Today in History: February 22

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NASSAU, BAHAMAS – On this day in Bahamian history in 1779, James Carmichael Smyth was born in London, England. Smyth was governor of the colony 1829 to 1833.

During his governorship he abolished the flogging of enslaved females.

The Bahamas Historical Society notes the Pompey rebellion on the Rolle Estate in Steventon, Exuma took place when he was governor.

The area in southwestern New Providence known as Carmichael which was settled by liberated Africans is named after him. The Carmichael Primary School is also named in his honor.

Then in 1905, Nelson Glanville McFarlane Major was born in Burrow’s Harbour, Long Island. Major was an educator, administrator and justice of the peace.

In recognition of his outstanding work, Major was awarded the British Empire Medal by Her Majesty the Queen in the Queen’s Honours of 1952.

Major who founded the NGM Major High School died in 1995 at the age of 90.

In 1962, Lemuel Stephen Smith, better known by his stage name Stevie S., was born in Bailey Town, Bimini.

Smith is a singer-songwriter and musician specializing in the genres of Goombay, Junkanoo, rake n’ scrape, gospel and Bahamian pop music. He is also known for his trademark, “Ooee!”, in his songs.

Some of his hit include: “You Got Me Thinkin'”, “One More Sweet Song” and “Hold Ya Head”.

On this day in 2013, Bernard Kenneth ‘B.K.’ Bonamy died in Nassau. He was 67.

Bonamy was commissioner of the Royal Bahamas Police Force from 1987 to 1999.

Then Prime Minister Perry Christie, who extended condolences on behalf of the government and people of The Bahamas, described Bonamy as a “no-nonsense police chief who insisted on discipline, professionalism, and service with honour at all levels of the Royal Bahamas Police Force.”

Christie noted, “as commissioner of police Bonamy made his most important contribution to national development when he ascended to the high office during the extremely difficult years when narcotics trafficking and associated criminality were at their height.”

In recognition of his duties, he received the companion of the order of Saint Michael and Saint George from Prince Charles at Buckingham Palace in July 2002.