Biographies of 2019 Features
GROUP A FEATURES
Sir Arthur Foulkes ON, GCMG, LL.D Former Governor-General Commonwealth of The Bahamas
History
His Excellency the Most Honourable Sir Arthur Alexander Foulkes was the eighth Bahamian Governor-General of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas, having demitted office on 8 July 2014. Sir Arthur was sworn in on 14 April 2010 at Government House, upon the retirement of Governor-General the Most Honourable Arthur Dion Hanna. In recognition of his new status, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II elevated Sir Arthur to the status of Knight Grand Cross of the Most Distinguished Order of St. Michael and St. George (GCMG) in June 2010. Arthur Alexander Foulkes was born at Mathew Town, Inagua, 11 May 1928, son of the late Dr. William A. Foulkes and Mrs. Julie Blanche Foulkes nee Maisonneuve. He was educated at public schools in Mathew Town and in Nassau and first worked at The Nassau Guardian as a linotype operator and proof-reader. He joined The Tribune as a linotype operator in 1948 and took up journalism under the tutelage of Editor and Publisher Sir Etienne Dupuch who made him a reporter and later appointed him News Editor of The Tribune. Sir Arthur was founding editor of Bahamian Times, official organ of the Progressive Liberal Party from 1962 to 1967. This newspaper played a pivotal role in the campaign for Majority Rule which was achieved in the general elections of 10 January 1967. He selected as its motto a quote from American emancipation crusader Frederick Douglass: “Without struggle there is no progress”. Later, he was a columnist for The Guardian and The Tribune and from 2002 to 2007 resumed his popular column, “To The Point”, in The Tribune. Sir Arthur was one of the founders of the National Committee for Positive Action, a think tank and activist group within the PLP which supported the leadership of Sir Lynden Pindling and contributed significantly to the achievement of Majority Rule. He drafted the PLP’s Petition to the United Nations Committee of Twentyfour (on decolonization) and was a member of the delegation which presented the Petition in 1965. Sir Arthur wrote many political documents over the years and contributed to the manifestos of both major political parties. He drafted the first platform of the Free National Movement in 1971.
Noted for his stirring oratory in the Sixties, Sir Arthur was elected to Parliament in 1967 and served in various political offices over the years including Minister of Communications and Minister of Tourism in the PLP Government. Under his leadership the Ministry of Tourism chalked up impressive gains in 1969. He also presided over the complete Bahamianization of the management of Batelco, the national public telephone corporation. Sir Arthur was instrumental in enabling black Bahamian stewardesses to work on international flights not only to America but Europe as well. It was on his ministerial watch in 1968 that a Bahamas-based airline, International Air Bahama, flew to Europe for the first time, and an agreement was negotiated for the expansion of Bahamas Airways as an international carrier. Sir Arthur was one of the Dissident Eight who rejected the leadership of Sir Lynden in 1970 and was a founder of the Free National Movement in 1971. He was appointed to the Senate in 1972 and 1977 and was re-elected to the House of Assembly in 1982. He attended international conferences in the Caribbean, Europe, Asia and Africa and in 1972 was one of four Opposition delegates to the Bahamas Independence Constitution Conference in London. He drafted the Opposition’s Memorandum for the conference. In the Seventies when Opposition forces in the country seemed hopelessly splintered, Sir Arthur, together with the late Bazel Nicholls and others, initiated arduous negotiations which finally resulted in a united Opposition under the leadership of Sir Kendal Isaacs in time for the 1982 elections. In 1992 Sir Arthur entered the diplomatic service of The Bahamas as High Commissioner to the United Kingdom and Ambassador to France, Germany, Italy, Belgium and the European Union (resident in London). He represented the Bahamas to the Commonwealth in London, and the African Caribbean Pacific Group in Brussels, was Permanent Representative to the International Maritime Organization and also Doyen of the Caribbean diplomatic corps in the United Kingdom. He founded Friends of The Bahamas, a London-based association. In 1999 he was appointed the first Bahamas Ambassador to the People’s Republic of China and Ambassador to the Republic of Cuba. Both these posts were nonresident. He is a founding member of the China Bahamas Friendship Association. He was made a Knight Commander of the Order of St. Michael and St. George (KCMG) by Queen Elizabeth in the 2001 New Year’s honours list. In October 2011 Sir Arthur was awarded the honorary degree of Doctor of Laws (LL.D.) by Saint John’s University, Minnesota. In October 2018 he was invested with the Order of the Nation (O.N.) by Governor General Dame Marguerite Pindling. After the FNM was returned to office in May 2007, he was appointed Director General of Bahamas Information Services, the Government’s news agency, and designated to act as Deputy to the Governor General.
