NASSAU, The Bahamas -- After a full month of activities highlighting the 27th anniversary of Local Government in the country -- Local Government Month culminated with a gala banquet at the Grand Hyatt, Baha Mar, on Saturday, March 25, 2023.

In attendance were Minister of Agriculture, Marine Resources and Family Island Affairs, the Hon. Clay Sweeting and Mrs. Sweeting; Minister of National Security, the Hon. Wayne Munroe and Mrs. Munroe; Minister of State in the Ministry of Education, Technical and Vocational Training, the Hon. Zane Lightbourne; Parliamentary Secretary (MoAMR&FA), Leonardo Lightbourne and Permanent Secretary, David Cates. 

Minister Sweeting delivered brief marks by thanking the Administrators  and staff for their dedication and hard work and said that celebrating the month of activities was a great initiative that exposed the Bahamian people to the work done by Local Government practitioners. 

"I am pleased tonight to be here celebrating with you for your continuous and successful efforts to promote Local Government throughout the country," he said.  "This is a great time to be a Family Island Administrator and a great time to be in Local Government." 

Also delivering brief remarks was Permanent Secretary, David Cates, who thanked the Administrators and Local Government practitioners, encouraging them to continue to work to strengthen their respective islands. 

An award segment was held highlighting outstanding persons for their work. 

The awardees included: Parliamentary Secretary, Leonardo Lightbourn; Financial Secretary, Simon Wilson; Member of Parliament for the MICAL district, Basil McIntosh; Budget Analyst, Charmaine Johnson; Public Service Team Leader, Sandra Jennings; and from the Office of the Attorney General, Renee Farquharson. 

Awardees for public-private partnerships included: Andrew Burrows, General Manager, Broadcasting Corporation of the Bahamas; Dwayne Davis, ALIV; and Walter Fergurson, New Providence Community Church. 

Best District awards went to City of Freeport and Exuma in a tie for first place; and Abaco and Black Point, Exuma, in a tie for second place.