By OSWALD T. BROWN
WASHINGTON, D.C. — First Lady Ann Marie Davis on Sunday, September 10, 2023, posted an extensive collection of photos on Facebook taken at ONYX Magazine fourth annual “Man of Honor” awards dinner in Orlando, Florida.
Bahamas Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis was among more than two dozen Black men who were honored at the awards dinner, which was held at the Rosen Centre Hotel Orlando,
I absolutely had to share some of the photos posted by Mrs. Davis 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.
Mrs. Davis posted the photos with the following narrative:
“Global Impact Leader of The Year” award by ONYX Magazine’s Men of Honor. I’m super proud of my husband, Prime Minister Philip Edward Davis. Excellence deserves to be Honoured. Thank you, to the committee, and Sponsors Brenda March and Rich Black and Chair, Dee Parker. What a splendid event, with an outpouring of love and pride by many Bahamians and family members of PM Davis. Thank you, ONYX.
EDITOR’S NOTE: On its website, ONYX Magazine notes that Prime Minister Davis “is perhaps best known now as a politician, serving as Leader of the Progressive Liberal Party and Member of Parliament for Cat Island, Rum Cay and San Salvador.”
The website added: “What many may not know is that he entered politics late in life. Professionally, he is known both locally and internationally as an acclaimed Corporate and Human Rights lawyer, a highly distinguished legal educator, a passionate sportsperson, a sponsor of many sporting activities, and a Toastmaster.
“His appointment as Queen’s Counsel, the highest possible honour which is conferred on those practicing law in the English legal system anywhere in the world, came in recognition of both his highly successful legal practice but also his contribution to legal education. A leading litigation lawyer, Philip ‘Brave’ Davis has an impressive record in the Courts of Appeal, with perhaps more appearances before the UK Privy Council than any other Bahamian lawyer.
“During his first term in parliament, Mr. Davis chaired the National Insurance Board for a number of years, which is why he can speak so authoritatively on the country’s economic affairs. During his tenure there, he introduced a number of fundamental reforms, which put the National Insurance Board in the position it is today, where it is currently providing support to thousands of Bahamians.
“During the last administration of the Progressive Liberal Party, from 2012-2017, Mr. Davis ran a super-ministry, the Ministry of Works. His portfolio covered everything relating to the physical infrastructure of The Bahamas, as well as oversight of Bahamasair, BEC, and the Water & Sewerage Corporation. In no small way, this is why he has a reputation for getting things done. Since
“May 2017, he has been the Leader of the Progressive Liberal Party. On September 16th (2021), he was elected the fifth Prime Minister of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas, where he also serves as Minister of Finance.
“Prime Minister Davis has become a leading voice for Small Island Development States on matters of Climate Change and sustainability. As Prime Minister, he has repositioned The Bahamas as a global leader in Digital Assets with the launch of the country’s White Paper on the Future of Digital Assets. Mr.
Davis is also recognised for his government’s bold initiatives in laying the framework for the Administration’s policy on the launch of its Carbon Credits Exchange regime.”
