History

I was guided to establish FHCO when I reflected on the leadership legacy of my grandmother’s cousin Lionel Davis who served as an influential politician in Fox Hill and is known as the father of Fox Hill Festival. He was known for introducing the African attire and the promoter of the economic festive activities. I was also reflective of my grandparents, the late Clarence Ferguson Sr. and Lillian Davis-Ferguson, and their acts of charity and generosity within Fox Hill Village.  The Davis family of Davis Street, was a large family of land and business owners (farmers and straw vendors). 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 Yoruba “Urie Bar” Society.  His willingness, kind-heartedness, and interest in helping families in Fox Hill, earned him the name “Mr. Buddy” as he was always ready to give sound advice and kind words to those who sought his counsel. Mr. Gladstone Cash, Mr. Herbert Mackey and Mr. Carl Rahming also were other community leaders. Beryl Davis-Wright, my grandaunt is one of the original surviving members of Fox Hill Mothers’ Club who pioneered with other women leaders.  Original women leaders of Mothers’ Club of Fox Hill # 2 deceased included: Evelyn Moss - President, Doris Armbrister - Treasurer, Thelma Fox – Secretary, Rowena Weech - Chaplin, Emily Mackey, Doris Whymns, Annie Knowles, Mable Rahming, and Clementina Edgecombe.   

The inspiration for the formation of FHCO was also influenced by my mother, the late Isabelle Ferguson, who is my outstanding model and example of love, compassion, charity and, community.  Additionally, the stellar leadership of my uncle Clarence Ferguson II who together with many concerned citizens in the Fox Hill community fully supported the late George Mackey, former Member of Parliament for the Fox Hill Constituency.  Together they established Fox Hill Community Development Association (FHCDA) in 1988.  Under his leadership, this association realized monumental development and transformational changes in this community, 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 the hard-working executive committee and other members who contributed to those developments.  During the ceremony for the opening of the Fox Hill Civic Centre, the late Sir Lynden Pindling, then Prime Minister of The Bahamas, shared that FHCDA was the first community organization in The Bahamas.   

In 2004, we were inspired by the generosity and leadership of my cousins the late Charles Johnson and Dr. Jacinta Higgs as they coordinated the 200th Anniversary of the struggle against slavery and the 170th year of the abolition of slavery in The Bahamas. This event was a major celebration organized by Minister Fred Mitchell MP. The success of this event also prompted me to establish FHCO so that there will be continuous charitable programmes for Fox Hill Community.   In April 2017 the vison of the late Hon. George Mackey and thousands of Fox Hillians when Mrs. Betty Mackey and Her Excellency Dame Marguerite Pindling unveiled the plaque below during the opening of the Fox Hill Centre. A closer look of the names on this plaque again reveals the strong rich Fox Hill Community leadership legacy of the Davis Family represented by cousin Sherelle Saunders.  

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.      

Two (2) copies of the document, one delivered 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 social ills 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.”   

The Certification of Registration for the Fox Hill Charitable Organization (FHCO) was issued on Thursday, October 8, 2020.  The Board has since decided that the official anniversary date for the Fox Hill Charitable Organization will be December 8, 2020, which is the date the Board of Directors first met with the Leaders and Pastors of the Fox Hill community to share its’ goals and objectives for the organization.