By RICARDO WELLS

Tribune Staff Reporter

rwells@tribunemedia.net

FORMER Cabinet Minister Theresa Moxey-Ingraham died yesterday morning at her home, according to a statement from the Free National Movement.

The 67-year-old, who was appointed Chairman of the National Training Agency last July, was reportedly wheelchair bound and gravely ill up to the time of her death. 

Mrs Moxey-Ingraham is survived by her daughter, Odia A Richardson.

In addition to her most recent post at the National Training Agency, Mrs Moxey-Ingraham had previously served in various positions within government and across many civic organisations, including Minister of Transport and Communications, 1992 to 1994; Minister of Social Development and National Insurance, 1994-1995; Minister Of Health And Environment, 1995-1997; Minister of Labour, Immigration and Training, 1997, and Minister Agriculture, Commerce and Industry. 

Many of her prominent appointments came during successive Hubert Ingraham administrations, from 1992 to 2002.

In a statement yesterday, the former Prime Minister said he was “shocked and saddened” to learn of her passing. 

He said he was aware Mrs Moxey-Ingraham had been ailing for “some time,” but said he held out hope she would recover.

Reflecting on her life and legacy yesterday, Mr Ingraham said the former educator was among the “pioneers” of women in front line politics, saying he was pleased to name her to his first Cabinet.

Referring to her legacy, Mr Ingraham said: “She was one of three women named to the Cabinet that year, a first for our country and the first time that a woman had been appointed to Cabinet in more than 20 years.”

He added that she, like her fellow female ministerial colleagues, was given Cabinet responsibility for “weighty matters”; of which, he said, she did not disappoint.  

“Following an unsuccessful bid for election to the House of Assembly in 1987 she was appointed to the Senate,” Mr Ingraham recalled. “In Government she was a strong advocate for the rights of women; a vigorous and unyielding supporter of the rights of children, a promoter of education and training and markedly a proponent of the education loan programme first introduced under the FNM.”

Mr Ingraham said the former Cabinet Minister would also be remembered as an ally of labour, adding that she will be sadly missed by her FNM family and by the many people who benefitted from her years in public life.

Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis said he was “deeply saddened” to learn of her passing.

“A dynamic personality, Theresa displayed a great love and zest for life, and passion for her country,” said Dr Minnis.

“... On behalf of a grateful nation, and on my own behalf and that of my wife, Patricia, I offer condolences to her husband,  Kirk, her mother Ms. Sally Hutcherson, her daughter Odia, siblings, other relatives and her many friends.

“May God bless her eternal soul and may she rest in perpetual peace.”

In a statement of his own yesterday, FNM Chairman Carl Culmer described the former high school teacher as a “courageous woman,” adding that her love and passion led her to aid in the life development of scores of young Bahamians.

His statement noted: “There was never a doubt about how much she loved her country and this same love led her to serve as Vice President of the Women’s Association of the Bahamas, a Senator In 1987; Opposition Leader in the Senate, 1988-1992 and a member of parliament for Golden Gates in 1992.”

Meanwhile, Opposition Leader Philip ‘Brave’ Davis praised the life and work of Mrs Moxey-Ingraham, with whom he shared many parliamentary debates.

Mr Davis said: “I have fond memories of our animated and lively debates in the House of Assembly as we legislated laws and formulated policies in our quest to build a better Bahamas.”

The Cat Island MP added: “We did not always agree on policy issues but it was clear that we desired a better Bahamas and worked tirelessly toward that common goal.

“In a move of bipartisanship and statesmanship, Mrs. Moxey-Ingraham accepted the invitation from the PLP government and served with distinction on the McWeeney Constitutional Reform Commission. 

“She played a pivotal role on the education committee, travelling the entire archipelago educating Bahamians on the proposed constitutional changes to bring about gender equality. Part of her legacy in building a better Bahamas was her advocacy for equality for all.”

Mr Davis said Mrs Moxey-Ingraham will be sorely missed, but her work will live on in perpetuity.

Mrs Moxey-Ingraham’s passing was also recognised during parliamentary proceedings yesterday. 

House Speaker Halston Moultrie called her one of the greatest parliamentarians, adding her life and legacy cast a “huge shadow” for all aspiring lawmakers to follow.