WASHINGTON, D.C. – Two long-time employees of The Bahamas Embassy in Washington, D.C., were among five persons singled out for “special recognition” during The Bahamas’ 46th Independence Anniversary Reception held at the InterContinental Hotel Washington, D.C. — The Wharf, 801 Wharf Street, Washington, D.C., on Friday night, July 12, 2019.
Announcing this on its Facebook page on Sunday, July 21, The Bahamas Consular Annex stated, “The Embassy of the Bahamas and Bahamas Embassy Consular Annex’s Independence Committee wanted to honour and give special recognition to a few people who have sacrificed their time, talents and treasures to continuing the rich legacy of our nation.”
Mrs. Nesta Pathriana, a native of Sri Lanka, was recognized “for her 14 years of committed and dedicated service as an employee of the Embassy.” Mrs. Pathriana has been well-respected and efficient private secretary throughout her tenure at the Embassy
Mr. Cameron Ferguson, who has been the facilities manager for most of his tenure at the Embassy, was recognized “for being a committed and loyal employee of the Embassy for 24 years.”
Also receiving “special recognition” was Mrs. Dornell Watson-Dean, who was honoured for “her timeless service and dedication to the Bahamian Diaspora over her 29 years of employment with the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism.”
Mr. Bernard Colebrook, a Bahamian who is a retired United States Marine, was “given special honours for his outstanding leadership and service to the Bahamian Diaspora.”
Along with fellow Bahamian Nicanor E. Davidson, a retired U.S. Army Aviator, Mr. Colebrook was one of the principal organizers for several years of the annual independence celebrations picnic that was held on the grounds of the United States Coast Guard Base in Alexandria, Virginia.
The fact that the annual picnic previously was held on the grounds of a U.S. military establishment was because Davidson, who was President of the Bahamian-American Association of the Washington Metropolitan Area, and Colebrook were both veterans of the U.S. Military. This year the annual independence celebrations picnic was held at Cosca Regional Park in Clinton, Maryland.
Mr. Peter Goulandris, Deputy Chairman of the Bahamas Maritime Authority (BMA), who was not present at the reception, was also specially recognized “for his invaluable contribution and dedication to the development of the country.”
The awards were presented by Mrs. Patricia Minnis, wife of the Most Honourable Dr. Hubert Minnis, Prime Minister of The Bahamas.
