History of FHCO
The Fox Hill Charitable Organization (FHCO) is an entity inspired by the legacy of many of the
community’s past and present leaders including the late Clarence Ferguson Sr. His grandson shared
during a speech in a presentation to the FHCO’s 1 St. General Meeting held at St. Mark’s Native
Baptist Church, Romer Street, Fox Hill on Thursday, May 13, 2021, the following remarks:
“To speak to the history of this organization, I must share my inheritance, which is my legacy. My
grandparents, the late Clarence Ferguson Sr. and Lillian Davis-Ferguson, were leaders in this
community. My grandfather was a Senior Officer at the Boys Industrial school, President of St.
Marks’ Friendly Society, President of the Church Union Society, Vice-President of Fox Hill Burial
Society, and Treasurer of the Urie Bar Society. He was a proven leader! Because of his willingness,
kind-heartedness, and interest in helping people he obtained the name “Buddy” which means
friend or mate. He was always ready to give sound advice and kind words to all those who sought
his counsel.
My mother the late Isabelle Ferguson and her siblings were huge beneficiaries of all his wisdom and
better examples of good character. They learned how to love, care and share. Belle as she was
affectionately called was known for her compassion for others, because during her adult lifetime
every week for many years she attended at least three (3) funerals and carried cards of
condolences with cash and baked treats in support of her sick relatives and friends and bereaved
families, not only in the Fox Hill community but throughout the society. I was tasked with the
responsibility of writing thoughtful messages and encouraging words in these cards and to these
families on her behalf. She also “taxed” me for the money to put in many of those cards. You see,
she was preparing me. Her example of Christian charity is very important aspect and the
inspiration for my dissertation.
As a result of these examples of kindness and compassion, my uncle, Clarence Ferguson II together
with many concerned citizens in the Fox Hill community and fully supported by the late Member of
Parliament for the Fox Hill Constituency Mr. George Mackey, founded the Fox Hill Community
Development Association (FHCDA) many years ago. Under his leadership, this association realized
monumental development and transformational changes in this community and especially at
Sandilands Primary school. There is a plaque erected at the front of the school which memorializes
their contributions and lists many of the names of your families and mine that served on the
executive committee and other members who contributed to those developments.
In December of 2018, I began my journey to complete my online doctorate in Business
Administration. As part of the requirements for completing the degree, I had to complete a study,
called a dissertation. I chose the topic “Non-Governmental Organizations In The Bahamas” because
it is one close to my heart and involves helping others. I also chose it because my professors at
Atlantic International University always encourages its’ students not only to complete a degree but
to use it. Not to place it on a shelf in the library to catch dust, but to bring your studies to life and to
make positive contributions to your community and country.
To complete this study required a great deal of research, reading through laws, books, and
documents to support and validate the findings and make recommendations and conclusions.
Therefore, it was necessary to visit the Department of Gender and Family Affairs in the Ministry of
Social Services & Urban Development. I met and spoke with Dr. Jacinta Higgs, who was very
instrumental in providing me with the necessary facts and details to support the government’s
contributions to society as a whole and to non-governmental organizations. You see, I needed to
prove that the government was making significant contributions to charities, and, that it cannot
provide all the necessary services to satisfy all the social ills and challenges within the society.
When she learned that I was completing this study and had plans to bring it to life, she was very
surprised and encouraged me on the journey. I suggested to her that we should begin a foundation
to honor the legacy of our grandfather for his role as a proven leader, for all his accomplishments,
and his generosity to the Fox Hill community. Initially, we thought it was a great idea and decided
to share it with the elders in the family. After very thoughtful consideration and a fruitful meeting,
it was decided that given the nature and contributions of our grandfather and his children’s legacy,
that we should extend it to the wider community for a greater impact and to continue a legacy of
caring and sharing with as many people as possible. That is why to this day, several members of my
family support and journey with me in spreading the word and sharing this vision throughout our
community.
Once my dissertation was completed, on the eve of my 50th birthday, September 14, 2020, I
delivered two (2) copies of the document, one addressed to the Minister of Social Services, & Urban
Development, Mr. Frankie Campbell, and the other to the Office of the Prime Minister of the
Commonwealth of The Bahamas, Dr. The Most Honorable Hubert A. Minnis.
More importantly, what I learned from that study is that things change in societies and
communities when people are moved to action. Moved to action because they see a need,
deficiencies, or opportunities to bring knowledge, support, and assistance to a social ill or
challenges that negatively impact the poor, needy, and those less fortunate brothers and sisters
within their communities. Therefore, they seek to bring positive changes by offering their time,
talents, and treasure for a noble and worthy cause and invite others to do the same”.
This speech was shared in a public forum at the General Meeting to detail the events covering the
two-year journey which began in December 2018 and was actualized by the Certification of
Registration of the Fox Hill Charitable Organization (FHCO) dated Thursday, October 8, 2020. The
Board has since decided that the official anniversary date for the Fox Hill Charitable will be
December 8, 2021, which is the date the Board of Directors met with the Leaders and Pastors of the
Fox Hill community to share its’ goals and objectives for the organization.