Colleagues,
Esteemed retirees,
Ladies and gentlemen,
Good afternoon.
It is humbling to be a part of this luncheon, accompanied by so many giants from the public sector.
The venerable retirees gathered today boast a combined 333 years of service to the Government of The Bahamas.
It is my privilege to stand before you as we celebrate your tremendous impact and your enduring commitment to country.
Over the course of your careers, you have executed your duties at the highest levels and with the utmost respect for our country’s legal and moral principles.
You are all nation builders in your own right and the Government of The Bahamas has been fortunate to have professionals of your calibre choose to make your contributions as public servants.
At its core, nation-building requires character-driven leadership – the kind that seeks justice even when it is difficult, safeguards fairness even when inconvenient, and secures the common good at any and every cost.
In these times, it is more important now than ever before that we have public servants who demonstrate an unyielding commitment to serving with integrity – like the retirees among us today – who have given years of excellence in service to our nation.
I take this occasion to commend each and every one of our noble retirees of the Office of the Attorney General and Ministry of Legal Affairs.
If those coming behind you serve with the same levels of diligence and passion that you have demonstrated, I am certain that the Office of the Attorney General and Ministry of Legal Affairs will be in good hands.
Ms. Antionette Bonamy, Mr. David Higgins, Ms. Stephanie Pintard, Ms. Linda Evans, Mrs. Erica Kemp, Mrs. Fern Bowleg, Ms. Laverne Dean, Ms. Veronica Bodie Reckley, Ms. Imgreta Carey, Mrs. Vera Knowles, and Ms. Stephanie McPhee: your names are now etched in the annals of our nation’s public service.
Through your service – justice, fairness, and integrity have been upheld in our country.
I thank you for your efforts to promote the rule of law, to champion human rights, and to furnish justice for us all.
I have no doubt that your principled leadership has inspired others to join the public service to build their careers and make a difference.
The continued development of our nation depends on more character-driven leaders like you ascending to the highest ranks of government.
We need more leaders who find their power and purpose in serving others. Selfless public service is about good governance – but it is also about creating a brighter future for our people.
On behalf of the Government of The Bahamas, I thank you all for your remarkable service.
As we look back on your careers, let us also look forward to your new chapter.
I don’t see retirement as a finish line, I see it as the beginning of a new season, brimming with opportunities to rediscover old interests, explore new horizons, and grow in unexpected ways.
Friends, I encourage you to consider how your skills and knowledge might now be applied to mentorship, community service, or other personal pursuits.
This new stage of life affords you the latitude to reimagine the ways you contribute to our society and pursue personal and professional fulfillment.
In closing, I say thank you once again, and I salute the friends, families, and communities that have supported you on your journey to this mountaintop.
Congratulations, retirees – you have my very best wishes for the future.
May God bless you, and may God bless the Commonwealth of The Bahamas.