Prime Minister Philip Davis’ Remarks at Renaming Ceremony of the Ruth Millar Mortgage Corporation Building

Good Morning,

Today, as we rename this building in her honour, we reflect on the memory of Ruth Millar and her legacy as a nation-builder. 

Ruth Millar was a star. She set a standard of excellence wherever she went in a career that included nursing, public health administration, business, and, of course, her stellar leadership here at the Bahamas Mortgage Corporation. 

Many know her for her leadership at the Ministry of Finance as Financial Secretary, overseeing the nation’s finances from 1994 to 2008.

She was the first woman to serve as Hospital Administrator at Princess Margaret Hospital, and she was also the first woman to serve as the Mortgage Corporation’s Managing Director.

In fact, she was the first-ever Managing Director of BMC, steering the corporation from its inception in 1983 until 1992. 

In many ways, she paved the way for other Bahamian women who aspired to hold executive posts in government agencies and corporations.

She was a trailblazer in so many ways. The BMC is here today because of the contributions of this extraordinary woman. Given the ways she has influenced the development of BMC over the years, it is only fitting that the headquarters is named after her.

The “Ruth Millar Administrative Complex” is a testament to her lasting legacy – a monument to the standard of excellence that she upheld and left as an example for us to follow. 

Today’s celebration is two-fold. As we rename this building, we are also marking the 40th anniversary of the Bahamas Mortgage Corporation. What better way to celebrate this milestone than by honouring the visionary leader who laid its cornerstone?

Behind Ruth Millar’s achievements was a woman of unparalleled spirit. Her life’s philosophy is a testament to her belief that hard work indeed pays off. This philosophy took her from the nursing wards in London to the very pinnacle of our nation’s finance, healthcare, and housing sectors. With every degree and accolade she earned, Ruth Millar demonstrated her versatility and dedication to perpetual growth. 

She was Bahamian excellence personified. Her work has touched the lives of countless Bahamians. 

Even as she built her historic and unprecedented career, she remained deeply connected to her family and community. The love she held for her daughter Monique, her grandson Rasheed, whom she endearingly called “The Prince,” and her wider family, was evident in the way she cherished them. Many of us have had the pleasure of attending her famous “Annual Production” – the Millar family Christmas Dinner.

Throughout her career, Mrs. Millar’s track record earned her the respect and admiration of all who knew her. She was a recipient of the Bahamas Financial Services Board’s Lifetime Achievement Award and was made a Companion of the Most Excellent Order of St. Michael and St. George (C.M.G.) by Queen Elizabeth II – fitting acknowledgements of her contributions to our nation.

Ruth Millar’s unparalleled career is an example of what Bahamians are capable of at our very best. 

The renaming of this building is not merely a symbolic gesture. It is our collective acknowledgement of a life lived in service, of barriers broken, and of a career that will continue to inspire generations. 

The legacy of Ruth Millar will live on through us.

Thank you. And God bless you.