(BAHAMAS CHRONICLE EDITOR’S NOTE: Deborah Anderson-Pratt, who lives in Freeport, Grand Bahama, posted a collection of photos with accompanying narrative that I decided to share as a Guest Commentary with readers of my online publication, BAHAMAS CHRONICLE, which has a huge following among the Bahamian diaspora across the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom as well as in The Bahamas and the wider Caribbean
GUEST COMMENTARY: BY DEBORAH ANDERSON-PRATT
FREEPORT, Grand Bahama, February 23, 2024 — Yesterday, I had the honor of co-moderating the 25th Grand Bahama Outlook, held at the Grand Lucayan Hotel.
While I have been speaking, training, and moderating events professionally for nearly 20 years, I confess that there are still times when I become nervous, especially depending on the group or occasion. Yesterday was one such time. When I was first contacted about the possibility of being a moderator at the Grand Bahama Outlook, I was quite apprehensive. I began questioning whether or not I was qualified to be in such a room, moderating such an event. I then reminded myself that my gifts will make room for me and place me before great men. (Proverbs 18:16)
One of my favorite quotes says, ” Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, ‘Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous?’ Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world.” -Marianne Williamson
I realize that my playing small does not serve the world. God has gifted me to do just that, serve the world!
Our Deputy Prime Minister Chester Cooper said yesterday that this is a great time to be a Grand Bahamian. I truly believe it is and I am prepared for every opportunity that comes my way, prepared to step into any room before anyone.
