Bridge Named For Sir, With Love

(Nassau Tribune photo) Paradise Island Bridge West was renamed on Friday in honour of the legendary actor, Sir Sidney Poitier, in an exciting ceremony on Nassau harbour. The event is the curtain raiser to our 40th Independence anniversary next July 10th. It was a proud moment. You see, Sir Sidney's naval string is buried in the Bahamas. Born in Miami of Bahamian parents, Sir Sidney grew up in their home of Cat Island, the Bahamas. He credits his childhood of poverty on that remote island for equipping him with his unshakable sense of self-worth, family values and simple ethics that shaped his world. In 1963, Sir Sidney became the first black person to win an Oscar for Best Actor (Lilies of the Field). He broke the racial barrier in Hollywood through his extraordinary gift of acting and paved the way for others. As Bahamians – black and white - we remember with pride Sidney Poitier bursting onto the major motion picture scene. And so, we think it's fitting that this man who helped bridge racial division has been so honoured. Sir Sidney acted and directed and still found time to serve as the Bahamas' non-resident Ambassador to Japan and quietly give back to the Bahamas. A dazzling firework display by the renowned Grucci experts and a harbour side concert are part of a weekend of events to mark the occasion. * Governor General Sir Arthur Foulkes (left) and Sir Sidney at the bridge dedication ceremony. See Paradise Island listings

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