Monday, July 13, 2009

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Yama Bahama's legacy to live on By FRED STURRUP ~ NG Associate Editor ~ frederick@nasguard.com: Upon the passing of that great Caribbean icon who was christened William Horatio Butler Jr., but known to the world as Yama Bahama, I contacted the Commonwealth Boxing Council office with the sad news. As president of the CBC, I expected our secretary would immediately put the word out to all of our colleagues and associates. Indeed he did and the response was most heart-warming for me, knowing how important a plank Yama was for the foundations of both tourism and sports in The Bahamas. On behalf of the entire Commonwealth, Yama was saluted for his ring career by our office. Also, Jose Sulaiman who heads the powerful World Boxing Council expressed condolences on behalf of that organization. Such responses speak to the respect held for the man, Yama Bahama. The kind of reverence being demonstrated for Yama is normally reserved for world champions. For a number of reasons, the best being a very simple one, (he just never got around to it) Yama never fought for the British Empire or Later (Commonwealth) crown. Nevertheless, he was a man of the Empire who was thought of in like manner (as that of a champion). His 76-14-3 record remains one of the more glittering ones in Commonwealth history. Sulaiman usually reserves his personal responses in these times for those who captured titles somewhere along the line during their careers, but in Yama's case there was a difference, and on Saturday past in Bimini when his body was laid in its final resting place, one could say with great satisfaction and enthusiasm that "there lies a man who never won a world title but was thought of as a champion nonetheless." He deserves that epitaph. His legacy will surely live on. Desmond Bannister, Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture, has something in mind. Unable to attend the funeral service, he however sent a statement that carried a compelling message. The statement follows: "On behalf of the government of The Bahamas, the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture, and the entire local sporting community, I wish to extend profound condolences to the family members and associates of the late boxing champion, Yama Bahama. In doing so, I join with countless Bahamians and members of the international boxing community who have come to comprehend and appreciate the magnitude of the historical accomplishments of this proud Bahamian son. He came to embody all that is good about Bahamian sports, inspiring so many young athletes to pursue international greatness. Such a hero will not be allowed to slip into oblivion and it is the intention of my ministry to create a lasting memorial to assure that his exploits will remain in the hearts and minds of locals and visitors alike." A most appropriate communication, Minister Bannister provided, particularly the last part. The Bahamian Boxing King is dead at 76, but may his legacy live on forever. Monday, July 13, 2007