Bahamas News
Bahamas Prime Minister Minnis: ‘Sir Ali’ Gave Country Full Measure of His Devotion
#Bahamas, November 25, 2017 – Nassau – Former Cabinet Minister, Member of Parliament and House Speaker, Sir Arlington Griffith Butler, K.C.M.G., was remembered Friday (November 24, 2017) as a man who responded to the injustices of his times by entering the political arena to help bring about racial, economic and social equality in The Bahamas.
Sir Arlington was further remembered as a man “who lent his energy to the struggle for Majority Rule.”
At an Official Funeral at Christ Church Cathedral, George Street, Prime Minister Dr. the Hon. Hubert A. Minnis memorialized Sir Arlington as “part of a generation of men and women who must be remembered in our history for their courage, determination and commitment to freedom and democracy.
“We have lost a Bahamian patriot and politician who loved his country and who gave his Bahamaland his full measure of devotion.”
Sir Arlington Butler was a former educator, attorney, Member of Parliament, Cabinet Minister, House Speaker, Bahamas Ambassador to the United States of America, and Bahamian sporting community luminary. He died at the age of 79. Following the funeral, his remains were interred at Lakeview Memorial Gardens.
Delivering condolences at the Official Funeral, Prime Minister Minnis said Sir Arlington was also a “fierce defender of the authority of the Speaker of the Honourable House of Assembly.” (Sir Arlington served as Speaker of the Honourable House of Assembly from 1972-1977.)
“He revered the House of Assembly which Sir Arthur Foulkes (former Governor-General of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas) once described as the ‘centrepiece of an independent Parliamentary democracy called the Commonwealth of The Bahamas.’
“Sir Arlington had a deep respect for the institution and its traditions. He had an extraordinary knowledge of Parliamentary procedure and the rights of Parliament, steeped in ancient history,” said Prime Minister Minnis.
“He was a fierce defender of the authority and independence of the Speaker,” the Prime Minister added.
Arlington Griffith Butler was a former educator who left the profession to contest a seat in the House of Assembly in 1968. Four years later, he was elected Speaker of the Honourable House of Assembly. After parting ways with the governing party, Sir Arlington ran unsuccessfully in the General Elections of 1977, 1982 and 1987.
Sir Arlington returned to the House of Assembly following the 1992 General Elections, and was made a senior Member of Cabinet by Prime Minister, the Rt. Hon. Hubert A. Ingraham. Sir Arlington was subsequently appointed Bahamas Ambassador to the United States of America, and in 1996, received a knighthood from Queen Elizabeth II for his public service and many contributions to national development over several decades.
Sir Arlington was also (to date) the longest serving President of The Bahamas Olympic Association.
“His presence, exuberant spirit and fellowship will be missed,” Prime Minister Minnis said. “We honour Sir Arlington Butler for his service and love of country. With grateful hearts, we thank him for his many and diverse contributions to our Commonwealth.”
By: Matt Maura
Photo captions
Header: Prime Minister Dr. the Hon. Hubert A. Minnis, conveying condolences.
1st insert: Official Funeral of Sir Arlington Butler, November 24, 2017 at Christ Church Cathedral. In first pew are Governor General Her Excellency Dame Marguerite Pindling and Prime Minister Dr. the Hon. Hubert Minnis.
2nd insert: The Bahamian Flag, presented to Sir Arlington’s widow, Lady Hazel Butler, by Minister of Financial Services, Trade & Industry and Immigration the Hon. Brent Symonette, at the graveside.
BIS Photos/Peter Ramsay
Bahamas News
Get your laugh on, March On, family drama by Gea Pierre, debut this weekend in Turks and Caicos
This is the sixth edition of the relays and the fourth time that The Bahamas has hosted the event, which actually made its debut in The Bahamas in 2014.
President, World Athletics, Sabastian Coe said after three very successful editions from 2014 to 2017, the World Athletics Relays has quickly become one of the World Athletics vibrant competitions, developing a culture of fun and innovation that gives it a unique flavour.
He thanked the Bahamas Government, the local World Athletics Relays Bahamas 24 committee and the Bahamian people for agreeing to host the relays. However, his main thanks were to the “world’s best sprinters” travelling from all the continents to compete in preparation for the road to Paris, France, in two months’ time.
During the opening ceremony, the athletes were given words of advice from Carl Lewis, one of only four Olympic athletes to have won nine Olympic gold medals, who is widely recognized as one of the greatest athletes of all time.