Sir Arthur is fond of the arts and likes classical and jazz music. He has always taken a special interest in ecology and was an early commentator on environmental issues in the Bahamas. He is a member of Delta Lambda Boule of Sigma Pi Phi Fraternity and a member of the Lunch Bunch. His wife, Lady Foulkes, is the former Joan Eleanor Bullard of Nassau.
Camille, Lady Barnett President of The Bahamas AIDS Foundation
Humanitarianism
Camille, Lady Barnett, has been the President of The Bahamas AIDS Foundation since 2002. She was a Charter Member of the Bahamas AIDS Foundation which was formed in 1992 and has remained an active member of the Board from its inception. She is also an Associate Professor in the School of Social Sciences at the University of The Bahamas. She has a Masters Degree in Social Work and a Masters Degree in Education. Lady Barnett is a member of the National HIV/AIDS Advisory Council. She is the 2010 winner of the Lady Sassoon Golden Heart Award for community service especially in the area of HIV and AIDS. In 2013 she was named a ‘Paul Harris Fellow’ for Community Service in HIV/AIDS by the Rotary Club of East Nassau. Other areas of community service include: Member of The P. A. C. E. Foundation Advisory Board (Providing Access for Continuing Education) 2003-2017. Member of the The Zonta Club of Nassau, 1989 – Present Faculty Advisor, Golden Z Club, University of The Bahamas, 1992-Present 2016 Board Member of Hands for Hunger Lady Barnett is married to Sir Michael Barnett, the former Chief Justice and has two daughters both of whom are attorneys, and one grandchild.
Alfred M. Sears, QC Former Member of Parliament, Attorney General and Minister of Education
Politics & Community
Former Member of Parliament, Attorney General and Minister of Education of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas, Alfred M. Sears, QC is the managing partner of the commercial law firm, Sears & Co. in Nassau, The Bahamas. Sears & Co. is a boutique commercial litigation and corporate law firm that provides globally competitive legal services for Bahamian and international clients. As managing partner of the firm, Alfred’s practice includes insolvency, commercial, civil & constitutional litigation, commercial transactions, financial services, gaming regulations, entertainment law and real estate development. Alfred has been privileged to serve in public office in some of the most influential national and regional entities in the public sector. Elected Member of Parliament for the Fort Charlotte constituency in the 2002 General Elections, he has also served as Attorney General from 2002 to 2006 and Minister of Education, Science and Technology from 2002 to 2007. From 2003 to 2004, Alfred was Chairman of the Caribbean Financial Action Task Force (CFATF), bringing visionary leadership to that body which was engaged in a period of consolidation in its fight against money laundering and terrorism financing. He most recently served as the Chairman of The College Council of the College of The Bahamas and led the transition to the University of The Bahamas from May 2012 to May 2016. As the Member of Parliament for Fort Charlotte, Alfred sponsored, initiated or assisted with the realization of a number of community outreach programmes and projects, such as the Fort Charlotte After School Programme, the Annual Fort Charlotte Arts & Craft Festival, the Marching Band, Adult Computer Classes and the Annual Fort Charlotte Summer Camp, the building of the new T.G. Glover Primary School, the re-engineering of the Perpall Tract Drainage Canal, the construction of the new Magistrate Courts Complex on Nassau Street and the construction of the Ardastra Gardens Housing Subdivision. Alfred is licensed to practice law in New York, New Jersey and the District of Columbia in the United States; The Bahamas and Jamaica. He began his legal career as a Court Attorney the Honourable Justice Seymour Schwartz, Civil Court of Manhattan, New York and worked with Mr. Berthan Macaulay, Q.C. in Kingston, Jamaica and Gibson & Co. in
Nassau, Bahamas. He is experienced in commercial, corporate, civil and criminal litigation. His experience as a tertiary educator began in 1978 as a lecturer of Caribbean Politics and International Relations at Hunter College, City University of New York that granted him Tenured Lecturer status in 1984. From 1992 to 2002, he also taught Labour Law, Business Law and Hospitality Law as an adjunct lecturer in Nassau for the University of the West Indies, Florida International University and Nova Southeastern University. He holds a Certificate of Legal Education from the Norman Manley Law School; Juris Doctor Degree from the New York Law School; and Master of Philosophy, International Relations, Master of International Affairs, International Law and Bachelor of Arts, Political Science from Columbia University, New York. Alfred has also served on a number of professional and community boards and committees including the Caribbean Theatre of the Performing Arts, New York; the United