From Prime Minister to Fraternity Brother

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NASSAU , BAHAMAS – Prime Minister Philip Davis is adding another title to his name.

Davis is now officially a member of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, joining nine other Bahamian men who were recently inducted into the organization.

Fraternity leaders say the prime minister was originally offered honorary membership.

Instead, he chose to go through the regular process and join the local chapter, according to the chapter’s president.

Shanley Toote – President, Delta Epsilon Sigma Chapter

“The prime minister was initially offered honorary membership in recognition of his distinguished record of public and community service, an invitation he graciously accepted with the enthusiastic support of our international and regional leadership. What makes this occasion particularly meaningful, however, is that rather than being recognized solely through our international honorary induction, he embraced the opportunity to become a part of our local graduate chapter, standing alongside his fellow Bahamian men. For a man holding the highest elected office in our country, that decision speaks to something powerful: that no title or position places a man above the bonds of brotherhood or the responsibility of service.”

Davis is not the first world leader to join the fraternity.

In fact, Phi Beta Sigma has a long history of welcoming heads of state into its brotherhood.

But here in The Bahamas, the organization says its work goes far beyond membership.

From mentoring young men to helping people get a second chance through its Clean Slate program, the local chapter has been working to make a difference in communities.

And with ten new members now on board, fraternity leaders say they hope to do even more.

David Turner – International President, Phi Beta Sigma

“We continue to do what our founders envisioned. And so we continue to support local communities. We continue to mentor young men. We continue to support those who seek advanced education. And so we continue to live out our motto of ‘Culture for Service and Service for Humanity.’ And I think that no matter what organization you’re a part of, no matter how high you go in any office, there will always be some who don’t understand, who have some negative feedback. And I think the best thing for us is to continue to lean into our mission.”

But for some of the men who just joined, this moment means much more than wearing the fraternity’s letters.

For Xavier Knowles, it’s also a way to honor his late brother, who was a member of Phi Beta Sigma.

Xavier Knowles – New Member, Phi Beta Sigma

“I wanted to share this moment with him, but he’s no longer here. But I’m happy that we both agreed on the organization that we wanted to join for a lifetime.”

And for another new member, Azano Major, the decision came down to one thing.

He wanted to be part of an organization that was actually making a difference.

Azano Major – New Member, Phi Beta Sigma

“One of the key things that stood out to me is that they are a part of the community rather than apart from the community. So a lot of the great work that’s happening, whether it’s Clean Slate or the Sigma Beta Club, it’s just another great organization to be a part of, and I’m looking forward to contributing to the work.”