He said, “Keep it simple, do not try to do anything extra. Do what your coaches said. Leave on time, leave on time, leave on time.”
The athletes and crowds were treated to the sounds and sights of Junkanoo at the end of the opening ceremony. The Junkanoo performers stuck around for the two days of competitions, playing for the sprinters as they competed on the track.
Teams competed in the Women’s and men’s 4x100m, and the women’s men’s and mixed 4x400m. A total of 14 teams at the World Athletics Relays Bahamas 24 automatically qualified for places at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. Both days of competition were important, as day two offered another chance for qualifications for those teams unsuccessful on day one.
Bahamians were made proud as the country set a new national record during the mixed 4x400m relays thanks to the efforts of 16-year-old Shania Adderley, a student of Tabernacle Baptist Academy.
The team came first in their heat on Sunday evening after not being able to gain a spot for the Paris Olympics on the first day of competition.
Other sprinters on the team included Alonzo Russell, as well as Olympic champions Steven Gardiner and Shaunae Miller-Uibo.
NASSAU, The Bahamas – During his remarks at the Opening Ceremony for the World Athletics Relays 2024, on May 4, Prime Minister and Minister of Finance the Hon. Philip Davis welcomed the special guests, athletes, officials, and “all lovers of athletics from around the world” to the Thomas A. Robinson National Stadium here in the “vibrant heart” of Nassau, Bahamas.
“This weekend, the world’s finest athletes gather on our shores to embark on a journey that is not only about speed and strength but also about dreams and determination,” Prime Minister Davis said. “From the serene beauty of our islands to the historic grandeur of Paris, this event marks a crucial path to the Olympic Games in Paris 2024.”
He added: “Here in The Bahamas, we are no strangers to world-class athletics or the warmth and exuberance that such international gatherings bring. It is a distinct honor to once again welcome the World Athletics Relays back to our islands. This event holds a special place in our hearts, symbolizing a bridge between nations brought together by the universal language of sport.”
Prime Minister Davis noted that that year’s theme, “Paradise to Paris,” captured the essence of that journey.
“It is here, amidst the splendor of our sun-kissed beaches and the rhythmic sway of our palms that the chase towards Olympic glory begins anew,” he stated. “We are thrilled to offer a backdrop of unparalleled beauty, where every sprint, every baton pass, and every victory lap is set against the picture-perfect canvas of our islands.”
He added: “To our athletes, I say this: as you stand on the precipice of your dreams, ready to catapult yourself into the annals of history, know that you are part of a legacy of excellence and determination. This weekend, you are not only competitors but also ambassadors of your countries and the spirit of sport. We are especially proud of Team Bahamas, who carry the weight of their performance and the hopes and pride of our nation. You embody the spirit of The Bahamian people, and we are behind you every step of the way.”
Prime Minister said that to the international visitors, he extended “the warmest Bahamian welcome”.
“Over the next few days, as you revel in the thrill of competition, take a moment to bask in the beauty of our island,” he stated. “Discover why we proudly say, “It’s Better in The Bahamas.” Whether it’s the hospitality of our people, the tranquility of our waters, or the rhythm of our culture, you are in for an experience that captures the heart and rejuvenates the soul.”
“Let us celebrate the unity and friendship that sports foster, cheering every athlete and savoring the spectacle of human potential at its best,” Prime Minister Davis added. “I hope the races are swift, the results are inspiring, and the memories are lasting.
“Welcome to The Bahamas, the paradise where champions chase their dreams to Paris. As your host, it is my immense pleasure to declare the World Athletics Relays Bahamas 2024 officially open. Let the games begin.”
-
Health1 week agoAstraZeneca withdraws COVID vaccines after millions took their jabs
-
Caribbean News1 week agoBelize, Jamaica and St. Vincent and the Grenadines eliminate mother-to-child transmission of HIV and Syphilis
-
TCI News6 days agoEquity in Energy says Bahamas Energy & Transport Minister in legislative roll out
-
TCI News6 days agoFamily of 16 tourist claims negligence in Grand Turk jet ski death; Coroner’s Court hearing evidence
-
TCI News5 days agoAMERICAN MOTHER AND DAUGHTER ALLEGEDLY ARRESTED FOR TWO BULLETS
-
Caribbean News7 days agoMagnetic Media attends Caribbean Media Summit, in focus AI in Journalism
-
world news1 week agoElectricity Access for 600 Million a goal of UN Sustainability Week
-
Bahamas News6 days agoThe Bahamas Successfully Hosts Its Fourth World Athletics Relays