A LEGACY OF FEARLESSNESS

Throughout the decades, Joanna Agatha’s footprints in this world have been that of fearless impact and influence.

Joanna Agatha’s MISSION STATEMENT read: To serve the people of Grand Bahama and my country by working for the economic, social and educational growth in all communities; ultimately promoting the advancement and equity among all citizens.

Face on without fear, Joanna walked out her mission. Her zeal for life and others and her robust personality allowed her to share her time actively within her community. Joanna Agatha’s civic, church and political involvement began in 1965 and continued strongly until she retired in 2017.

As the journey has been impressive, the late 1960s saw Joanna’s footprints in the Bahamas Red Cross Association - Lewis Yard Branch as Chairman and Girl Guides as a Leader. The late 1970s impressions saw Joanna as a Charter Member of Freeport Jaycees; a personal development organization that shaped and molded many prominent members of the country. She was also the Vice President of Freeport Jaycees in 1977 and the President of the Bahamas Jaycees in 1979.

In the words of Sandra Russell (Niece):

Aunt Joan was deeply involved with the Jaycees organization and she recruited all the young people who were at the age to join, to become members. I remember her leadership in that organization; she was always dedicated to the cause. She always wanted matters to be done properly according to procedures and she always felt that she should be allowed the opportunity to express her views and to be respected for them. She always had that innate deep conviction about herself. I experienced even in my early twenties, in the Jaycee organization, some of the struggles she went through because of her deep conviction, because of her belief that her contribution could bring improvement if only people would listen and listen objectively.

She also had time to contribute to community development without neglecting her family. She was always involved in activities related to enhancing progress, building opportunities, and creating options for the development of people and community.

If asked their opinion about my aunt Joanna Russell-Newton, there would be a wide range of responses. One thing that would be consistent would be a reference to her interest in community building and self-improvement. Additionally, the fact that she had an unshakable belief in her capability to achieve and to bring progress and improvement to any task she undertook.

There are so many other topics I can touch on such as her delicious meals and well maintained comfortable home and nicely kept yard.

Aunt Joan, you are already being missed for your vibrant energy, tenacity, professionalism and your great skill at entertaining. Farewell and may your soul rise with the angels in Paradise. Peace and Love, Sandra Russell-Flowers

THE 1980s AND 1990s.

As Joanna continued to mark the sands of time, her imprint in the 1980s and 1990s became more evident with her involvement in The Bahamas Softball Association, The Miss Grand Bahama Pageant, the Grand Bahama YMCA, The Miss St. Vincent de Paul Pageant, St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church Parish Council as President, St. Vincent de Paul Catholic School as PTA President and The Catholic Board of Education between 1980 - 1985. She was a Director of The Grand Bahama Chamber of Commerce in 1985 and a Board Member in 1987 and a Steering Member of the 1st Grand Bahama Games. The mid-1980s to the latter 1980s and throughout the 1990s saw Joanna’s continued steps within these organizations where she cemented her selflessness.

In the words of Catherine Russell-Osanu: A Phenomenal Woman

“Strength and Honor are her clothing; And she shall Rejoice in time to come” (Proverbs 31:25)

Aunt Joan, you were a woman of strength and honor. You lived a life of service and love. Your leadership in Zonta, and your business entrepreneurship was groundbreaking. I will always remember the love you have for your family, friends, and most of all your faith in God. Aunt Joan, you have taught me so much. I will miss you. You are a phenomenal woman. It is now your time to rejoice with our loving Savior. I love you, Catherine

2000 AND BEYOND.

Joanna Agatha continued to cement her footprints in numerous arenas:- The Bahamas Government National Women’s Advisory Council (Ministry of Youth, Sports & Community Affairs, Business & Professional Women’s Association - Legislative Chairperson, Zonta Club of Freeport\Lucaya - Charter President, Business and Professional Woman (BPW) Organization. The Bahamas Government Environmental Health Board - Member, We Care - A Grand Bahama Free National Movement Initiative - as Co-Chairman, The Grand Bahama FNM Women’s Association as President, The Grand Bahama Regatta Committee as Co-Chairman, The Bahamas’ Prerogative of Mercy Board, Chairman of The Road Traffic Authority in 2000 - 2002, The Bureau of Women’s Affairs Board (Ministry of Labour and Social Development) and The Free National Movement as Chairman of the Marco City Branch.

In the words of Joanna…”My love for community, country and the advancement of the same, coupled with my passion for nation building and community activism, was the catalyst for why I offered myself for Local Government. As a servant leader and businesswoman, it was inevitable. My advocacy for the implementation of Local Government began in 1985 years before its actual manifestation in 1996. Today, I believe in Local Government in the same vein as I did then, that in its’ purest form, Local Government can assist National Government in implementing policies that advance the socioeconomic direction of the individual islands of the Commonwealth of the Bahamas. As such, once we elect passionate individuals that share a common vision to ensure socioeconomic advancement, Local Government will ultimately impact and continue to impact each island individually and collectively as a Country.”

Joanna Agatha was elected to The Freeport City Council as the Councillor for Marco City (2005 - 2008) and as the Deputy Chief Councillor for The Freeport City Council (2008 - 2011).