Today in History: December 30

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NASSAU, BAHAMAS – On this day in Bahamian history, Thomas Shirley was born in The Bahama Islands on December 30, 1727, to William Shirley and Frances Shirley (nee Barker).

Thomas succeeded his father as governor of The Bahama Islands in 1769, serving until 1774. The elder Shirley was governor from 1758 – 1768.

Thomas Shirley died in Bath, England, Great Britain on February 18, 1800, at the age of 72.

Alexander Bannerman died in Mayfair, London, England, United Kingdom at the age of 76 on December 30, 1864.

Bannerman served as governor of The Bahamas Islands from 1854 – 1857. After serving as governor of Prince Edward Island, Canada he had hoped to retire to his native Scotland.

However, he contracted a cold in Mayfair, London and fell down a flight of stairs which left him paralyzed and would eventually lead to his death.

Bannerman Town, Eleuthera is named after him.

On this day in 2019, Bahamians were preparing for the plastics ban to take effect.

Throughout many stores, plastic shopping bags were taken off the shelves while some business planned to charge 25 cents per plastic bag.