Letter from Prime Minister Perry Christie:

I received the news today of the passing of William (Bill) Cartwright CMG with great sadness.

Mr. Cartwright, a native Long Islander, was the last surviving founder of the Progressive Liberal Party, having been preceded in death by Sir Henry Taylor and Cyril Stevenson.Together they hold a singular place in Bahamian history as the co-founders in 1953 of the first national political party in The Bahamas. At the time, Mr. Cartwright was also the representative for Cat Island in the House of Assembly.

A realtor and, in later life, a magazine publisher, Mr. Cartwright was a man of great faith and humility. He was always at pains to play down the historical role he had played in laying the foundations for party politics in The Bahamas. Although he personally suffered a great deal for that, and for his courageous battle against the racial and economic injustices of his day, he was never one to hold grudges against anyone.

He was a man of enormous goodwill, and a spirit of reconciliation was deeply embedded in his character.

Mr. Cartwright will be remembered as a individual of great historical importance to the development of true democracy in the Bahamas. He was a brave man and a mighty patriot who nearly 60 years ago struck a blow for freedom that continues to reverberate in the life and political ethos of our country.

On behalf of the Government and people of The Bahamas and on my own behalf, I extend deepest condolences to Mr. Cartwright's family.

In recognition of Mr. Cartwright's special historical importance, there will be a state-recognized funeral for him at a time and place to be announced once necessary consultations with Mr. Cartwright's family have been completed.

May he rest in peace.