Political Ombudsman Bishop Herro Blair and his wife, Alma at the Blair Generation Renunion banquet.

Janet Silvera, Senior Gleaner Writer

WESTERN BUREAU:

Ninety-four year old Mortimer Blair did not witness his youngest son Antonio's wedding last Saturday afternoon, neither was he there to hear the tributes bestowed upon him and his late wife Geneva.

But the devoted Baptist didn't needto be in Nassau, Bahamas, to prove that he had made an indelible mark in the lives of his 15 surviving children, including the island's political ombudsman, Bishop Herro Blair.

The proud father who hails from Somerton, St. James, has borne four full-time preachers and bishops, entrepreneurs, bankers and musicians, who in turn have procreated a wholesome group of men and women of which 131 members converged on Nassau, Bahamas for what they called 'The Blair Generation Reunion' (BGR).

Cultural heritage

BGR, held every two years was literally oversubscribed by first, second and third generation family members who travelled from all over the United States and Jamaica to celebrate their rich cultural heritage with relatives residing in the English-speaking Caribbean island.

From as early as last Wednesday, the sound of specially scripted BGR dominoes were making sweet music on the tables in the entertainment area of the SuperClubs Breezes Bahamas hotel, as several members of the family displayed friendly bantering and even admitted to receiving a thrashing or two from ace players Bishops Herro and Wellesley Blair and their younger brother, banker Clinton.

A tradition that has been embedded in the hearts of one generation after the other, the exciting domino game was really the precursor to a week of athletic prowess showcased during the family fun day, the dawn of a new day fashioned by the beautiful wedding ceremony of Mortimer Antonio Jr. and his bride Melanie, culminating with an unforgettable formal banquet and all-star parade at the reputed Old Colonial Hilton Hotel on Sunday night.

Thanking God for his blessings as they rejoiced in song, the family that boasts an undeniable richness in spirit, commenced the final night taking all the youngsters on a walk down memory lane.

A journey into the past anchored by radio personality Nadine Blair and narrated by Ina Barrett and Lena Smith, were the right ingredients to an evening that many will recall for years to come.

Praise and worship

Praise and worship by the Bahamian side of the family, the Pratts', dancing to the 'beat' of sign language by LeWanna Harrison and Lindsay Blair, soca by Dontrae Arnett, Cynae Hall and Andrewnique Sears led to a refreshing compilation of folk songs by Leonie, Nadine and Valerie Blair, accompanied by Neil Morris.

The Blairs attending BGR 2007 were: Clover, Joyce, Beverly, Doreen, Marleen, Verna, Kingsley, Ronald, Delbert, Ainsley, Andre, Deanna, Kevon, Brandon, Lexi, Brian, Kevin, Georgette, Lloyd, Ken, Joan, Ornett, Alma Norma, Yvonne, Evon, Damian, Jovian, Janet and Lydia.

Other members of the family included: Everald Hastings, Norma Waite, Lorna Tyndale, Jevon Harrison, Pauline, Dwayne and Sally Sue Peynado, Nelson Matteo, Monica Turner, Adrian Johnson, Tashanna and Tanya Swaby, Ezra Clarke, Althea Wallace, Sylvia and Deidre Lawson.