National

Today in History: February 16

NASSAU, BAHAMAS – On this day in Bahamian history in Étienne Dupuch was born in 1899.

Published

1 year ago

February 16, 2023

Kendeno Knowles

NASSAU, BAHAMAS – On this day in Bahamian history in Étienne Dupuch was born in 1899.

He is best known for being editor of the Nassau Tribune (later the Tribune) from 1919 to 1972.

As a politician he served in the House of Assembly, the senate and on the legislative council.

While serving in the House he tabled a 1956 resolution that sought to end racial discrimination in the colony.

Although the resolution failed to pass, major hotels in Nassau began to announce that individuals, regardless of color, could have access to their establishments. He died in 1991 at the age of 92.

In 1968, Member of Parliament for the Shirlea constituency, Uriah McPhee died in Boston, Massachusetts. His sudden death led the House of Assembly to be dissolved on March 1, that year. A snap election was held a month later on April 10.

The entrepreneur owned McPhee’s Food Fair on Strachan’s Alley off Kemp Road.

On this day in 2013, Persis Hildred Rodgers Died in Nassau.

Rodgers was a nurse and advocate for the elderly in The Bahamas. The Persis Rogers Home for the Aged on Hawthorne Road was named in her honor. Rodgers lived at the facility until her death.

At the time of her death the Progressive Liberal Party issued a statement saluting Rodgers for her long and dedicated service to the people of The Bahamas.