HIS EXCELLENCY SIR MILO BUTLER GCMG, GCVO. GOVERNOR-GENERAL 1973 - 1979

Sir Milo Boughton Butler was sworn in on August 1,1973, as the first Bahamian Governor-General and made a Knight Grand Cross of the Most Excellent Order of St. Michael and St. George in the Birthday Honours 1973, Sir Milo was. He was again honoured by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II in February 1975 during her visit to Nassau when he was made a Knight Grand Cross of the Royal Victorian Order.
 

Sir Milo was born in Nassau on August 11, 1906, to the late George Raleigh and Frances M. Butler. He was educated at the George Washington School, Florida; the public school at Rum Cay, Bahamas and the Boys’ Central School in Nassau.
 

On 14 October 1928, he married the former Miss Caroline Loretta Watson of Morrisville, Long Island and that union produced seven sons and three daughters – Raleigh, Joseph, Milo Jr., Franklyn, Asa, Basil, Matthew, Edna, Emmaline and Juanita.
 

A veteran of more than thirty-five years in politics, Sir Milo began his political career in 1936 when he unsuccessfully contested the seat for the Western District of New Providence against the late Sir Harry Oakes. In the by-election of 1937, however, he was successful in winning the seat, which he held until 1947. He again represented the Western District from 1956 – 1966 and from 1967 to 1973 he represented the constituency of Bain Town.
 

In 1956, Sir Milo tossed the Speaker’s hourglass through the window of the House of Assembly as a result of the Government’s introduction of a 12-minute rule to curb lengthy speeches in debate.
 

When the PLP party won the 1967 General Election, Sir Milo became a member of the new Cabinet. He was appointed Minister of Health and Welfare in 1967 and in 1968 became Minister of Labour, Agriculture and Fisheries. In 1970 during a Cabinet reshuffle he was assigned the portfolio of Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries. In 1972 he was appointed Minister without Portfolio.
 

In June 1972 Sir Milo was honoured by Special Resolution of the Honourable House of Assembly and acclaimed a National Hero.
 

Active in church affairs, Sir Milo served as a member of the Vestry of St. Matthew’s Anglican Church for 27 years and for five years as a member of the Anglican Synod.
 

For many years Sir Milo was among the leading merchants in New Providence and up to the time of his appointment as Cabinet Minister was President of Milo B. Butler and Sons Limited.
 

Following a lengthy period of ill health, Sir Milo died on January 22, 1979.
 

On 22 January 1986 a large bronze sculpture of a life-size half figure of Sir Milo Butler was unveiled at Rawson Square. The stature, which weighs over 500 lbs was modeled and crafted by Bahamian sculptor, Randolph W. Johnson. A highway is also named in his honour.