Many relatives and friends gathered at the St. Francis Xavier Cathedral on June 19, 2022, to reflect on the life and achievements of Sir Sidney Poitier at his home-going ceremony. Sir Sidney Poitier was born on February 20th, 1927 in Miami, Florida; he was the youngest of seven children born to Evelyn and Reginald Poitier. He spent his early childhood in The Bahamas before relocating to America at the age of fifteen. While abroad he became a successful actor, film director, and diplomat. During his career he received a notable amount of honors and awards, some including but are not limited to Academy Award for Best Actor, Golden Globe Award, Grammy Award for Best Spoken Word Album, and a British Academy Film Award. In addition to his many achievements, he became the Ambassador of The Bahamas to Japan from 1997 to 2007, and from 2002 to 2007, he was concurrently the ambassador of The Bahamas to UNESCO (United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization). A true son of the soil, Sir Poitier was truly an iconic figure that all Bahamians should aspire to emulate.In attendance was the Governor General, his Excellency Cornelius A. Smith, Deputy Prime Minister the Honorable Chester Cooper, along with other cabinet ministers who gave their condolences to the bereaved family of the late Sir Sidney Poitier.Commander Defence Force, Commodore Raymond King was accompanied by his wife Retired Force Chief Petty Officer Fredricka King, Lieutenant Commander Samantha Hart, and Command Warrant Officer Remone Storr who also expressed condolences to the family of the deceased on behalf of the Officers and Marines of the Royal Bahamas Defence Force.The Royal Bahamas Defence Force expresses condolences to the family and friends of the deceased and stands alongside as the country mourns the loss of a son of Bahamian soil Sir Sidney Poitier.
