On the death of Winston Saunders CMG
 

The Bahamas has lost a guiding light in the development and protection of its culture upon the death of Winston V. Saunders CMG.

In his generation and beyond, Mr. Saunders’ name was synonymous with Culture in The Bahamas.  Though an attorney by profession, Mr. Saunders shared his considerable gifts as a playwright and cultural mentor with the country for which he will always be remembered.

What is culture if not the collective social sensibilities of a nation and its people?  And Winston Saunders led the way in helping to develop, catalogue and promote it all.

The range of Winston’s work in the interest of Bahamian culture was truly outstanding and amazing.

A consummate intellectual, Winston always asserted that culture in The Bahamas is more than Junkanoo alone.

The former Chairman of the Quincentennial Commission that organized celebrations for the 500th anniversary of Columbus landing in San Salvador, Winston was also the founder of the National Youth Choir, the National Dance Company and the National Children’s Choir.  He was also the founder of the modern Dundas Centre for the Performing Arts.

In recognition of his talent, leadership and ability to serve the national interest in culture, I was pleased to name Winston to head the National Commission on Culture.

The passing of Winston Saunders is a deep personal loss and a tremendous loss for The Bahamas.  His leadership will be missed.

I offer my own condolences to his family and the lasting thanks of a grateful nation.

This is a sad day for The Bahamas.  It is a loss that cannot be filled.

May his soul rest in peace.