Delta Epsilon Sigma Chapter

Nassau, Bahamas

The Delta Epsilon Sigma Chapter of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Inc. in Nassau, Bahamas is celebrating 45 years of culture for service and service for humanity. The chapter was established on May 20, 1978, at the British Colonial Hilton under the auspices of Hon. Bro. Richard M. Bullard, Jr. – National President. The charter members are Bro. Enoch Backforde, Bro. Danny Strachan, Bro. Kevin A. Hanna, Bro. Freddie A. Munnings Jr. and Bro. William H. Dean.

The setting and list of attendees at the chartering ceremony were impressive, including Bro Charles Wright – National 1st Vice President; Bro. William Doar – National Executive Director; Bro. George Ellis – Chairman of the Caribbean Expansion Committee and Bro. Earl Davis – State Director of Florida. Local Black Greek Lettered Organizations were represented as well by Soror Jackie Marshall –Theta Epsilon Zeta Chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc.; Soror Mellany Zonicle – Eta Psi Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.; Frater Bill Wallace –Bahamas Alumni Association of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.; Frater Charles Albury – Iota Epsilon Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. and Dr. John Godet of Pi Xi Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.

The first officers of the newly formed chapter were Enoch Backford as President, Kevin Hanna Sr. as Vice President, William Dean as Secretary, and Freddie W. Munnings Jr. as Chaplain. We must thank the charter members for bringing Sigma to the Bahamas and recognize all the brothers who contribute to making Sigma Bahamas felt throughout the Bahamas.

The past presidents of the Delta Epsilon Sigma Chapter of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Inc. have played a significant role in shaping the chapter. The list of past presidents includes Enoch Backford, Phenton Neymour, Kareem Hanna, Dave Munroe, Olu Tinibu, Troy Clarke, Demario Minus, Arana Pyfrom, Harrison Lockhart, Gerrard Sawyer, Rodney Bain, Derek Smith, Esmond Johnson, Greg Smith These brothers have all contributed to the growth and development of the chapter, and their impact is felt to this day.

The chapter has been led by several presidents who have all contribute to the growth and success of the fraternity. However, some of these presidents have unfortunately passed away and joined the Omega Chapter. We will pay tribute to Enoch Backford, Phenton Neymour, and Kareem Hanna.

Enoch Backford was the first president of the Delta Epsilon Sigma Chapter. He was an outstanding leader who helped to lay the foundation for the chapter's success. Unfortunately, he passed away and joined the Omega Chapter in 2015. His passing was a significant los to the brotherhood, and his contributions will always be remembered.

Phenton Neymour was another president of the Delta Epsilon Sigma Chapter. He was an active member of the fraternity for over 35 years and active in the local Pan-Hellenic Council, mainly the Primary School Student of the Year Foundation. Neymour was dedicated to serving the community and his contributions were instrumental in the chapter's growth. He passed away and joined the Omega Chapter in 2019.

Kareem Hanna was the most recent president of the Delta Epsilon Sigma Chapter to join the Omega Chapter. He served as an enthusiastic leader who was committed to the growth and success of the fraternity. He notably contributed to the experience of brotherhood within Sigma Bahamas. Unfortunately, he passed away and joined the Omega Chapter in 2021, leaving behind a legacy of service and dedication.

The passing of these presidents was a significant loss to the Delta Epsilon Sigma Chapter and the broader Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. within The Bahamas. Their brotherhood is missed, and their contributions to the growth and success of the fraternity will always be remembered. However, their legacy lives on, and the current members of the fraternity are inspired by their dedication and service to Sigma Bahamas.

It is important to note that the success of the Delta Epsilon Sigma Chapter would not have been possible without the charter members who brought Sigma to the Bahamas in 1978. The chapter owes its existence to its dedication and hard work. The current members of the fraternity also contribute to making Sigma Bahamas felt throughout the Bahamas through their various community service projects and initiatives.

The Delta Epsilon Sigma Chapter of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity in Nassau, Bahamas has been fortunate to have several outstanding presidents who have contributed to its growth and success. The passing of Enoch Backford, Phenton Neymour, and Kareem Hanna was a significant loss to the fraternity. However, their legacy lives on, and their dedication to Sigma Bahamas will always be remembered. The chapter also owes its existence to the charter members who brought Sigma to the Bahamas in 1978. The fraternity thanks all of the brothers who contribute to making Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Inc. felt throughout the Bahamas.