Nassau, Bahamas - The following statement was released by the Hon. Fred Mitchell,
Minister of Foreign Affairs and Immigration on the passing of Pastor Wilbur
Outten in Freeport, Grand Bahama today 15 January:
Once again the sadness of death strikes us, having stolen
one of our most beloved sons away too soon.We do not complain although we are sad.
We are a people who live in hope.
I join with the Grand Bahama Community in expressing
condolences on the passing of Pastor Wilbur Outten.
I want to express my public thanks to his family both biological
and the extended church family for his civic leadership, and the example of
fairness and equanimity which he set in the Freeport and the wider Grand Bahama
Community.
Under his leadership, the church engaged in significant
outreach to all communities and was a centre for learning, teaching and civic
exchange.I deeply appreciate his role
in promoting a civil polity.That
extended hand was instrumental in explaining our immigration policies and other
public policy matters to the wider public.I am deeply appreciative for his help.
He will be missed.
May he rest in peace!