Today In History: January 14

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On This Day in Bahamian History

1848: Birth of Gilbert Thomas Carter

On this day in 1848, Gilbert Thomas Carter was born in Devon, England. Carter, a British colonial official, served as Governor of The Bahamas from 1898 to 1904. His tenure saw the rise of tourism, with Henry Flagler opening the Colonial Hotel and modernizing the Royal Victoria Hotel with electricity. His time in office was also marked by natural disasters, including the Great Bahama Hurricane of 1899. Carter passed away in 1927.

1958: Peace and Plenty Hotel Opens in Exuma

In 1958, the Peace and Plenty Hotel opened in Exuma, built by Lawrence Lewis, Henry Flagler’s grandnephew. The hotel, named after Denys Rolle’s ship, sits on a site believed to have been a former slave market.

2014: Home Invasion of Retired Pastor Rex Major

In 2014, retired pastor Rex Major’s family was robbed during a home invasion by five armed men at 3 a.m. Major was assaulted during the ordeal.

2015: Chief Justice Sir Michael Barnett Resigns

In 2015, Chief Justice Sir Michael Barnett announced his resignation after five years, marking his return to private practice. This clip is from his last address at the opening of the legal year.