Permanent Secretary Archie Nairn (fourth from left), who is retiring from the Public Service after 43 years displays a plaque, one of the gifts presented to him by Attorney-General Allyson Maynard-Gibson during a retirement luncheon on February 26. Also pictured from left Damian Gomez, Minister of State in the Ministry of Legal Affairs, Attorney-General Allyson Maynard-Gibson, Prime Minister Perry Christie, Mr. Nairn and Pauline Nairn, wife of Mr. Nairn. (BIS Photo/Patrick Hanna).

 

Nassau, The Bahamas – Permanent Secretary Archie Nairn was recognised during a retirement luncheon held in his honour by the Office of the Attorney General and Ministry of Legal Affairs. He is retiring from the Public Service after 43 years of service.

Prime Minister Perry G. Christie, Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs Allyson Maynard-Gibson, Minister of State in the Ministry of Legal Affairs, Damian Gomez, and senior government officials attended the event held in the foyer of the Ministry of Legal Affairs on J.F. Kennedy Drive. Family, friends, religious leaders and colleagues also shared the occasion with Mr. Nairn.

Attorney General Maynard acknowledged some of the department’s initiatives led by Mr. Nairn. She particularly singled out Mr. Nairn’s adherence to the request of Abby Daxon, a visually impaired staff member, who requested special software to assist her in carrying out her duties. She underscored Mr. Nairn’s care for others and said he believes all Bahamians should be allowed to fully develop their talents. The Attorney General said Mr. Nairn would be “terribly” missed. Tributes were also given by Prime Minister Christie, Cynthia Gibbs, Undersecretary; Debra Fraser, Director of Legal Affairs; Superintendent Paul Rolle, Dedrie Maycock of Registrar General’s Department and Harrison Lockhart of the Industrial Tribunal. Mr. Nairn was lauded as a distinguished administrator, a dedicated and devoted civil servant, the consummate professional and a man who remained graceful under extraordinary pressure. Ms. Daxon serenaded Mr. Nairn with a song entitled “Love in Any Language”. Mr. Nairn said he was appointed to the Public Service at a time when “productivity” and “efficiency” were the watch words, quality service meant so much and passion for work came from the heart.   Mr. Nairn described his colleagues as dedicated, committed, people of integrity who will continue to grow. He thanked staff members for undergirding him during his employment at the Office of the Attorney General and encouraged them to believe in themselves and their God. He said his life’s philosophy is grounded in the song, “If I can Help Somebody”.

A native of San Salvador, Mr. Nairn studied at the Teacher’s Training College in San Salvador and climbed the ranks from school teacher to principal. He also served as a Family Island Administrator,