A noted philosopher once said that almost every quarter century or so someone comes along who impacts your life to the extent that they become the role model that one tries to emulate and follow. Such was the impact that Mary Nabb had on my life, along with countless others through the length and breath of the Bahamas. Her passing last week was indeed a major set back for the human rights movement in the Bahamas as everyone is well aware that Mary Nabb was one of the pillars in the Grand Bahama Human Rights Association.
Despite coming from humble beginnings, Mary Nabb was not an ordinary person but “extraordinary.” Her uncompromising passion for justice and basic human righs for all was legendary. When all else failed then you approach Mary Nabb. Mrs. Nabb would assist anyone no matter what their social status in life whether it was rich or poor, black or white, conchy joe or Haitian, Turks Islander or Bahamian, Foreigners or etc. All had a friend in Mary Nabb. Helplessness and hopelessness was often replaced by encouraging optimism when Mary Nabb was on the scene.
When pursuing a just cause, quitting was never an option for Mary Nabb. Politicians, institutions, employers and at times even the police had no choice but to give in to Mary Nabb. How they dreaded the occasion whenever Mary Nabb showed up. However, her first love was the children of the Bahamas, having literally taught thousands over the years., many of whom have gone on to be a credit rather than a burden to their communities and the Bahamas. In particular her top priority was the safety and protection of the little darlings of the nation, while attempting to impose good moral standards and family values. Parents, teachers, authorities, etc , often felt the full wrath of Mary Nabb’s fury for their negligence or lack of responsible action when it came to the children.
I met Mary Nabb for the first time when I moved to Freeport in June of 1983 almost 21 years ago. Immediately, I was touched and inspired by her unselfish generosity. She entered my office with a young man wearing a Hawksbill High School uniform and introduced him as “one of her boys.” The explanation provided by her was that it was exam week and that this youngster was one of her brightest. However, his attention was being distracted as he was suffering from a severe toothache. She then opened her purse and in the spirit of the good Samaritan handed over whatever money she had with the promise that she would return later if what she had was insufficient. I didn’t realize it at that time but that action pretty much summed up the life of Mary Nabb – a wise woman with a heart of gold.
Later in life, as I got to know her better, her commitment to help others without any regards to whatever personal sacrifice she had to make became even more obvious. In the Bahamas the lack of funding for human rights activities is most disgraceful. At one time over 400 requests for financial assistance to different professionals, banks, institutions, etc, there was not a single positive response. Members of the Grand Bahama Human Rights Association had to put their hands in their own pockets to fund the association. Mary Nabb when her limited funds did not permit her to participate in these collections would often remind us that her only income was her measly teacher’s pension. With total amazement, the Bahamian public would be shocked when they discovered that for the last twelve years of her life and well after (her retirement), Mary Nabb worked as a teacher without any compensation. Can you imagine a Bahamas where everyone was like Mary Nabb? Instead all we see is uncontrolled selfish greed with the “all-for-me-baby” and the “give-me-give-me” generation. However, despite her limited financial responsibility, Mary Nabb was still able to donate to needy persons on a regular basis. Often times, I would meet her in Winn Dixie with a shopping list trying to stretch her money to purchase goods for others. If I was in position, I will slip her a little something to help, feeling at times guilty and ashamed for not sacrificing more of what I had to assist others like Mary Nabb did.
Mary Nabb was the spark plug that ignited the Grand Bahama Human Rights Association. After the passing of D’arcy Ryan and Lionel Dorsett and with Joe Darville relocating to Nassau and Attorney Fred Smith becoming more involved in his law practice, Mary Nabb and myself spear headed the Human Rights activities in Grand Bahama and indeed the Bahamas.. We were the eyes and ears of international human rights associations such as Amnesty International who at times would contact us for an opinion on a particular matter. Mary Nabb was the whip of the association and was always trying to recruit others. However, human rights activists in the Bahamas very soon learned that such a label came with a high price of unjust criticism, often labeled as Haitian lovers, murderer and criminal protectors and defenders, trouble makers, etc. Many persons after joining the organizations would soon drop out because they could not handle such criticism. On a number of occasions, I have witnessed the name of Mary Nabb being the subject of cruel and indecent criticism and often times having to defend her good name against the voices of ignorance and prejudice. Yes contrary to the perception of some, Mary Nabb was a Bahamian having proudly traded in her English Rose for the Bahamian Yellow Elder.
Regretably, much of the work of Mary Nabb will never be known. This is due to the confidential nature of much of her work. Cases of incest, child molestation, abuses of many kind, even baby selling have all been investigated and concluded by Mary Nabb. Oh how she detested when fancy cars would pull into schoolyards and young girls would race to get in and drive off with the driver. When she revealed to the public that prostitution rings existed with girls as young as twelve and thirteen at times with full parental knowledge, she was publicly ridiculed even though this issue received national attention and was discussed in Parliament. Mary Nabb’s proclamation was that we were in a nation bankrupt with morals and laws promoting morals were not enforced.
Mary Nabb in my humble opinion was a “Golden Girl.” Despite the ripe young age of 81, she had more energy than an Olympic athlete. Anytime, night or day, she was available to assist anyone. Whenever, she contacted me at an awkward hour she would be so apologetic, I would often remind her that we would carry the name of human rights activists, often live a life of sacrifice. Indeed, we are the lucky ones as around the world, many human rights activists are imprisoned, being tortured or even paying the ultimate price for their outspokenness. Where did Mary Nabb get her motivation to carry out her good deeds? In his homily at the funeral of Mary Nabb, Monsignor Ambrose McKinnon described such motivation as the faith. Only Mary Nabb could shut down Freeport as it happened during her funeral. Politicians from all parties including cabinet ministers, department heads, general managers, who should have been at a State Funeral in Nassau instead decided to attend Mary Nabb’s funeral. But the most touching part was when the sea of Grand Bahamian students from West End to Sweetings Cay marched with Mary Nabb’s body to the church. Yes, Mary Nabb got into a lot of people’s business because she was in the business of people.
As I take this opportunity to say goodbye to my dear friend and colleague, I sincerely hope that Bahamians look at her life as an example as to how we should live and contribute to the well-being of the Bahamas. I am indeed grateful and feel fortunate to have worked along with Mary Nabb, fighting for justice. Because of that relationship, undoubtedly my life has been made richer and increased my resolve to assist others. And so my dear friend, I bid thee farewell. “Adieu” Well done, you good and faithful servant. May the good Lord in all of his mercies grant you your just reward.
Dr. Leatendore D. Percentie
DDS. Secretary Grand Bahama Human Rights Association
