National

Today in History: July 31

NASSAU, BAHAMAS – A former governor-general steps down and a hurricane brings back traumatic memories. See what events took place on this day in history.

Published

10 months ago

July 31, 2023

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NASSAU, BAHAMAS – On this day in Bahamian history – In 1973 John Warburton Paul who was the last governor and first governor-general of The Bahamas stepped down from office.

Sir John was a British colonial administrator and civil servant who served in many capacities. On May 14, 1972 he became governor of The Bahamas and upon our independence, became the first governor general.

He was succeeded by the honorable Sir Milo Butler who was the first Bahamian governor general.

Then in 2018, former Member of Parliament for South Beach Phenton Neymour was remembered in a memorial service at the FNM headquarters on Mackey Street.

Neymour passed away on on July 23rd after battling stage 3 colon cancer.

He served as minister of state for the environment from 2008 until 2012.

And finally 2020, Hurricane Isaias passed over The Bahamas as a Category 1 hurricane that brought torrential downpours and extreme winds.

This storm came as The Bahamas was still recovering from Dorian the year before.

Fortunately the destruction was minimal, only knocking over loose trees and mildly damaging some homes.