Prime Minister Philip Davis yesterday paid tribute to five young women who died over the weekend in separate car accidents and extended condolences to their families and friends while speaking in the House of Assembly.
“In recent days, our nation has lost five of its young people,” Davis said as he called for a moment of silence.
“Five young Bahamians taken from us far too soon.
“These were not strangers to promise, they were the young people in whom a small nation places its largest hopes.”
He said, “Five young Bahamians. Five families broken. Five futures we will never see unfold.
“There is no speech that can fill the space these young people leave behind.
“There is no policy that can answer a mother who has lost her child.
“All that this House can honestly offer today is our presence, our prayers, and our promise.
“The promise that we will do everything in our power to protect the young people of this nation, so that fewer families are made to grieve as these families.
“On behalf of the government and the people of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas, I extend our deepest and most sincere condolences to each of the five families that bear an unbearable loss.”
On Saturday night, Nica Julien died after she crashed on East Sunrise Highway in Grand Bahama.
Hours later, Diamond Stubbs, 17, Betrica Brown, 18, Stania Webb, 18, and another woman died after the car they were in collided with a tree on Shirley Street in New Providence.
They were four of eight passengers.
Diamond, Betrica, and Stania had all traveled from Cat Island to Nassau to celebrate the recent high school graduations of Betrica and Diamond.
All three young women were scholarship recipients described as kind-hearted and ambitious by their loved ones.
Reigning Miss Teen International World Bahamas Zaniyaa Bowe and Miss Teen Universe Kristaney Duroseau, both from Abaco, yesterday expressed condolences.
“Most young people look forward to summer break for varying reasons, for those graduating it is a celebration of your achievements and preparation for either college or the work market,” Duroseau said.
“For those still in school, it is a much sought after break from studies to enjoy travel, vacation, or just rest and relaxation.
“What you aren’t thinking of is it would be the tragic end to your short-lived life.
“But for four young, bright Family Island[ers], this was their harsh reality this past weekend.”
Bowe paid tribute to Betrica, who lived in Abaco before relocating to Cat Island following Hurricane Dorian.
“We take this time to offer condolences to all the families, especially those of Diamond Stubbs, Betrica Brown, and Stania Webb, young outstanding females from Cat Island who were set for success following their graduation,” Bowe said.
“Betrica, who originally is from Cat Island but moved to my hometown of Abaco, will not be forgotten.
“She would always support our pageant events in Abaco and would also say one day she would wear a crown.
“Betrica, you certainly will now wear your crown.”
Pineridge MP Ginger Moxey said yesterday that Grand Bahama is mourning the loss of Nica Julien, who was also one of Moxey’s constituents.
“The community is mourning,” Moxey said.
“We need to ensure that we continue to pray for our young people, pray for the nation. We want to just be there for the family at such a sad time in our country.
“Not just on Grand Bahama, but for those who lost loved ones throughout.”
The fatal car crashes sparked discussion from residents who called into question the safety of roads in The Bahamas.
Minister of Transport Leon Lundy told the media an investigation into the Shirley Street crash has been launched and responded to calls from the public for increased 24-hour public transportation options that arose following the crash.
“The police are doing the investigations and I’m awaiting a formal report from them,” he said.
“As soon as I get it, I’ll be able to share it with the media.”
He said, “There are systems that do work right now, and we have public transportation options,”
“There’s also taxis available 24/7. At the end of the day, the ministry will do what it has to do to make sure that we provide any options, anything that makes us better as we move forward.”
