There is much to be said about the great Bahamian men and women throughout our history. Those that forged on, kept the pace, and impacted society tremendously. I must say that one Bahamian imparticular has truly impacted my life in terms of changing the status-quo in Bahamian society.
Born on February 16th, 1899 Etienne Dupuch was destined to become a pillar of greatness. The son of newspaper editor and Member of Parliament, Leon Dupuch and Harriet Clementine, young Etienne knew the importance of self-discipline and hard-work. The very same self-discipline he would have for the 54 years he spent at the helm of that great newspaper. World War I veteran, Knighted in 3 different countries and praised for his editorial skills, Sir Etienne Dupuch had rose from a man of humble origin to one who would be forever etched in Bahamian history.
I admire this imminent man’s selflessness, his sense of civic duty to his country which was seen during World War II, when Sir Etienne, against war protocol, set up a war relief fund for the countless soldiers who were away fighting the war in England. Additionally, he along with other members of the War Committee operated a canning factory to feed those starving in England at the time. An avid farmer, Sir Etienne began rearing livestock and growing fruits and vegetables, to assist with the war economy when rations began to run low.
Aside from being a staunch editor, he was an even greater politician. During the time when elected officials served without pay out of duty to their country, Sir Etienne was among them. He would serve his country in the political arena for 24 years, many times waging battle against the newly formed Progressive Liberal Party, who would feel the scrooge of Sir Etienne’s pen in years to come.
Sir Etienne has inspired me to stand up for the rights of my fellow countrymen. He was a man who believed