Methodist Church, Board of Global Ministries, New York; Caribbean Culture and Arts Foundation, New York; Caribbean Students Association, Columbia University; Interdenominational Christian Youth Association, Bahamas and Fort Charlotte Community Development Centre, Bahamas. He has written and published a book A Community Life, Alfred M. Sears: A Redemptive Story from Reform School to Attorney General and Minister of Education of The Bahamas; and numerous papers and editorials that appeared in international publications and national newspapers including: “United States Invasion of Panama: Implications for International Law and The Bahamas”, New York Law Journal Jan. 25, 1990; “HIV Infection in The Bahamas: Medico-Legal Ethics and Public Policy Considerations,” The Young Attorney (1992), The Bahama Journal, (March 28, April 4th, 11th & 18th, 1992); “Human Rights and the Treatment of Haitians in The Bahamas,” The Young Attorney (1991) and “Transitional Banking in International Relations; Implications for Third World Political Economy,” Journal of The Third World Diplomacy, (Winter, 1982). Alfred is married to Marion Bethel, a gifted poet. Alfred and Marion are partners in the law firm Sears & Co. He is the father of three children: Adelaja, who lives in New York, Ifedayo and Nia who live in The Bahamas.
Samuel Moss Boater
Personal Triumph
Samuel Moss was born May 23, 1994. He went to Albury Sayle Primary School, H.O. Nash Jr. High School and C.R. Walker Senior High School. Despite a rough childhood, he always loved everything about the water from boating to diving. Samuel was formerly a chef and lifeguard. He is currently full time into boating. He enjoys fixing boats and diving for conch and lobster. He considers the water his business and passion. Unfortunately in 2018, after purchasing a boat from Florida while in route back to Nassau he ran out of fuel and was lost at sea for 16 days. He barely had food or any means of communication. It was a terrifying time but this experience has etched his survival story. Samuel is a fighter and warrior who never gives up. He is grateful for his family’s constant support especially his mother who never loss hope that he would be found during the incident. Samuel is dedicated to building his boating business and hopes to write a book soon. He challenges individuals to put God first, focus on goals and stick with it.
Min. Felicia Archer Fresh Fire Outreach Ministries International
Religion Minister Felicia Archer began delivering motivational speeches from the age of 12 years old and began preaching the gospel from the age of 16 years old on the airwaves of spirit gospel 92.5FM. In 2011 at the age of 18 years old she became the youngest ordained minister of the gospel in the Commonwealth of the Bahamas. She has been anointed and appointed from her mother’s womb for such a time as this. A respected prophetic voice, life coach, entrepreneur, mentor, motivational speaker and author of the book “She found herself” foreword by Bishop Neil C.Ellis. She is known as the “Firestarter” because of the uncommon and dynamic way in which the Lord uses her in ministry and in the prophetic. She is the founder of Fresh Fire Outreach Ministries International which seeks to empower and equip this generation spiritually and intellectually to become agents of change. Minister Archer also serves as the Youth Director for Global United Fellowship Bahamas Province and as the assistant director for Global United Fellowship Millennials Division. She is also the former President of the Pinewood Gardens Urban Renewal Community Youth Advisory Committee. Minister Archer is a member of Mount Tabor Church under the leadership of Bishop Neil and Lady Patrice Ellis were she serves as the Assistant Youth Pastor full time. In 2014, Minister Archer received two National Youth Awards from the Government of the Commonwealth of the Bahamas because of her outstanding contribution and commitment to serving this generation. This young woman is the host of one of the largest attended nondenominational Women’s Conferences in the Bahamas “Woman at the Well”. In 2016, Minister Archer graduated with her Bachelor’s degree in Christian Leadership and Organizational Management from New Covenant University in St. Agustine, Florida. Minister Archer is also a Certified and registered National Youth Director with the government of the Commonwealth of the Bahamas. She has graced the cover of K.I.S.H International magazine and was named Caribbean Woman of the year for 2018. This mighty Woman of God is put on demand in the media, professional and ministry arena’s being one of the youngest leading voices in this generation. She has stood the test of time, paid the price for the anointing and have proven to be authentic, pure and committed to serving her God and this generation. Minister Archer is a prophetic trailblazer and one that God has raised up from the pits to deliver a message of hope to the Nations. In the words of Minister Archer “I am who I am only because of God so to Him be all of the glory”.
