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Last Updated: Dec 7, 2017 - 1:58:40 AM |
 NASSAU, The Bahamas – The life legacy of Sir Durward Knowles represents the very best of what the Commonwealth of The Bahamas is as a country, Prime Minister, Dr. the Hon. Hubert A. Minnis said recently.
Addressing the launch of the Sir Durward Knowles Centenary Scholarship Fund at Queen’s College as part of the celebrations surrounding the legendary sailor, Olympian, businessman, philanthropist and volunteer’s 100th birthday, Prime Minister Minnis said Sir Durward’s legacy offers valuable life lessons for all Bahamians.
A gold medalist at the 1964 Tokyo Olympic Games in Star Class sailing with Cecil Cooke; bronze medalist at the 1956 Olympic Games in Melbourne, Australia with Sloane Farrington, and 1959 Pan Am Games gold medalist (again with Sloane Farrington), Durward Randolph Knowles is the school’s oldest alumnus.
“Sir Durward’s life reminds us of the need to develop both intellect and character,” Prime Minister Minnis said. “Through his extraordinary service and philanthropy, Sir Durward has taught us of the need to not just make a living, but to make a life worth living.
“He has used his talents and privilege to help others, including the more vulnerable in our society,” Prime Minister Minnis added.
Prime Minister Minnis said Sir Durward’s life-long commitment to, and pursuit of equality and justice for all, was also commendable, as was Sir Durward’s nobility and largesse of spirit for others.
“Sir Durward Knowles represents the very best of who we are as a country. His patriotism and love of country has expressed itself in the pursuit of excellence over the course of an extraordinary life.
“He is a man who has packed so much into 100 years. This includes his involvement in civil society, business, athletics, volunteerism and philanthropy.”
Prime Minister Minnis said Sir Durward’s patriotism and love of country was exemplified in the role he played in the creation of ‘One Bahamas Foundation,’ which has national unity, and a love of country among its main goals “especially among new generations of one people.”
Sir Durward has also been instrumental in serving the community of persons living with disabilities (both physical and mental) through his involvement with the Bahamas Association for the Physically Disabled (BAPD).
“This involvement with the community of persons with disabilities demonstrated a core value of Sir Durward. This value is the dignity of all regardless of any circumstance of birth or life,” Prime Minister Minnis said.
“As the title of his biography states, he has been ‘Driven by the Stars.’ As many others have noted, Sir Durward has spent his life helping others to succeed and to be driven by their own stars.
“On behalf of a grateful nation and people, thank you for all you have done for the country you have loved with an abiding passion and with extraordinary generosity.
“The country you have loved over these past 100 years, returns this love to you with deep gratitude and hearts full of devotion,” Prime Minister Minnis added.
Prime Minister Minnis also applauded Sir Durward for his contributions to education, athletics and sports in general.
“He has contributed significantly to education and athletics. He has helped many young Bahamians to become exposed to sailing, one of our national pastimes. Because of him many young people, who would otherwise not have been able to participate in sailing, were able to enjoy one of Sir Durward’s great passions.”
© Copyright 2017 by thebahamasweekly.com
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