FREEPORT, Grand Bahama – Young ladies pledging to God and Princess Court were on Saturday, April 6, urged by Mrs. Patricia Minnis, to use a new hashtag, #purity.

Mrs. Minnis, wife of Prime Minister of The Bahamas the Most Hon. Dr. Hubert Minnis, was special guest of the Princess Court Ministries Banquet/Pledging Ceremony, where she gave the keynote address and also assisted with pearling the young ladies during the banquet held at the Grand Lucayan Ballroom.  The event was held under the theme, “The Princess and Her King.”

Encouraging the young women to know their worth, Mrs. Minnis advised that in keeping the new hashtag in mind, they will realize that virtue is priceless. Gems and precious stones, she said, are not more valuable than remaining sexually pure. “Always be mindful that your ‘body is not meant for sexual immorality, but for the Lord, and the Lord for the body,’ as stated in 1 Corinthians 6:13.  It takes much self-restraint and integrity to remain chaste in today’s society.”

Princess Court Ministries has been in existence for the past 12 years, nurturing and guiding young ladies, ages five through 18, in a programme of six weeks.

She said, “Ladies, in this 21^st century you will encounter many challenges and much temptation as it relates to remaining chaste. The challenges of peer pressure together with the provocative portrayal of young women and men on television, social media and in magazines exist, and for some of you these lie ahead.”

Negatives influences, Mrs. Minnis added, may be found while in school, in neighborhoods and the wider community, but she encouraged them to be mindful of what they have learned over the past six weeks and stay true to their beliefs.

“Ladies, I was once your age and travelled the road to puberty and young adulthood. During my journey, I faced challenges and temptations but the support that I received from caring adults guided me along life’s path; gently steering me to the road of success. I was blessed to have persons in my life that mentored me and made me realize that their mistakes were my examples and there was no need for me to create my own. Ladies, you are truly blessed to be mentored by persons who see your potential, and value you as beautiful young ladies with a promising future.  Mentors who greatly want you to succeed.”

As a former teacher, she warned the young ladies that sexually active girls, because of the emotional rollercoaster they were on, were less likely to excel in school or complete homework assignments.

Referring to her early relationship with Prime Minister Minnis, Mrs. Minnis quoted him as saying, “girls and books don’t mix” and as a result, he went on to become a successful doctor and then Prime Minister, while she became a successful teacher.

“Receiving your pearls today will serve as a reminder that you possess all of the qualities of a princess and you are committed to the principles of this Court. Your pledge is indicative of your desire to remain sexually pure; avoiding early pregnancies, sexually transmitted infections (including HIV/AIDS) and the unnecessary psychological trauma that can occur. If you are looking towards a bright future and plan to go places while leaving your mark on society, hold fast to this commitment that you have made.”

Mrs. Minnis told the young ladies to see purity as the “in thing” and it should become their new hashtag.  She said, “Always remember that abstinence is the key that opens the door to purity.”

THE PRINCESSES – Mrs. Patricia Minnis, wife of Prime Minister the Most Hon. Dr. Hubert Minnis, was the keynote speaker at the Princess Court Ministries Banquet/Pledging Ceremony at the Grand Lucayan Ballroom on Saturday, April 6, 2019.  (BIS Photo/Andrew Miller)

GUEST SPEAKER – The Banquet and Pledging Ceremony of Princess Court Ministries was held on Saturday at the Grand Lucayan Ballroom where young ladies were presented with pearls as they pledged themselves to God and Princess Court.  Mrs. Patricia Minnis, wife of Prime Minister, the Most Hon. Dr. Hubert Minnis, was the keynote speaker at the event.  (BIS Photo/Andrew Miller)