Today in History: September 23

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THE BAHAMAS – On this day in Bahamian history, on September 23, 1913, Stafford Lofthouse Sands was born in Nassau, The Bahamas.

Sands was a Bahamian businessman, lawyer, and politician. During the 1940s to 1960s, he was a leading figure in modernizing the economy, focusing heavily on the tourism and financial services industries.

Sands was first elected to the House of Assembly in the 1937 by-election, representing Nassau City.

In 1956, he helped found the Christian Democratic Party, which was renamed the United Bahamas Party in 1958. This party was mainly composed of the white oligarchy of the country, known as “The Bay Street Boys.” Following the UBP’s defeat in the 1967 elections, Sands left The Bahamas to live in Spain.

Sands died in London, England, United Kingdom, on January 25, 1972, at the age of 59. Posthumously, his image was placed on The Bahamas’ ten-dollar bill.

Deadly Blaze in Miami Street Home

Fast forward to 2013, a deadly blaze ripped through a Miami street home, killing six people.

The fire broke out around 2 a.m., tearing through the small four-room wooden home. The six victims were carried away on stretchers to the sound of mourning family members and neighbors. The youngest victim was just six years old.

Marie Winters-Lloyd, Aunt
“Miss they grew with me and every time my sister has a baby, I always be right there at the scene and I took care of those children from the become big grown man and woman. They all know Aunt Marie… and I did the best I can.”

Marie Winters-Lloyd, Aunt
“I am so sorry too that I was unable to get here this morning when I heard the news. But all I can say is the Lord giveth and the Lord taketh away.”

FNM Announces Leadership Convention

In 2021, the Free National Movement (FNM) announced they would hold a convention to vote in a new party leader.

The announcement came after the FNM was handed a crushing defeat at the polls on September 16, 2021.

The party also announced that Dr. Minnis would be stepping down as leader of the party, and all leadership posts would be up for grabs.

It was the first convention for the party since 2016.