BAHAMAS: Nominations requested from the public for National Honours

#Nassau, June 5, 2018 – Bahamas – The Advisory Committee for National Honours invites nominations from the general public of persons fit to be conferred with an award under the National Honours Act 2016 and Regulations made there-under.

The Committee held a press conference to announce the criteria and other important information for the National Honours at Cabinet, Monday, June 4, 2018.

Chairman of the Committee and Member of Parliament for Fort Charlotte Mark Humes explained that the established Societies of Honour under Section 5 of the Act are as follows:

(a)           the Order of National Hero;

(b)           the Order of Nation;

(c)           the Order of The Bahamas;

(d)           the Order of Excellence;

(e)           the Order of Distinction;

(f)            the Order of Merit;

(g)           the Order of Lignum Vitae;

(h)           any other honour constituted by the Governor General by Order.

Mr. Humes said in addition, Regulations made under the National Honours Act 2016, also provide for the award of medals as follows:

(a)           Distinguished Service Medals for citizens of The Bahamas in recognition of exceptional service in the Public Service or the Civil Society, or

(b)           Badges of Honour for persons in the Civil Society who perform exceptional service to The Bahamas; and

(c)           Medals for Bravery undertaken in The Bahamas by any person.

“These awards will recognise persons who have achieved excellence in designated categories while contributing to national development.”

The Chairman said, “Nomination forms may be obtained from the Cabinet Office in New Providence, the Office of the Administrator in all Districts of the Family Islands, and via the Government of The Bahamas website www.bahamas.gov.bs

“Completed Nomination Forms containing all of the pertinent information of the nominee must be submitted to the Secretary of the National Honours Secretariat, Cabinet Office, not later than 11^th June, 2018, in order to enable the Advisory Committee to consider nominations and make recommendations for awards.”

There is no age limit for nominees of the award.  He said public announcements of approved awards will be made by the Governor General on July 10, 2018 in accordance with the requirements for the Act. Conferment of all awards will take place on the second Monday in October of this year.

Mr. Humes said nominations must show the detailed reason for which the nominee is being recommended.  “Under no circumstance should the nominee be made aware of their nomination.”

By: Llonella Gilbert (BIS)

Photo Caption: Members of the Advisory Committee for the National Honours held a press conference at Cabinet Office, Monday, June 4, 2018.  Seated centre is Chairman of the Committee, Member of Parliament for Fort Charlotte, Mark Humes.

(BIS Photo/Derek Smith)