NASSAU, Bahamas, October 26, 2019 — A State-Recognized Funeral Service was held for Former Senator Dr. Doswell Clifton Coakley on Friday, October 25, 2019 at Christ Church Cathedral.
As noted in his biography, Dr. Coakley’s life “was marked by a personal commitment to God, love for family and friends and an illustrious career of service excellence to country and international community.”
Affectionately known “Coaks,” he “possessed a drive and determination to excel academically from the outset of his education, which began at Crooked Island All Age School.”
He subsequently transferred to Crooked Island Central High School for his secondary education and upon completion of his schooling in Crooked Island, he relocated to New Providence, where he enlisted with The Royal Bahamas Police Force. During his tenure as a young police officer he attended C.R. Walker Technical School and Nassau Technical College, where he pursued and obtained Royal Society of Arts and Pitman Intermediate and Advanced Certificates.
In furtherance of his tertiary education, during the1970s he enrolled with the Extramural Department of The University of the West Indies, and later enrolled in Shaw University in Raleigh, North Carolina, where he obtained a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Public Administration and Business Administration in 1976.
He later obtained Master of Science Degree with a concentration in International Law from Syracuse University in Syracuse New York in 1981; a Post-Graduate Certificate in Criminal Justice Administration from Atlanta University, Atlanta, Georgia, in 1983; and a Doctorate (Ph. D) in Economics with specialization in International Business, Finance and Development from Union Institute and University, Cincinnati Ohio in 1988.
According to his biography, “Becoming an officer with the Royal Bahamas Police Force was the beginning of his tenure of committed service as a civil servant. He then transferred to the Passport Office in the capacity as Passport Control Officer. After a stint in the Passport Office, he transferred to The Department of Immigration, where he held long-term positions, starting as an Assistant Director, then Deputy Director and subsequently Director of Immigration. Extension of his career path resulted in being appointed as Consulate General to New York and Delegate to The United Nations.”
Continuing, his biography notes: “Dr. Coakley resolved to contribute to his country and sought to propel its active participation in the global community. This was mirrored by his alacrity to serve in any capacity that supported the strategic development, sustainability and continued economic viability of the Bahamas. Hence he served as a Senator, Member of The National Insurance Board and Chairman of The National Insurance Building Committee, President and Board Member Grand Bahama Chamber of Commerce, Chairman of Bahamas Air Sea Rescue (Freeport), President of Rotary Club of Lucaya, President of Lucayan Towers North Condominium Association.”
