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Last Updated: Feb 6, 2017 - 2:32:04 PM |
Members of the armed forces of The Bahamas carry the mahogany casket containing the body of the late William “Bill” Cartwright CMG to his final resting place at the Sacred Heart Cemetery. (BIS Photo/Derek Smith)
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NASSAU, The
Bahamas -- A State Recognised Funeral was held for William “Bill”
Cartwright CMG, one of the three founding members of the Progressive
Liberal Party at St Gregory’s Anglican Church, Monday, June 18, 2012.
Rector of St Gregory’s,
Reverend Father S. Sebastian Campbell, officiated.
Mr.
Cartwright, a native of Long Island died at age 89 on June 7 at the
Princess Margaret Hospital. He was the last surviving founder of the
PLP. In 1953, he, along with the late Cyril Stevenson and the late Sir
Henry Taylor founded the party.
Prime Minister the Rt. Hon. Perry Gladstone Christie told the
congregation that the government has passed legislation in parliament,
so that Bahamians who have sacrificed and served their country will
receive the honours they deserve, including that of being called a
“national hero.”
He
charged both the Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture the Hon. Daniel
Johnson and the government leader in the House of Assembly, Dr. the Hon.
Bernard Nottage, with moving that legislation forward.
The
Prime Minister added that more should be done in the country to
institutionalise and honour individuals like Cartwright, who helped The
Bahamas to grow and prosper.
Members of the armed forces of The Bahamas carry the mahogany casket containing the body of the late William “Bill” Cartwright CMG to St Gregory’s Anglican Church. (BIS Photo/Derek Smith)
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“One
of the things we must do and have done under the College of The Bahamas
and ultimately the University of The Bahamas, is to move immediately to
record the history of our country, to fill in the gaps that have been
left by those who have authored their own experiences,” he said.
Reverend Father Campbell, who is also head of the National Heroes Committee, said the country has failed to honour Cartwright.
“We
wait patiently for people of the stature Bill Cartwright to die then we
flirt with the term ‘National Hero’ of the first order.”
He
pushed for those who have sacrificed and given of themselves to receive
the honour and respect they deserve from both the government and the
country.
Besides
the Prime Minister and Mrs Bernadette Christie, family and friends
turned out to celebrate the life of Mr. Cartwright. Governor General
Sir Arthur Foulkes and Lady Foulkes; Cabinet Ministers, Members of
Parliament and other dignitaries were also in attendance.
Mr.
Cartwright devoted some 20 years to public life. He was elected to the
House for the Cat Island District in 1949 and served in Parliament for
seven years.
Governor General Sir Arthur Foulkes and Lady Foulkes; Prime Minister the Rt. Hon. Perry Gladstone Christie; Mrs Bernadette Christie; Cabinet Ministers; Members of Parliament; other dignitaries; and family and friends attend the funeral of William “Bill” Cartwright CMG, at St Gregory’s Anglican Church Monday, June 18. (BIS Photo/Derek Smith)
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© Copyright 2012 by thebahamasweekly.com
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