NASSAU, Bahamas — Governor General Sir Arthur Foulkes presented 10 new Government Senators with their Instruments of Appointment during an Appointment Ceremony at Government House, Monday, May 21, 2012.
The new Senators include:
- Senator Frank Edward Smith
- Senator Gregory Conrad Burrows
- Senator Jerome Pastel Gomez
- Senator Julian Bedell Russell
- Senator Gary Martin Sawyer
- Senator Henry Alexander Leon Storr
- Senator Sharon Roena Wilson
- Senator Joseph Ricardo Curry
- Senator Cheryl Eloise Bazard
They join Senator Allyson Maynard-Gibson and Senator Keith Bell who received their Instruments of Appointment when they were appointed to Cabinet positions during earlier ceremonies at Government House.
Prime Minister Perry Gladstone Christie; Mrs Bernadette Christie; Lady Foulkes; Members of Parliament; civic leaders; senior government officials; family of the Senators and scores of well-wishers were present for the event.
Prime Minister Christie said he was struck by the age demographic represented by the group, and also by the large number of first-time Parliamentarians.
“Indeed, with the exception of Mrs Wilson, the former and I suspect future president of the Senate, the only other Government Senator with prior parliamentary experience amongst the 12 of them is Senator Maynard-Gibson.
“This newness, seasoned with tried and tested experience, augurs well with the generational change that is already well underway regarding politics in our country,” the Prime Minister said.
“It is so refreshing, to see so many new persons stepping forward to take their part in the governance of our country.”
Prime Minister Christie noted that those on his team not chosen to serve on the Senate, may be afforded the opportunity, later during this government’s current term.
He said, “In the meantime, other forms of important service to the nation will be made available to them. I will see to that.”
The Prime Minister said, “Now that the Parliament of The Bahamas is fully constituted, we all look forward to the opening of Parliament within the next two days.
“There is a great deal of work ahead of us; I am sure that all Senators have put themselves in a state of full readiness to play their part in the further building of our beloved nation,” he added.
By Llonella Gilbert
Bahamas Information Services
