Today in History: June 20

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BAHAMAS – On this day in Bahamian history, in 1935, John Berkley ‘Peanuts’ Taylor was born in Nassau.

In 2014, Taylor, who is known for being an incredible drummer, musician, night club owner and cultural icon, was among 41 cultural giants honoured during an art exhibition at Pompey Square.

The event was part of the 41st Independence anniversary celebrations.

Then Prime Minister Perry Christie, who was the keynote speaker said, “These 41 legends light up our Bahamas like beacons to the future. So important is culture to national development and identity.”

In 2016, then Free National Movement Senator Dr. Duane Sands said he and then Long Island MP Loretta Butler Turner were prepared to take over leadership of the FNM as deputy leader and leader in the upcoming party convention.

Also in 2016, a deadly small plane crash on Bimini that claimed the lives of Grand Bahama-based pilot Terrance Gibson and airplane mechanic Anthony Smith the day before left their families in shock.

Gibson’s family telling Our News they were still processing the news.

Then in 2017, the secret Baha Mar deal was unsealed. Then Prime Minister Dr. Hubert Minnis who promised on the campaign trail that a Free National Movement government would have the documents made public, made the announcement when he wrapped the 2017-2018 budget debate. The former Christie administration signed an agreement with the Export-Import Bank of China in August 2016 to get the troubled Baha Mar project completed and open, arguing it was the bank that requested the deal be sealed. However, Minnis said the deal was unsealed with the approval of all parties involved.

June 20th, 2018 – a day after the firing of three FNM MPs from their cabinet-appointed posts, then Attorney General Carl Bethel defended the prime minister’s decisions.

In 2019 – it was announced that as of July 1st all new and current Bahamian students who meet the minimum GPA of 2.0, will be eligible to attend the University of The Bahamas free of charge.

Then Finance Minister Peter Turnquest said the government took the decision to make tertiary education attainable for all.

Also in 2019, then Opposition Leader Philip Davis called the prime minister’s assertion that the PLP awarded $200 million of untended contracts worth only $3.5 million simply ridiculous.

And finally in 2022, now Prime Minister Philip Davis was in the Central African City of Kigali, Rwanda preparing to meet with leaders of more than 50 nations comprising the Commonwealth Heads of Government.

It was first time in four years the group of former British colonies met due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The group typically meets every two years.

It was Davis’ first CHOGM as prime minister.

Meanwhile, Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture taking center stage at a youth forum there highlighting some Bahamian success stories as possible models for other Commonwealth countries to follow.