Today in History: August 3

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NASSAU, BAHAMAS – On this day in Bahamian history – In 1968, Sir Francis Edward 8th Baron Thurlow was appointed governor and chief commander of The Bahamas.

Sir Francis succeeded Sir Ralph Grey and was crowned the 46th appointed royal governor in the 250-year line.

Then in 1992, Frank Rutherford won the bronze medal in the men’s triple jump at the Summer Olympic Games in Barcelona with a jump of 17.63 meters.

This was the first ever medal in track and field for The Bahamas at the Olympic Games.

Then in 2016, the National Health Insurance bill was tabled and passed in both the House of Assembly and the Senate.

This bill aimed to ensure all legal Bahamian residents would receive affordable health care despite background or economic difficulties.

It provides a numerous health services to Bahamians at no cost at the point of care, giving citizens access to affordable health care.

Also in 2016, then MP for Central Grand Bahama Neko Grant resigned as leader of opposition business in the House of Assembly and the Free National Movement’s shadow works minister.

Grant told Parliament recent events with then FNM leader Dr. Hubert Minnis showed that Minnis was “uncomfortable” with him and not “satisfied” with his performance.

Grant was the longest serving member of the FNM having first been elected in 1992.

Grant also announced he would not seek re-election and said at the time democracy was fading in the FNM.

Meanwhile, then State Minister of Legal Affairs Damian Gomez QC resigned as chairman of the committee on privilege in the House of Assembly.

The South and Central Eleuthera MP said his decision came after the committee chose to investigate affidavits by Save the Bays that involved of one of his former clients Peter Nygård.

Gomez said at the time that due to his capacity in private practice, it would not be fair to the process if he remained as chairman.

Then August 3rd, 2021 was the death of former Governor General Arthur Dion Hanna who passed away at the age of 93.

In his 32 years of public service, Hanna became the seventh governor general on February 1st, 2006 succeeding Dame Ivy Dumont.

He joined the Progressive Liberal Party in 1956 and was elected to the executive board. In the general strike of 1958, Mr. Hanna assisted in the negotiations and eventually led workers to victory.

Hannah was elected deputy premier in 1967 and later as deputy prime minister until his resignation in 1984.

Finally, on the same day, a fire at BPL Clifton Pier Power Station.

It took two fire trucks and assistance from nearby companies to fully extinguish the fire.

Luckily the blaze did not impact power generation or operations as the station was being decommissioned.

The fire was believed to have been caused by contractors who were welding during the decommissioning.