Today In History: December 31st, 2024

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NASSAU, BAHAMAS – On this day in Bahamian History, In 1771 former Governor of The Bahamas William Shirley, passed away in Roxbury, Massachusetts. 

Shirley served from 1760 to 1768. 

The historical society notes he arrived in Nassau in December 1759, after his ship was wrecked on a reef, but Shirley made it to shore safely to officially take office. 

Shirley Street in Nassau is named in his honor.

In 1925 ,  Robert “Bobby” Hallam Symonette was born. 

The son of The Bahamas’ first Premier, Roland Symonette, Bobby was a skilled athlete who represented The Bahamas in sailing at the Olympics. 

A Founding Member of the Nassau Yacht Club he also served as Speaker of the House of Assembly from 1962 to 1967. He died on March 1st, 1998.

On December 31st, 2013 . A devastating fire broke out in Pigeon Pea, Abaco, destroying hundreds of homes in the Haitian community. 

Tragically, a mother and child lost their lives.

A year later, taxpayers braced for the implementation of a new Value Added Tax, as many rushed to pay utility bills. Charities were also anxious about the indirect impacts, despite being exempt.

And in 2017, 18 Bahamians were honored in the Queen’s New Year’s List for their outstanding service, including Former Parliamentarians Larry Cartwright and David Thompson, artist Antonius Roberts, Rev. Ranford Patterson, and Police Commissioner Anthony Ferguson.