Pompey Rolle heads list of over 200 Bahamians recognised in this year’s Independence Honours

POMPEY Rolle, the enslaved man who led a revolt in Exuma nearly 200 years ago, has been named a National Hero, the highest honour in the country.

He tops the list of 231 Bahamians being recognised this year under the National Honours Act, which celebrates citizens who have made significant contributions to national life in areas ranging from politics and religion to the arts, sports, education, and public service.

The honours will be formally conferred by the Governor-General later this year.

In 1830, Pompey defied orders to relocate 77 enslaved people from Exuma to Cat Island, sparking one of the first documented acts of slave resistance in The Bahamas. He and others seized a boat and headed for Nassau, hoping to appeal to the Governor. Though captured and punished, his stand is remembered as a turning point in the fight for freedom.

Among those to receive the title of Companion of the Order of The Bahamas are artists Stan Burnside and Jackson Burnside, alongside Bahamas Christian Council president Bishop Delton Fernander, politicians such as Leslie Miller, Earl Deveaux and Neko Grant, and Junkanoo icons Percy “Vola” Francis and Winston “Gus” Cooper. 

Comments

TalRussell says...

Once again, 'tis more than just mischief as to why 'tis the cussin' at the 2025 National Honours Act under PLPs'-needing to hold a revival to change their shuttin' the window way's on 70+ year old Comrade Gene "Sparky" Fountain's -- many culture contributions. -- Yes?.

Posted 13 July 2025, 5:08 p.m. Suggest removal

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