Bahamas News

Police have issued no substantial update on the murder of Dr. Thaddeus McDonald, whom students, family members and friends affectionately called ‘Dr. Mac’.

Some of those who attended the memorial ceremony were still visibly upset at losing one they loved to such violence while others paid various tributes, including a special African drum salute performed by CLICO Colours.

“I remember Dr. Mac as a valiant member within the college community,” said Heather Watkins Hunt, a COB alumna. “He was a quiet gentlemen, a teacher and a friend.”

Mrs. Watkins Hunt recalled that what was so special about Dr. McDonald was that he made any subject easy to understand and enjoyable for students.

“Dr. Mac had an open door policy for all students and his personality was bright and colourful as the Dashikis he wore,” she said.

COB President Jayne Hodder extended condolences to family members and close friends who attended the memorial.

Dr. Earla Carey-Baines, dean of Liberal and Fine Arts brought remarks on behalf of the Ghanaian community. Dr. Carey Baines, along with Dr. Rhonda Chipman-Johnson, executive vice president, are expected to take over Dr. McDonald’s responsibilities for the time being.

As the ceremony progressed, some persons wept openly.

Members of the African Bahamian Association (ABA) were clad in red and black coloured African regalia as they sat somberly in the audience.

Lydia Ferguson, chairperson for the Advisory Council of the ABA, explained that the colours are worn in times of mourning in Africa.

“We are mourning Dr. Thaddeus McDonald, as he was a Ghanaian and a Bahamian,” she said.

“Red actually stands for the pain and passion of love they have for their family members. It also represents distress. As someone is suddenly killed, immediately a family member takes a red cloth and they tear it right up which is the reason why the edges are jagged.”

In delivering the eulogy, Dr. Chipman-Johnson described Dr. McDonald as a man dedicated to teaching and learning.

“He stood behind the College in any venture it undertook,” she said. “His home was a testimony of love for Africa and The Bahamas. He lived and breathed for Africa.”

He was also remembered as an inspiration.

Anastarcia Huyler, president of the College of The Bahamas Union of Students (COBUS), said Dr. McDonald represented the voice of persons who were enthused about culture.

“He stood for everything that was Bahamian and helped to give us a sense of self-esteem as black people especially with those of us of African heritage,” she said.

“I was not even a member of his school and he welcomed me. We met a year ago when I hosted an event for campus life and since then he has had me involved with the African movement here in the Bahamas.”

“I was in Africa for the past two weeks, ironically and he passed on my birthday while I was in Africa, the place that I loved.

She said COBUS mourns the death of a great giant.

Persons attending the service included past presidents of the college, Dr. Keva Bethel and Dr. Leon Higgs; present and former ministers of education, Carl Bethel and Alfred Sears; former archivist Dr. Gail Saunders, Dr. Nicolette Bethel, director of youth, sportsman Alpheus ‘Hawk’ Finalyson and Senator Dr. Jacinta Higgs.

Dr. McDonald’s body was found badly beaten in his Queen Street residence two weeks ago.

Source: Bahama Journal