Renbert Mortimer Visual Artist
Art
Renbert G. Mortimer II is a graduate of the College of the Bahamas, completing his AA in Sociology (2009) and Bachelors in Psychology with a concentration in Industrial Organizational Psychology (2012). As a creative leader, he continues mentoring young people through his efforts in his mentoring program, art trainings and summer initiatives with the Lyford Cay Foundation F.O.C.U.S On Course to College program. He believes helping them use their God giving talents to elevate other. He has been an inspirational speaker for over 10 years speaking to thousands of young people in The Bahamas and United States of America, and as an author. Illustrator in numerous project, most noteworthy is his own, publishing his book "How to Tame the Beast" which has sold over 300 copies since its release in 2017 and hosting workshops in Cedar Harbour Abaco, recently speaking to Ebenzer Church Royalty Conference to over 100 young women, Fresh Creek Andros and Freeport. Mr. Mortimer is well travelled and experienced. He is also noted for continue volunteering throughout New Providence speaking at P.A.C.E for over 10 years and being involved with an international project and publishing by Dr. Eneas, International Ambassador, on the 100 Greatest Black Leaders of all time. He is the Chief Graphic Designer for RGMII Waynehead Productions, a marketing, concept design and animation company, recently was contracted as the Public Relations and Brand coordinator at the University of The Bahamas, with respect to a brand he create known as the MINGOES designed, and its logo, 3D mascot and other graphic illustrations. He has completed many illustrations and digital graphic services, but mostly, he is known for WAYNES, his whimsical caricatures completed at weddings, parties and other celebrations and digital caricature which is recently the brand of the Carl Jr. BOSS BURGERS, for ALiv Platinum members and MasterCard and Fidelity outreach to their higher end clients. He is the first Caribbean and Bahamian registered under the International Society of Caricature artist, and continues to compete against artist that are the best in the world in this form of exaggerated feature/caricature, being featured in the society website and publishing and drawing along them at theme parks like Disney World. Recently he was award the World's Fastest Caricature Artist 2017.
GROUP B FEATURES
Nancy B. Kelly, M.B.E. President of Kelly’s Home Center, Kelly’s Lumber Yard, and Nassau Motor Co.
Business Category brought to you by Bahamas First Few people have had greater impact on Bahamian society than Nancy B. Kelly, whose business achievements may be paralleled only by her contributions to the community in education, youth development, public health, and the fight against both hunger and cancer. In November, Mrs. Kelly was recognized for her many philanthropic endeavors when she was awarded the Member of the British Empire (M.B.E.) at Buckingham Palace. Nancy grew up in Essex Fells, New Jersey as the daughter of a well-respected attorney whose high standards of hard word, education, and industry left a lasting mark on her character. Nancy’s father also instilled in her the duty to give back to the community and nation and to give opportunities to the less fortunate and those in need. Nancy graduated from Montclair Kimberley Academy and in 2010 was given “The Most Distinguished Alumni Award”. She went on to Smith College where she graduated Cum Laude with a B.A. in Economics. During her Junior Year, she studied abroad at the University of Geneva, Switzerland and later came to visit her roommate who married a Bahamian and met David Kelly. They later married in 1963. Early on in her marriage, Nancy began working for Kelly’s Hardware. Soon, she brought to the business her creative zeal, business acumen, and fashion sense. Needless to say, Kelly’s Hardware underwent a transformation and became Kelly’s House and Home. In 1988 the small storefront business on Bay Street quickly moved on to the 70,000 square foot retail emporium at the Mall at Marathon. What was once limited to hardware swiftly filled its inventory with everything from house paint to dinner plates, table cloths to bone china, and coffee cups to Waterford Crystal. Kelly’s is now home to the country’s busiest bridal registry and the yearly anticipated Christmas Toyland which opens the Holiday Season. Mrs. Kelly has been President of Kelly’s Home Center, Kelly’s Lumber Yard, and Nassau Motor Co. since 2009. The same commitment and dedication that launched Kelly’s into a successful business have been hallmarks of Nancy’s community involvement. She has served on the boards of directors of the Lyford Cay Foundation and the Governor General’s Youth Award for 22 years. In 1996, she led the successful drive to raise $5 million for an ongoing endowment fund in scholarships for the University of the Bahamas. There is hardly a facet of Bahamian society that Nancy Kelly has not influenced. She co-founded the
Princess Margaret Volunteer Association called the Yellow Birds and has served on the Princess Margaret Hospital Foundation Board since 2012. She also has served on the Bahamas Education, Culture & Science Foundation Board. As an active member of the Bahamas Chamber of Commerce, she was instrumental in founding the Crime Prevention Program and in 2002 she was named the Chamber’s Businessperson of the Year. She is the recipient of the Rotary Club of Nassau Paul Harris Award for Community Service. Nancy and her late husband have long time substantial donors to the Cancer Caring Centre. As a tireless supporter of the Bahamas Red Cross, Nancy has helped to set up soup kitchens in the aftermath of natural disasters, has served for years on its Raffle Committee, has helped with a toy drive, and continues to promote the work of the Society. Nancy believes strongly in the power of its mission to feed the hungry and needy of the Bahamas. Nancy’s expert business acumen, boundless energy, charitable spirit, and positive enthusiasm have enabled her to touch the lives of so many Bahamians.
