GRAND BAHAMA, The Bahamas -- As part of her recent week-long itinerary on Grand Bahama Island, Governor General, Her Excellency the Most Hon. Dame Cynthia Pratt, paid a special visit to the Grand Bahama Children’s Home, bringing some joy and showing support to the children and staff at the facility. 

Ms. June M. Hutcheson, Executive Director of the Grand Bahama Children’s Home, expressed her appreciation for the Governor General's visit and highlighted several critical needs facing the home.

“Right now, we will always need financial support. Our funding only comes from generous donations. We need that to pay salaries, electricity, and to ensure the children are clothed and their other needs are met. We also need persons to come and help us with homework assistance on a consistent basis,” she said.

“Over the last three years, there has been more of an outpouring of support by Corporate Bahamas. I know that if there’s an ask, persons will try and do their best to come to our aid….the gala we have in November is one way that people from the community support us…the funds directly go back to the home, and it’s to take care of a child in need,” she added.

While expressing her gratitude to those who contribute to the children’s well-being, including those who spend time with the youngsters during activities such as playdates and fun days, Hutcheson highlighted the need for continued community involvement, especially for children with special needs. “We have kids that are on the spectrum, and they will act out. Finding a meaningful solution for them is part of the challenge. If we have a home that caters to their needs, it will help,” she noted.

Joined by the Hon. Ginger Moxey, Minister for Grand Bahama; Kingsley Smith Jr., Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry for Grand Bahama; and other government officials, the Governor General also visited Genesis Academy and the COLLAB Resource Center at Tripp Circle.

Her Excellency took the time to engage with the students at Genesis Academy, offering words of encouragement and guidance, and she participated in meaningful conversations with the dedicated team at the COLLAB Resource Center.

Her Excellency’s visit emphasised the government’s ongoing commitment to addressing the broader needs of the Grand Bahama community, with particular focus on supporting vulnerable children and families to secure a better future for them.

Governor General, Her Excellency, the Most Hon. Dame Cynthia Pratt, wrapped up her week-long visit to Grand Bahama on June 8, 2025.  During her final day on the island, she engaged with students at Genesis Academy, met with the team at the COLLAB Resource Center, and listened to the critical needs of the Grand Bahama Children’s Home. Her Excellency’s visit emphasised the government’s ongoing commitment to addressing the broader needs of the Grand Bahama community, with particular focus on supporting vulnerable children and families.

(BIS Photos/Andrew Miller)