(EDITOR’S NOTE: The National Archives of the Bahamas posted this very sad news on Facebook on Friday, June 30. May her soul rest in peace.)
NASSAU, Bahamas — It is with great sadness and heavy hearts that we announce that renowned Bahamian archivist and historian Dr. D. Gail Saunders has passed away. Dr. Saunders started her work in Archives in 1968 at a desk in the Ministry of Education. She along with United Nations Archivist Edward Carson, under the direction of the government of The Bahamas, established the Public Records Office (Department of Archives) in 1971. Prior to this she studied at University College London, England and obtained a Certificate in Archives Administration becoming the first Bahamian to do so. She moved from the position of Public Records Officer in 1971 up the ranks to Director of Archives a position she held until July 2004.
Dr. Sanders served as President (1975-1979), Secretary/Treasurer (1979-1993) of The Caribbean Archives Association; as a member of the International Council on Archives (1978-1982) and as Secretary/Treasurer of The Association of Caribbean Historians (1986-1992) and as President of The Bahamas Historical Society in 1989. She has served on many boards throughout the Commonwealth of The Bahamas and helped to establish the Antiquities, Monuments and Museums Corporation and the National Art Gallery of The Bahamas.
Dr. Saunders authored and co-authored nine books and numerous articles, was editor of the Journal of The Bahamas Historical Society, and lectured on various historical topics both locally and internationally. She retired from The Public Service in 2009 as Director General of Heritage.
Dr. Gail Saunders has made an invaluable contribution to The Bahamas. Her service to this country’s historiography and the on going conversation regarding race and politics has elevated Bahamian history to a high level. She has inspired many with her selfless service to The Bahamas. Her passing during this 50th year of our independence will further cement her work and her memory in the annals of Bahamian history. We the staff of the National Archives of The Bahamas, the inheritors of her great work, extend our condolences to her brother Terry, her family and friends.
May her soul rest in peace.
