The Hon. Arthur Dion Hanna
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The Hon. Arthur Dion Hanna, a founder of the modern Bahamas, passed away on August 3, 2021 at the age of 93.
He was the seventh Bahamian Governor General of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas, who served from 2006 to 2012.
Fiercely devoted to his country, Arthur Dion Hanna played a courageous part in the struggle for Majority Rule. He was a member of the first Majority Rule government in 1967. As one of the earliest and most persistent advocates of Bahamas Independence, he played a leading role in bringing national sovereignty to reality in 1973.
A.D. Hanna, as he was called, was born in Pompey Bay, Acklins, on March 7, 1928. He became an attorney and upon returning home from law studies at the University of Bristol, England, joined the Progressive Liberal Party, to which he gave many years of service as Deputy Leader.
He was Deputy Prime Minister and also Government Leader in the House of Assembly during successive PLP administrations led by Sir Lynden Pindling, and served as a member of the Cabinet, holding ministerial portfolios including Finance (with responsibility for the Public Service), Education, Home Affairs and Trade & Industry over an expanse of time.
Mr. Hanna was renowned as a prominent figure in the shaping of the modern Bahamas, and for his passionate concern for the poor and underprivileged.
He served as a Member of Parliament for 32 years: Government Leader in the House of Assembly from 1967 to 1984 and a member of the House of Assembly from 1960 to 1992, where he represented the Anne’s Town Constituency.
He was predeceased by his wife Beryl, and is survived by three children: Dion, Glenys, and Dawn.
