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Doswell Coakley swearing-in ceremony for Senator
Sen. Coakley to bring much needed focus to the plight of Bahamians on G.B.

NASSAU, Bahamas – Newly appointed Progressive Liberal Party Senator, the Honourable Dr. Doswell Coakley viewed his appointment to the Upper Chamber as a determined effort to bring much needed focus to the plight of Bahamians in Freeport and the entire Grand Bahama area.

Senator Coakley’s comments came shortly after being sworn in as a Senator at Government House on Monday morning by His Excellency, the Hon. Arthur D. Hanna. Also on hand welcoming the new Senator was Prime Minister the Right Honourable Perry G. Christie who spoke highly of Mr. Coakley.

Dr. Coakley has served The Bahamas as Police Officer, Director of Immigration and a diplomat, his last posting being Consul-General in New York.

He currently serves as Deputy Chairman of the National Insurance Board, and is a two time President of the Grand Bahama Chamber of Commerce, a former Chairman of BASRA, Freeport, and Past President of the Rotary Club of Lucaya.

“Having regard to the depth and diversity of Dr. Coakley’s public and private sector involvement; his proven track record of loyal and patriotic service to our country; his outstanding academic achievements over the years, and, of course, his determination to contribute further to the development of our nation on the political frontlines, it should come as no surprise that I have decided to place him in the Senate,” the Prime Minister said.

Mr. Christie added that Dr. Coakley is an extremely capable and committed individual who has much to contribute to our ongoing efforts to transform The Bahamas into a land of economic prosperity and social justice.

Responding Dr. Coakley told the gathering of family, friends, politicians and well wishers at Government House on Monday, that he owes much to former Police Commissioner, Mr. B.K. Bonamy, the Progressive Liberal Party, and the late Sir Lynden Pindling for the success of his political career.

“It is ironic therefore that almost forty-one years to the day, since joining the Police Force, the Rt. Honourable Prime Minister, Perry G. Christie would emerge as my political coach and cause my appointment to the Senate,” he said.

He went on to tell Mr. Christie that “I accept your intervention as not only a vote of confidence in me, but a determined effort to bring much needed focus to the plight of Bahamians in Freeport, and indeed the entire Grand Bahama Island.

“The people of that island need all the help they can get. They are drowning under the social and economic pressure of an uncaring environment. The cost of electricity, food and license fees are out of control and thereby making the Bahamian entrepreneur a dying breed. There is also a significant lack of tourists, especially when compared with Nassau,” he stated.

Dr. Coakley only recently resigned from his second term as President of the Grand Bahama Chamber of Commerce to pursue a career in politics and is the PLP’s candidate for the High Rock Constituency in Grand Bahama.

Continuing, Dr. Coakley told those attending the ceremony that Grand Bahama needs direct intervention if the island is to realize its full potential.

“I therefore can assure you Prime Minister, that Grand Bahamians welcome this appointment, if for no reason other than they feel the need for on the ground proactive political leadership.

“Grand Bahama now has a full compliment of political representation at all levels, and they expect results,” he said.

Turning his focus on the High Rock Constituency he said that their economic situation is unfortunately tied to the saga of Freeport.

“We want to extricate ourselves from that city’s woes, and cultivate our own identity and initiatives, so as to take advantage of the many existing opportunities and potentials that exists in the area,” he said.

Dr. Coakley charged that the people of the High Rock Constituency are tired of the lack of representation, and of being overlooked, and are looking for new direction.

Concluding, he thanked the Prime Minister for bringing Grand Bahama and its issues to the forefront.

“Thanks for the focus on growing new business opportunities for Bahamians, and thanks for providing the vehicle for me to continue to pursue my passion, that being to help find ways to empower our people,” he said.

Dr. Coakley becomes the third resident of Grand Bahama to sit in the current Senate and it is the first time in history that Grand Bahama has had three members in the upper chamber. He joins Senator, Dr. Marcus Bethel, and Senator Caleb Outten.

By SIMON LEWIS
Bahamas Information Services