National

Today In History: March 18

NASSAU, BAHAMAS – On this day in Bahamian history, on the 18th March 1762, James Gould became speaker of the house of assembly.

Published

11 months ago

March 18, 2025

Jasmin Brown

NASSAU, BAHAMAS – On this day in Bahamian history, on the 18th March 1762, James Gould became speaker of the House of Assembly.

He was the tenth person to hold that office while serving in the House of Assembly.

He certified the passage of an “Act for the public registering and recording of all deeds and conveyances.

Gould passed away in 1783 in New Providence.

Fast forward to 1941 Tyrone Patrick Fitzgerald was born in New Providence.

Fitzgerald was a musician, songwriter and entertainer, also known as Dr. Offfff, he specialized in the genres of junkanoo, goombay,funk and folk music.

He is known for several hit records including co-writing the first bahamian top 40 hit, ‘Funky Nassau’ with Raphael Munnings.

Some of his other hits are, ‘Goombay Summer, ‘Junk Junk Junkanoo’ and ‘Get Involved.’

Then in 1984, Joseph Spence died in New Providence at the age of 73.

Spence was a musician, singer and guitarist who specialized in blues, calypso, folk music and sacred songs.

He influenced both Bahamian and international artists.

The song “Mr. Rhythm & rhyme” by Kirkland ‘K.B.’ Bodie and Fred Ferguson is a tribute to him.

And finally in 2020, then governor general C.A. Smith declared a state of public emergency as confirmed Covid-19 cases climbed.

It was the same day then prime minister Dr. Hubert Minnis tabled the emergency powers orders to cover health, economic, social services and national security issues.

He told parliament his administration was acting on advice from top healthcare professionals.

The Bahamas joined a growing list of countries taking extra steps to prevent spread of Covid-19, which was burdening healthcare systems around the world.