Cynthia “Mother” Pratt, the nation’s 12th governor general, was sworn in on Friday and made a commitment that she would assess the situation and determine where assistance was required. “We shall accomplish great things if we work together,” she said, calling for good citizenship to achieve the best outcomes for all, especially the young who should be inspired to rise, people with special needs who can advance to positively contribute to nationhood, and older people who need an outstretched arm to help them live in dignity.
“Support the weak, lift up the fallen,” she said. “I pray that with the help of God we shall together lift up our eyes to the rising sun and build up our nation in peace, love and joy.”
Prime Minister and Minister Philip “Brave” Davis touted the various achievements and character of the newly-appointed Governor-General, whom he affectionately referred to as “The Lady from Coconut Grove” “We are here today to honour a woman who has served in so many capacities – and with such dignity and grace – that she earned the name ‘Mother’, a name that reveals the affection and gratitude of the many, many people she has cared for and helped throughout her storied career,” Davis said, during the Induction Ceremony.
“The lives she has touched number in the thousands,” he added. “I am not alone in believing that she has a special calling – an anointing, to say – to be a protector and comforter for the Coconut Grove community and for many others throughout The Bahamas.” The Prime Minister stated that Governor-General Pratt was “the living embodiment of a servant leader”.
“We are reminded of how Christ described the path to true leadership: ‘Whoever wants to be great among you, must become a servant’,” he said, adding that “Cynthia ‘Mother’ Pratt has served her way to greatness.”
