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Today in History: September 17

NASSAU, BAHAMAS – On September 17, 1825, William Veysey Munnings became acting governor of The Bahama Islands.

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September 17, 2024

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1825: William Veysey Munnings Becomes Acting Governor

On September 17, 1825, William Veysey Munnings became acting governor of The Bahama Islands. He served in this position until May 1827. This was his second time serving as acting governor.

1953: Former Governor Sir George Ritchie Sandford Dies

Fast forward to 1953, former Governor and Commander-in-Chief of The Bahamas, Sir George Ritchie Sandford, died from a heart attack. Sandford served as governor for less than a year, from February 17, 1953, to the day of his death. He was the first royal governor on record to die in The Bahama Islands. He was interred at St. Matthew’s Anglican Cemetery in Nassau, New Providence, Bahamas.

1955: Bahamas Promoted to Black American Tourists

In 1955, a news article from the Pittsburgh Courier highlighted The Bahamas’ efforts to attract Black Americans to visit the islands. Sir Stafford Sands, then chairman of The Bahamas Development Board, along with Bermuda-based travel company Hilton G. Hill, Inc., aimed to bring more middle-class Black Americans to vacation in The Bahamas, despite the islands being segregated at the time.

2013: Tornado Touches Down at Lynden Pindling International Airport

In 2013, a tornado touched down at Lynden Pindling International Airport, prompting the suspension of flights. The tornado formed around 2:45 p.m., as air traffic control watched from the tower. Moments after it touched down, Chief Climatological Officer Michael Stubbs spoke to reporters, describing the event:

A funnel cloud evolved into a waterspout, eventually enlarging for quite a few minutes. In less than five minutes, it dissipated.

2021: Philip Davis Sworn in as Prime Minister

In 2021, Philip Davis was sworn in as The Bahamas’ 5th prime minister. The private ceremony took place at the Governor-General’s Office at 1 Montague Place. Bahamas Information Services noted that the decision to hold a private swearing-in was made by the prime minister-elect. Members of the press were informed of the swearing-in nearly three hours after it occurred.