The Tribune

By DENISE MAYCOCK

Tribune Freeport Reporter

dmaycock@tribunemedia.net

GOVERNOR General Cynthia Pratt candidly admitted that adjusting to her new role has been challenging, describing the transition as a significant shift from her previous political career.

“I come from a political background where I went as I liked and came as I pleased — no one could control me,” she said in Grand Bahama yesterday. “And so, I am struggling right now because I’m used to my way. I can’t go where I want or even play dominoes with my people anymore. You know what it’s like to have never seen a leader of the country visit your home, sit, and talk with you?”

Despite the challenges, Ms Pratt said she remains focused on making a difference during her time in office.

“All of us have a role to play. I will not take this position like it’s forever because it’s only for a season. While I’m here, I’m going to touch as many lives as I can,” she said.

During a visit to the West End community, Ms Pratt delivered heartfelt messages to students at West End Primary School and senior citizens at the Anglican Parish Hall. Her personal story of overcoming poverty to rise to the nation’s highest office moved many students to tears.

She shared vivid memories of her childhood struggles, including walking to school in wet clothes after her single school uniform got drenched in the rain.

“I know I could not wear the uniform because children will laugh at me,” she said. “I am walking to school and praying, ‘God please let it rain so it could wet my clothes, and I can say, ‘I got wet in the rain.’ But it did not rain.”

She also recounted going without school lunch, saying she would play basketball during lunch breaks to avoid revealing she had nothing to eat.

“We were poor,” she told the students. “We did not have clothes like you. We did not have light and water. We had to walk all the way down the street to the pump to get water.”

Despite the hardships, Ms Pratt said she always felt “God’s hand was upon her” and credited sports with helping her cope and opening doors to further education.

She encouraged the students to strive for greatness, telling them, “We are depending on you to be the next lot of teachers, nurses, politicians, and church leaders.”

Member of Parliament Kingsley Smith noted that Ms Pratt’s visit was the first by a Governor General to the school, calling it a touching moment. “While telling her story and you look around at the kids, you see tears flowing down those kids’ eyes,” he said.

Addressing seniors at the luncheon, Ms Pratt thanked them for laying the foundation that made life better in The Bahamas.

“In order to build, you must start somewhere, and it is you, our senior citizens who have laid the foundation,” she said.

She reflected on life in the 1940s and 1950s, noting that while times were tough, Bahamian households were rich in love, respect, and manners. She contrasted this with modern-day households, which she claimed often lack love despite material comforts.

“Our stories are not told enough,” she said. “It is these stories that motivate and encourage the masses that are still down there. When we’ve arrived, we don’t want anybody to know. Well, you’re selfish. I am not ashamed to tell my story. That’s why I wrote three books: No Equal, God’s Chosen, and An Ordinary Woman from the Heart of the Inner City. And there’s one more coming worldwide: From the Pit to the Palace.”

Ms Pratt shared her plans to host a reception at Government House for young men aged 16 to 21 from various constituencies. She envisions inviting around 200 guests to spend two days at Government House, where they will share ideas, engage with her, and feel a sense of belonging.

“I want them to know they belong,” she said. “I went to school right next door to Government House, and all I ever saw was the pink wall. I never imagined I could go inside those gates. Now that I am inside, I am going to bring those people with me.”

She acknowledged that not everyone will agree with her initiatives but said, “I must give God the glory for it all.”

Ms Pratt’s visit to Grand Bahama will continue with stops at the Grand Bahama Children’s Home and the Grand Bahama Collab Housing Project in Freeport before wrapping up her trip.