By DENISE MAYCOCK

Tribune Freeport Reporter

dmaycock@tribunemedia.net

GRAND Bahama Pastor Eddie Victor has become only the second Bahamian to be internationally recognised as a Golden Rule International Award recipient.

Pastor Victor flew to Washington, DC, on Friday to receive the award for his unselfish acts towards people, his community activism and humanitarian efforts. At the award ceremony, at the Hilton Garden Inn, 1225 First Street NE, there were over 100 recipients from some 30 nations.

The Golden Rule International Award event is hosted by Ambassador Clyde Rivers, CEO of I Change Nations and Executive Director of the Interfaith Peace-Building Initiative. The Golden Rule Award is an organisation supported by the United Nations, the European Union and the African Union. It is officially recognised in 120 nations around the world.

Dr Rivers, the ambassador for the Republic of Burundi, is the representative for the Golden Rule International and the Interfaith Peace-Building Initiative, North American Division, to the United Nations-New York. Interfaith Peace-Building Initiative is affiliated with the Department of Public Record (DPR)–United Nations as well as affiliated with the United Religious Initiative (URI), an Interfaith Peace organisation. This organisation recognizes persons that live the Golden Rule in their everyday life.

Pastor Victor was recognised for his work in The Bahamas, which involves numerous initiatives and outreach programmes that impact the lives of people throughout Grand Bahama, including the distribution of food and clothing, hosting teaching and training seminars and leadership conferences. He is also involved in economic and social development programmes and religious tourism.

Pastor Victor was also recognised by the awarding organisation for his partnership with Samaritan’s Feet International in organising free shoe drives for children on Grand Bahama and in New Providence. Some 1,200 pairs of new shoes were distributed. He has also spearheaded a number of local humanitarian activities as the leader/convener of the civic organisation, Coalition of Concerned Citizens on Grand Bahama.

Pastor Victor, of Living Water Assembly of God Church in Freeport, is the first Grand Bahamian to receive the award. In receiving the award, he was appointed as a Goodwill Ambassador of the Golden Rule for The Bahamas.