#Nassau, August 2, 2019 – Bahamas – “Service to one’s country is among the highest attributes of a committed and engaged citizen. Today, we are here to recognize seven citizens who devoted their full measure in service of their fellow-citizens, ” said Prime Minister the Most Hon. Dr. Hubert Minnis as he thanked honourees for their dedication and commitment to national service.
He made
the acknowledgements in his remarks during the 2019 Queen’s New Year Honours
Investiture at Government House, August 1, 2019 during which citizens received
awards from Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, presented by Governor General, His
Excellency the Most Hon. Cornelius A. Smith.
The
Prime Minister first acknowledged the words of His Excellency Cornelius A.
Smith during his swearing in as Governor General, recently, when he pledged,
“to renew bedrock values such as altruism, empathy and generosity of spirit….”
Said the
Prime Minister, “I note that today’s honourees exemplify this spirit of
service, altruism, empathy and generosity of spirit. They exemplify the best of
the human and the Bahamian spirit.”
Secretary
to the Cabinet Camille Johnson received the Companion of the Most Distinguished
Order of St. Michael and Saint George (CMG).
“Because
of her service, professionalism and expertise it was my privilege to recommend
her appointment as Secretary to Cabinet,” the Prime Minister said.
Receiving The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire
(OBE) honour are those who rendered contributions to public service outside the
Civil Service. They are:
Reverend Monsignor Alfred Culmer
Chief Apostle Leon Wallace
Mr. Reginald Ferguson, QPM
Those
receiving the British Empire Medal (BEM) this year:
Mr.
Alfred Kenneth Russell
Ms.
Nicole Martin
Mr.
Jason Hanna
The
Honourable Janet Bostwick received her appointment as Dame Commander of the
Most Excellent Order of the British Empire at an Investiture at Buckingham
Palace, London, on March 28, 2019.
Said the
Prime Minister: “As I have noted on a previous occasion, a nation’s wealth
cannot be solely measured in terms of economics and natural
resources. A nation’s wealth and well-being must equally be measured
by the quality of service and generosity of its people in the promotion of the
common good.”
He
continued, “In honouring those who served with distinction we offer current and
future generations fine examples of national and community service.
“To those so honoured: I am sure that your families, friends and colleagues are quite proud of you. In honouring you, we are also acknowledging their contributions to your life journey.”
By Lindsay Thompson
Photo Caption: Prime Minister Minnis, left, congratulates 2019 Queen’s New Year Honourees at an Investiture ceremony at Government House, August 1, 2019. Seated is the Governor General, His Excellency the Most Hon. Cornelius A. Smith, and standing, centre, Commissioner of Police Anthony Ferguson, and at right, Commander of the Royal Bahamas Defence Force Commodore Tellis Bethel.
(BIS Photo/Patrick Hanna)