Dame Marguerite Pindling was sworn in as the country’s third deputy to the governor general.
Dame Marguerite is the widow of the country’s first Prime Minister the late Sir Lynden Pindling.
The brief ceremony was held at Government House at 11:00 a.m. Sunday.
Family members, close friends, colleagues and religious leaders gathered to witness the historic occasion.
Many have described Dame Marguerite’s new post as a fitting tribute to recompense her dedication and assistance in the fight for freedom and women’s rights.
Recognised as a freedom fighter, philanthropist and a role model for many Bahamians, Dame Marguerite told the Bahama Journal that she is “humbled” to have been invited to serve as deputy to the governor general.
“I just want to say that I am humbled and honoured to have been invited to serve at this level. I will try my best to serve my country as best as I can,” Dame Marguerite said.
Monique Pindling, the youngest of Dame Marguerite’s four children, told the Bahama Journal that she is proud of her mother’s accomplishment.
“As the youngest of the four I am very proud of my mother. I think for young Bahamians and young women in particular she will serve as a wonderful role model. She has been an excellent role model for me as my mother, and I am sure she will do that for the young women of this country,” she said.
“I am sure that she will connect with them and get them on board with the belief that anything they want to achieve, the oyster belongs to them.”
Chairperson of the Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) Women’s Branch Manita Wisdom said Dame Marguerite’s appointment is an accomplishment that women nationwide should take pride in.
“This is a very proud day for women in our country. Dame Marguerite has been a pillar of strength to the country and she’s a wonderful individual who is so deserving of it. She’s given so much of herself. She is a nationalist and she truly cares for the people of this country. I have no doubt that she will serve us well,” Mrs. Wisdom said.
This is not the first time that a female has been appointed as deputy to the governor general.
On March 5, the country’s first female attorney general, Janet Bostwick was sworn in as deputy to the governor general under the previous Free National Movement (FNM) government.
As the new deputy to the governor general, Dame Marguerite will serve in the stead of Governor General Arthur Foulkes if he is required to travel abroad, has fallen ill or has chosen to demit office.