The Hon. Travis L. Robinson M.P Member of Parliament for the constituency of Bain and Grants Town
Politics & Community Hon. Travis L. Robinson is the President and CEO of Consult Tourism Bahamas LTD; a local Bahamian consultancy firm for Tourism related investments, projects and developments. He is also the founder of The Rising Star Organization, which is an elite male mentorship organization designed to train, empower and equip young boys who are student leaders to become world changers. He is completing a Bachelor of Science Degree in Tourism Management at The University of The Bahamas and served as the Senate Speaker and Senator for the Culinary Hospitality Management Institute; now currently serving as Presidential Advisor. Having completed a course for Young Political Leaders Worldwide, Travis serves as an Ambassador for the International Visitor Leadership Program for The United States Embassy in Nassau, Bahamas. He is a former Head Boy of C.R. Walker Senior High School, T.A. Thompson Junior High School, and Stephen Dillet Primary in Nassau, Bahamas. Travis served as the 2013-2014 Junior Minister of Tourism for The Commonwealth of The Bahamas. He is the youngest Bahamian to sit as youth speaker for the Ministry of Youth, Sports, and Culture’s Youth in Parliament sessions 2012; also serving for two consecutive terms as youth Honourable Member for the constituency of Bains and Grants Town. Travis has received the Minister of National Security Award for serving as Battalion Commander for the Royal Bahamas Defence Force Rangers Program for three consecutive years; and the 2014 National Gentlemen of The Year Award from the Gentlemen’s Club of The Bahamas and The Commonwealth of The Bahamas Youth in Leadership Award from the Ministry of Youth, Sports, and Culture. Travis is certified by the Ministry of Youth, Sports, and Culture in Youth Leadership and Development and enjoys working with young people. He is part of the 15th Nassau, Bahamas Battalion of Boys Brigade, where he serves as staff sergeant receiving the National Chairman’s Awards and many others. He is the fifth of six children. He was born to Samuel and Maxine Robinson and guided by the hands of his adopted mother, Ianne Seymour-Bain. Travis was born and raised in Bains and Grants Town and hopes that all of his undertakings will encourage more young people to follow their dreams and to be the change they want to see in their communities. His favourite valuable nugget is, “Do not down-grade your dreams to match your reality, upgrade your faith to match your destiny.” On May 10th, 2017 Travis Robinson was elected as the Member of Parliament for the constituency of Bains and Grants Town. At the age of 22, he now serves as the youngest elected Member of Parliament in the history of The Bahamas. On May 22nd, 2017 he was appointed Parliamentary Secretary for The Ministry of Tourism and Aviation. He has branded himself as a #YouthfulSolution, he is the Hon. Travis L. Robinson.
Arlene Nash Ferguson Former Director of Culture, Heritage & Entertainment at the Ministry of Tourism.
