Springfield Road is no more!
On Thursday, the street was renamed in honour of former parliamentarian and educator, Dr. Frank Edgecombe.
Dr. Edgecombe was among the first group of teachers at The Bahamas Teachers’ College. He taught for 26 years and was a founding member of the Primary Principals’ Association. He was honoured by that body in 1990 in recognition of “long and outstanding service” in the field of education in The Bahamas.
He left the teaching profession to join politics. Dr. Edgecombe served as a Member of Parliament (MP) for Fox Hill, Senate Vice President and the longest serving chair of the Road Traffic Department.
In his religious life, he held the post of and Sunday School Superintendent and Financial Secretary at the Mt. Carey Union Baptist Church.
“The meaning of Frank Edgecombe’s life today is that he has done enough things in his life for us to lift it up as an example of a man who was not born with a silver spoon, but who willed his way through life, improving his circumstances of life, educating himself and always giving back in return for what God has given him,” Prime Minister Perry Christie said during the street renaming ceremony of Springfield Road to Frank Edgecombe Street.
“I salute you for what you have done for the membership of Mt. Carey, for the young ones who came in letting them know the old fashion religious way that if you are good you are going to heaven and if you are bad, you are going to hell and what that means in terms of the principles of good citizenship, behaviour and conduct, respect for elders, respect for neighbours.”
The prime minister admitted it was one of Dr. Edgecombe’s grandsons who recently reminded him of what the educator has done for the country.
He said as a result, he was inspired to honour Dr. Edgecombe for his extraordinary service and for being a source of inspiration for the younger generation.
“For you to be alive to hear us is the important issue for me today; to be able to express a sense of gratitude to you, and I do so today on behalf of the people of The Commonwealth of The Bahamas.
“God has graced you with a life that has been long and fruitful and that which most certainly serves as an example not just to your community but to the people of The Commonwealth of The Bahamas.”
Prime Minister Christie also reflected on the times he and Dr. Edgecombe shared in Parliament, calling it a “real privilege.”
He went on to praise the former parliamentarian’s wife, Clementina, saying she has “matched Dr. Edgecombe step for step”.
“The strength of your life has been the partnership you have had with a lady who has served you magnificently and stood by your side throughout all of these accomplishments you have had post your marriage. So, I thank and salute her and I know she shares this occasion with you,” he said.
Also saluting Dr. Edgecombe was Fox Hill MP, Fred Mitchell.
“Frank Edgecombe and his family have delivered for me. He supported me in money and in kind. His children are always there to help and support. They are strong Fox Hillians and we, I think, owe them big time, a debt of gratitude. He is a prime example of the quiet dedication and hard work of the people of Fox Hill. He is a prince of this village,” Mr. Mitchell said.
Dr. Edgecombe and his wife have nine children, a number of grandchildren, great-grandchildren and several great great grandchildren.
Among those celebrating the honour with Dr. Edgecombe were Deputy Prime Minister, Philip Davis; Minister of Foreign Affairs and Immigration and Fox Hill MP, Fred Mitchell; Minister of Labour and National Insurance, Shane Gibson; Dame Marguerite Pindling, the first female MP, Janet Bostwick and many Fox Hillians.
