Minister of Tourism, the Hon. Obie Wilchcombe and to the right is renowned US public figure, Andrew Young. (Photo: Vandyke Hepburn)

FREEPORT, Bahamas – Tourism Minister the Hon. Obediah Wilchcombe on Monday described Dr. Myles Munroe as a man who died fighting for his country.

Mr. Wilchcombe’s comments came during the opening session of the Global Leadership Forum currently underway at the Grand Lucayan Resort on Grand Bahama Island.

The event is sponsored annually by Myles Munroe International and the International Third World Leaders Association. Dr. Munroe, who also heads Bahamas Faith Ministries International, died in a plane crash on Grand Bahama Sunday evening, along with his wife and seven others.

His death sent shock waves across The Bahamas and throughout the world. He was en-route to Grand Bahama for the start of the conference when his private jet crashed.

“To reflect on the words of Martin Luther King when he said if there is something worth fighting for, it’s worth dying for. Myles Munroe died fighting for his country,” Mr. Wilchcombe said.

He said the popular Christian leader fought and he did all that he could to help the people of The Bahamas. Also that he made a commitment to the island of Grand Bahama to help it rise from its low economic situation, and did so.

“He said that he would cause all that he could to make life better for the people of our country. He spoke about it, but he [also] lived it, life with a purpose, understanding at all times the words may sound good but it is the actions that will determine whether or not the words have meaning,” he said.

According to the Tourism Minister every single day Dr. Munroe sought to ensure whether it was in the church, whether it was in the community, he ensured at all times people understood that the purpose in life is the contribution that you have been called to make by the almighty and doing so fearlessly in ensuring a better society and a people.

At front, standing at right is special guest, renowned US public figure, Andrew Young. Seated are, from right: Prime Minister the Rt. Hon. Perry Christie, Minister of Tourism the Hon. Obadiah Wilchcombe, and Minister of Transport and Aviation, the Hon. Glenys Hanna Martin. (Photo: Vandyke Hepburn)

He said that on Sunday upon hearing the tragedy, the nation mourned “and our hearts are broken, but we understand that he is in a better place. We understand that God is good and in all things we ought to give God thanks.

“And, we ought to celebrate the fact that he walked this earth with us and that Myles Munroe for practically all his life whether through singing with a group, working with the Government, serving the church was carrying out his purpose in life.

“And so today, as Minister of Tourism, I welcome you to The Bahamas, and I welcome you to what he started for us here and I on his behalf and others ask you to enjoy our country but use this moment for reflections of a man who made a difference.

“Use this conference to think of your own life and the things that we ought to do to advance the lives of others,” he told the gathering.

The conference closes out on Wednesday evening. The featured speaker at the three-day event is Ambassador Andrew Young, former Mayor of Atlanta and UN Ambassador, civil rights leader and an ordained pastor in the United States.

Also addressing the opening session was the Minister for Grand Bahama, the Hon. Dr. Michael Darville who said that he was pleased that the organizers of the Global Leadership Forum have decided to continue with the conference, despite the tragic loss of Dr. Munroe and senior pastors of Bahamas Faith Ministries.

“I am certain that Pastor Myles would have wanted it no other way. That is why this morning it is indeed an honour and a privilege for me to bring welcome remarks at the opening of this year’s Global Leadership Summit and to pay tribute to a great Bahamian, world leader, a mentor and friend,” Dr. Darville stated.

He pointed out that at the end of the 2013 Summit Dr. Munroe expressed his passion for Grand Bahama, and gave his commitment to assist with the island’s economic turnaround and announced that he would do all in his power to ensure that the 2014 conference would be held on Grand Bahama Island.

“I am grateful that Dr. Munroe remained committed to his word and as a result, hundreds of leaders from around the world have converged on Grand Bahama once again to be recharged and to hear what God is saying to the nations,” he said.

(Photo: Vandyke Hepburn)

Dr. Darville also expressed that Dr. Munroe shared and understood the belief that crucial to the recovery of Grand Bahama Island’s economy and securing its place as a major player in the global market, is the island’s promotion as a place where the tourism, industrial and maritime sector can thrive simultaneously.

“As a result, he committed to host this international conference on the island of Grand Bahama, which would normally have been held on New Providence, which over the past two years has attracted hundreds of visitors to Grand Bahama, injecting millions of dollars into our local economy, creating numerous prospects for the international exposure of our state of the art harbour and infrastructure; and by extension, employment and entrepreneurial opportunities for our residents,” he said.

The Minister for Grand Bahama further told delegates and participants that he anticipates that the sessions will equip each of them with a renewed sense of purpose, conviction, vision, passion as well as the skills that are necessary to be an effective leader in these challenging times.

“I am truly excited about this focus on ethical leadership as service to God and country is one of the most honourable means by which any citizen can contribute to the building of their nation and the world.

“I encourage all of our local and national leaders to actively participate in the sessions as I am sure that a great deal of information will be disseminated over the next few days,” Dr. Darville stated.