Culture Mrs. Arlene Nash Ferguson was born in Delancey Town, Nassau, The Bahamas, and educated at St. John’s College and the Government High School. She holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in History from McMaster University in Hamilton, Canada, a Post-Graduate Diploma in Education from the University of the West Indies, and a Master’s in Education from the University of Miami. Veteran educator, Mrs. Ferguson served formally in the field of Education for twentyfour years, during which time she held the positions of Senior Mistress at the Government High School, lecturer in History and Assistant Chairperson of the Social Sciences Division of the College of the Bahamas, and Vice Principal of both the Preparatory and Secondary Departments of St. John’s College. The last nine years of her formal service in the field of Education were spent as Principal of St. John’s College, the largest school operated by the Anglican Diocese in The Bahamas. Mrs. Ferguson is an avid proponent of Bahamian culture, and has participated in the Junkanoo parades from the age of four. She has served on the National Junkanoo Committee, the Steering Team of the One Family Junkanoo and Community Organization, and the Junkanoo Development Association. She has published two books, one on Junkanoo and one on Thomas A. Robinson. Mrs. Ferguson’s community involvement has also included membership on the Central Advisory Committee on Education, the Council of the College of the Bahamas, The Bahamas National Commission on Culture, The Bahamas National Advisory Council on Crime, volunteer teaching at Her Majesty’s Prison, and Consultant on Culture for the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture. She has received numerous awards for her work, including the British Empire Medal for outstanding service in Education and Culture, in the Queen’s Birthday Honours 2010. Mrs. Ferguson is the co-host of the radio show Junkanoo 242! In 2000, Mrs. Ferguson and her husband Silbert founded Educulture Bahamas Ltd, an enterprise that offers support services to schools, cultural and educational consultancies, and houses a Junkanoo Museum and Resource Center. From 2012 – 2017, Mrs. Ferguson held the post of Director of Culture, Heritage & Entertainment at the Ministry of Tourism. Mrs. Ferguson is the daughter of the late Mrs. Olga Bosfield Nash and the late H. O. Nash.
Ramon Miller World Class Athlete, Golden Knight
Sports
I am a proud Bahamian Elite World Class Athlete, who finds joy in representing the Bahamas in the sport of track and field. I am most humbled and proud to have been chosen as the anchor leg, to represent my Bahama land at the 2102, London, Olympics that successfully bought home the “Gold” making an indelible mark in the history of track and field in the men mile relay (4x400m). The experience of such auspicious and momentous event was crowning specifically hearing the Bahamian National Anthem being played while adorned in our Bahamian colors and receiving the Gold Medal, recognizing the impact it contributed to the Bahamas and its people home and abroad. Additionally, as a world class athlete I utilize creativity, leadership, teamwork, and effective communication to excel. As an achiever, I believe in these values that have helped me in my accomplishments; self-desire self-determination, self-dedication, and self-discipline. I put God first in everything that I am; my motto in life is “I have joyfully dedicated my whole life to the object of exemplifying how much may be accomplished by prayer and faith.” George Mueller….. In 2008 I was afforded the opportunity to represent the Bahamas at the 2008 Olympics in Beijing, China, where my fellow countrymen and I were able to capture the Silver Medal in the mile relay (4x400m). It was spectacular to have been showcased with our medals on the world stage. Following the 2008 Olympics Games, I extended my status as an elite Bahamian athlete, in 2009 I ranked 16th in the individual men 400m in the world, and upon completing my Bachelor’s Degree at Dickinson State University, North Dakota, coveting the title the Most Valuable Athlete awards during Indoors and Outdoors NAIA National Track and Field Championships. In 2010, I acquired my first major individual medal in the 400m at the 19th Commonwealth Games in New Delhi, India receiving a Bronze Medal. On June 22nd, 2013 I became the National Champion in 400m running 44.93 making the world class standard ranking in the top seven (7) fastest times in the world to date. In April, 2014 I received the highest award ever given by Dickinson State University “Golden Hawks Award.”
