Today in History: February 20

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NASSAU, BAHAMAS – On this day in Bahamian history in an act for regulating the police of the Bahama Islands was tabled in the House of Assembly in 1840.

The act came into effect two weeks later on March 1 and established the “Police of the Bahamas Islands” now known as the Royal Bahamas Police Force.

The first inspector‐general of the force was John Tinker who commanded 16 men who volunteered for duty. The Bahamas Historical Society notes most if not all of the recruits were probably former slaves, and the first headquarters was located on Parliament Street.

In 1927 the late Sidney Poitier was born in Miami, Florida.

Poitier who died last January was a Bahamian-American television and film legend.

In 1963, he became the first African American actor and actor of Bahamian descent to win an Oscar at the Academy Awards for his role in the film, Lilies of the Field.

He was also a director, author, civil rights activist, and former Bahamian ambassador to Japan.

In 2012 the second bridge connecting New Providence to Paradise Island was named the Sir Sidney Poitier Bridge.

In 2014, then Member of Parliament for Tall Pines, Leslie Miller made controversial remarks in the House of Assembly regarding government’s treatment of fishermen in The Bahamas.

Miller compared the administration’s treatment to the way an abusive husband treats a wife or girlfriend. He went on to say he was once in such a relationship. Some Members of Parliament laughed at Miller’s comments while others criticized.

He later clarified his remarks saying his comments were made in jest and that at no time in his life had he ever abused a woman.

A few weeks later, Miller attempted to make a $1,000 donation to the Crisis Centre which was rejected.

On this day in 2017, The Bahamas played host to the Confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean Association Football.

The tournament was held at the newly built National Beach Soccer Arena at Malcolm Park on East Bay Street.

The competition which ran from February 20-26 ended with a win for Panama’s team, which defeated Mexico in the final, 4-2.