Today in History: July 19

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NASSAU, BAHAMAS – On this day in Bahamian history – In 1929, former Governor General Sir Orville Turnquest was born in Grant’s Town, New Providence to Robert and Gwendolyn Turnquest.

Sir Orville served in many other notable positions including deputy prime minister and president of The Bahamas Bar Association.

His career spanned over 60 years before his departure from office in 2001.

Then in 1977, voters headed to the polls in the general elections.Thirty-eight seats were contested by four parties and independent candidates. The incumbent Progressive Liberal Party returned as the government winning 30 of the 38 seats. The newly formed Bahamian Democratic Party, led by Kendal Issacs won six seats and the Free National Movement, led by Cecil Wallace-Whitfield, won two seats.

The Vanguard Nationalist and Socialist Party and Independent candidates failed to win any seats. Sir Lynden Pindling returned as prime minister for a third consecutive term.

Then in 2012, after representing the people of North Abaco as Member of Parliament for 35 years former Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham resigned, handing his letter to then House Speaker Dr. Kendall Major.

The resignation took effect on August 31st that year. Ingraham served as prime minister of The Bahamas from 1992 – 2002 and 2007 – 2012.

Then in 2019, Bahamian entertainer Devon “Mdeez” Knight was laid to rest following a somber service at Abundant Life Church. Members of the music community joined family and friends to celebrate his life and legacy.

Knight was best known for his unique reggae style music. Songs like “Love Is”, “Friend Salute” and “Love Doctor” established Knight as a remarkable reggae artist.

He was stabbed to death in June shortly before he was set to go on tour.

Knights music career had landed him on stages both at home and abroad.

Renward Wells was sworn in as the minister of health after the resignation of Dr. Duane Sands.

Sands had allowed six American permanent residents into The Bahamas along with a donation of COVID-19 test swabs while the country’s borders were closed.

The move caused major backlash at the time, especially from those who had family abroad and couldn’t return home due to the lockdown.