at Government House in September of that year.

Born in Nassau on December 21, 1928, Sir Godfrey’s early education began at Queen’s College, then at McDonogh College Prep School in Baltimore, Maryland, before he embarked on training in law at Cambridge University and Middle Temple, London. He practised law for 66 years, notably at Higgs and Kelly, before retiring in June 2019.

He served in many capacities over the years, including at the Bahamas Bar Association; as elected representative for the Cat Island constituency in l956, 1962 and l967; as Minister of Education subsequent to the introduction of ministerial government under the United Bahamian Party administration. He was also appointed to the Senate in l968.

A keen sportsman who enjoyed tennis, skiing, shooting, fishing and boating, he and the late Sir Harold Christie were founders of the Cat Island Regatta, an annual event since l956.

Sir Godfrey is survived by his wife Sonia Kelly, his granddaughter Katherine Ann Elza, and his sisters-in-law, Lady Ann Johnstone and Nancy B Kelly, MBE.