Today in History: August 21

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THE BAHAMAS – On this day in Bahamian history, in 1734 – James Scott became speaker of the House of Assembly. He was the second person to serve in the office.

Then over 200 years later in 1943 – Perry Gladstone Christie was born in Nassau.

Chrisite became the second prime minister in an independent Bahamas on May 3rd, 2002. In 2007 the PLP was defeated by the FNM and Chrisite became leader of the official opposition.

Christie went on to become prime minister once again in May 2012.

On 10th May 2017, the PLP was defeated and Christie lost his seat in Centreville after representing the constituents for forty consecutive years. Five days later, on 15th May, Perry Christie stepped down as leader of the PLP.

He is an avid Junkanooer and is a member of the Valley Boys.

Then 49 years after Christie’s birth in 1992 – Hubert Alexander Ingraham was sworn in as prime minister, becoming the second head of government of an independent Bahamas.

It would be his first of three terms. He served from 1992-2002 then again from 2007-2012.

As leader of the Free National Movement (FNM) he led the party to an election victory on 19th August 1992 and was chosen to become prime minister.

Fast forward to 2019 – the union representing junior doctors threatened to shut Princess Margaret Hospital, as 400 members on on New Providence and Grand Bahama went on strike. The industrial action came eight months after doctors voted to strike over an unresolved issue with holiday pay among other things.

And finally in 2022, was the inaugural Dragon Boat Race Championships.