It is a special privilege and honour to be here this morning to say these few words of support for Pearl McMillan, a lady worthy of praise.

In the United Kingdom, when someone reaches the age of 100, that person gets a letter of congratulations from the Queen, a personal letter.

We are small enough, and the occasion so rare and special that perhaps we ought to arrange on such an occasion for a visit from the Governor General.

I want to congratulate Ms. McMillan on reaching that important milestone in her life and wish her many happy returns.

Today is important for another reason and that is to pay tribute to her role as a pioneering straw vendor and a manufacturer of straw.  The straw vendors of The Bahamas built this country.  It was a mainly female profession.  Some say that they are a good example of women entrepreneurs and Ms. McMillan was a founder of that enterprise.

In researching this brief tribute, I heard the story of how committed Ms. McMillan was to her Christian faith. One vendor tells the story of how during a Sabbath she ventured to sell some gods from Ms. McMillan’s stall, some $600 with of goods.  But when Monday came, and she presented the proceeds to Ms. McMillan, she refused it because she said that the money was earned on her Sabbath.  That is a good example.

She continues to enjoy a reputation in the market of great affection.  She was known as a wise counsellor, one who could speak up to the authorities on behalf of the market and the improvements that were needed.

When you look at the life of Ms. McMillan, her lifetime is the story of the building of the modern Bahamas.  Just think, she has lived through so many changes in our country, with Nassau developing from a sleepy fishing village that awoke to tourism for just a few months out of the year, to the thriving city it is today with year round tourism.

From her family, she gave our nation one of its political leaders, the late Dr. Curtis McMillan.  Two others are preachers of the word.  Others are leaders in the business community.  Clearly, on the appointed day, she can say to her Lord and master, I spent my life as a tale that is told.

I hope today in honouring her that we pledge to embrace that humble, graceful contribution that she has made to the development of our country.

I hope that the family will write the story of her life, so that those who come afterward may know what contribution she has made to the development of our country.  I hope and pray that she lives to see many more years.

On behalf of all of us in the Fox Hill Constituency, I wish to congratulate her again.  To pray Gods richest continued blessings upon her.