Christian Council Holds Memorial for Fatal Independence Plane Crash Victims

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NASSAU , BAHAMAS – What began as a day of national pride and celebration turned into one of the darkest moments in Bahamian history.

Ten young lives lost in a plane crash on their way to Andros on Independence Day, silencing a country that had been filled with celebration.

On Friday night, the Bahamas Christian Council brought families and the nation together to honor their lives, their legacy, and the memories they left behind.

Prime Minister Philip Davis

“It was our 53rd year as an independent people. Your flags on the cars. By evening, this country could not speak.”

Prime Minister Philip Davis painting a haunting picture of that tragic 53rd Independence Day, a day that started with national pride, but ended in unimaginable grief.

Ten young, vibrant souls lost their lives in a plane crash while traveling to Andros.

Now, their families, friends, and the wider Bahamian community are left to carry their memories forward.

The Bahamas Christian Council hosted a memorial service to honor their lives and legacy Friday night.

As musicians sang and paid tribute, family members also shared heart-wrenching memories of those they loved.

Tamara Myers, sister of Quinton Myers, a victim in the plane crash, says knowing how much joy her brother brought to others has given her a measure of comfort.

Tamara Myers – Sister of Quinton Myers
“The joy he brought to this world, I think in a way, that brought me a little bit of comfort. So, rest in peace, my brother, and I’ll always love you.”

For Shanderia McKenzie Nottage, the loss of her baby brother, Giovanni McKenzie, in the plane crash is a pain words could hardly capture.

She shared a self-written poem, reflecting on the reality of having to learn to live without someone she spent years helping to grow.

Shanderia McKenzie Nottage – Sister of Giovanni McKenzie

“And life works. You spend years teaching someone how to walk alone, never imagining there would come a day when you’d have to learn how to walk without them. A moment of silence.”

Opposition Leader Michael Pintard also in attendance, urging Bahamians to cherish the time they have, because none of us know when our last day will come.

Michael Pintard – Leader of the Opposition

“Encourage all of us, as I encourage myself, that we have to suck some joy out of this life every single day because we have no idea when it is our last.”

Through song, prayer, and remembrance, their loved ones are making sure those ten lives, and the joy they brought to this country, will never be forgotten.