Dr. Desirée Cox, MD, PhD Founder of The Health, Self-Efficacy, Analytics and Life-Design Incubator
Education Category brought to you by Sun Oil Limited Dr. Desirée CoX, was born in The Bahamas. Educated at McGill University (Montreal, Canada) and Oxford University (UK) and Cambridge University (UK), she is the First Bahamian Rhodes scholar and First Woman from the British Caribbean to win a Rhodes Scholarship, a medical doctor, creative artist, inventor, and global thought leader in stem cell and regenerative medicine. In January 2019 was one of 5 International Action Award recipients at the 2019 World Stem cell Summit, held at the Hyatt Regency, Miami; in 2018 she was a speaker at the 'Unite to Cure' conference at the Vatican; in 2017 she was one of 6 outstanding Pembroke College, Oxford University alumni whose photographic portraits hung in the Great Hall at Pembroke College 2017-2018. These select alumni are persons whom the Governing Body and Art Committee of Pembroke College, Oxford University, have determined are distinguishing themselves in their respective professional fields, are thought-leaders, have achieved prominence in the public eye and especially through focusing their expertise on social impact. Dr. Cox is a graduate of Queens College, Nassau, Bahamas and, was inducted in the QC Hall of Fame in January 2016. At the 40th Independence Celebrations, in 2013, the Bahamas Government honored Dr. Cox by issuing a 70-cent stamp into circulation bearing her photograph. Dr. Cox is a bridge-builder advancing future health innovation both in The Bahamas and internationally. Her 20+ year experience in the healthcare space in the UK, Europe, North America and The Bahamas combines an impressive, rare and unique range of skills and capacities gained from a career that has spanned clinical medicine, academia, research and development, regulatory sciences, and the design, development and implementation of high–impact health and social enterprises. Her experience in health care consulting includes consulting for biotech companies and major pharmaceutical companies including Amgen, GSK and Novartis on pipeline therapeutic products and medical devices. She is rigorous in promoting safety, equity, diversity and inclusion in healthcare. Her vast experience includes clinical medicine, academia, research and development, regulatory sciences, design and consultant to biotech companies, governments and major pharmaceutical companies. She is the
recipient of numerous international awards and has published in numerous trade and academic journals. In 2016 she Founded The Health, Self-Efficacy, Analytics and Life-Design Incubator (The HEALinc) in The Bahamas to help entrepreneurs, innovators and leaders from local, regional and diaspora communities access the resources they need to improve the health and well-being of people in the Caribbean and the Americas. In 2018, she founded the HEALinc Future Health Innovation Summit as an annual Summit with the objective of catalyzing a global super-ecosystem for investment, research and education in Regenerative Medicine and Life-Sciences Innovations for bridging to the future of health. (To learn more visit http://www.thehealinc.com/.)
K. Darron Turnquest BSc. M.A, CIPM, CHRA, CHRM Deputy Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Youth, Sports & Culture.
Youth Development Kyran “Darron” Turnquest is a Bahamian native celebrated for his distinct ability to inspire, motivate, cultivate and drive the change process. An accomplished counseling psychologist, public speaker, youth development specialist, and corporate trainer, Mr. Turnquest has proven his ability to galvanize individuals, communities, institutions, and organizations to be the “change we want to see.” In 2005, Mr. Turnquest received his Bachelor of Science in Psychology with a minor in Political Science from Acadia University in Nova Scotia, Canada and in 2007 he earned a M.A. in Psychology from Anna Maria College in Paxton, MA. While pursuing his Master ’s degree, Mr. Turnquest worked at numerous institutions for at-risk youth in Boston. After completing his degree and work term in Massachusetts, Mr. Turnquest followed his dream of wanting to return to The Bahamas. No stranger to hard work and with a strong commitment to service, upon his return home he served as Counseling Psychologist at the Bahamas Crisis Centre and as the Director of Residential Planning at The Bahamas Institute of Adolescent and Child Mental Health. In 2007 Mr. Turnquest served in dual capacity as a psychologist and classroom teacher at St. Andrew’s School in Nassau. Toda y, Mr. Turnquest is accomplishing yet another goal as he works to advance the status of today’s youth in The Bahamas, and serves as a corporate trainer and coach to many major companies throughout the country. Mr. Turnquest serves as an Adjunct Professor of Psychology at The College of The Bahamas and as the Clinical Director for Key Potential Counseling. In 2011, Mr. Turnquest was appointed by the Bahamas Public Service Commission as the youngest person to serve as a Director and since August 2011 has served as Director of Youth within the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture. Among these responsibilities, Mr. Turnquest was selected as the National Co-Chair for Volunteer Bahamas. Toda y, Mr. Turnquest also serves as the Dean of the CARICOM Secretariat Technical Resource Network on Youth Affairs. In September of 2017, Mr. Turnquest was promoted to the position of Deputy Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Youth, Sports & Culture. Mr. Turnquest recently earned his certification as an International Project Manager and is also certified as a Human Resource Analyst and Human Resource Manager (International Designations).