I was saddened to learn that Chief Councilor, Mr. Abner Pinder, Spanish Wells District Council, passed away on Sunday, 5th June 2016 at a Florida hospital.

Mr. Pinder was the longest-serving Chief Councilor in the Commonwealth of The Bahamas since the inception of Local Government. He executed his duties with professionalism, and proficiency. The Local Government family, the community of Spanish Wells and indeed The Bahamas all mourn his loss.

At a time when the Department of Local Government is celebrating the 20th Anniversary of the establishment of a modern system of local governance in the Family Islands, to which Mr. Pinder made a stellar contribution, his absence will be conspicuous. Mr Pinder, who was to be honoured during these celebrations, will now be honoured posthumously. 

On behalf of the Permanent Secretary, Director, Administrators, staff of the Ministry of Financial Services and Local Government and myself, I take this opportunity to extend heartfelt condolences to Mr Pinder’s family, the Spanish Wells Community and indeed the wider community of The Bahamas. May you find comfort in the words of Isaiah Chapter 41 vs. 10, which states:

Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.

May Almighty God continue to comfort and keep you during this trying time.

 

Hon. C. V. Hope Strachan
MINISTER OF FINANCIAL SERVICES & LOCAL GOVERNMENT