FREEPORT, Grand Bahama -- Executives of The Grand Bahama Port Authority, Limited (GBPA) took a brief moment to acknowledge acts of bravery and compassion exhibited by Bahamian native, Mr. Devaughn Gow while assisting injured tourist, Mrs. Barbara Stainbrook following a recent jet ski accident.  

“Far too often we see negative acts toward tourist headlining in the media but, not enough positive ones,” explained GBPA Vice Chairman, Miss Sarah St. George, as she addressed a small group gathered to honour Mr. Gow.  “These negative stories do not accurately reflect the friendly and courteous people of The Bahamas,” she said. “After hearing of the incident with the injured tourist, and how she was helped to safety by Devaughn and others, we wanted to say ‘thank you’ and acknowledge his act of bravery,” Miss St. George concluded.

Prior to presenting Mr. Gow with an exquisite brass replica of the GBPA headquarters building, Miss St. George shared with the group, emails and letters written by the Stainbrook family expressing their gratitude.  Referred to as the towering ‘savior’ by the victim, Devaughn recalled vividly the incident as he shared details of the rescue with the group.

“It was a beautifully clear day, and as I walked my dogs along the beach I heard a loud bang!  I knew it couldn’t be anything good. It was a harrowing scene,” Gow stated.  “I ran bare footed on jagged razor sharp rocks, to find a lady lying in the shallows of the canal, wedged between the rocks. She was being cradled by her husband. I jumped down to where she was, and it was at that point, I realized the severity of the accident. The victim had sustained a substantial amount of head trauma” he continued.

Working with the victim’s husband to keep the situation calm, Devaughn called Emergency Services and was able to get medical and police assistance to the victim. Once transported to the Rand Memorial Hospital, Mrs. Stainbrook received, what she described as ‘excellent care’ in her daily online blog.

Joining GBPA Executives in honouring the local hero was Mrs. Karen Seymour, Director at the Ministry of Tourism (MOT). She applauded Gow, noting his act as a true reflection of the Bahamian Spirit. “I’m in agreement with Miss St. George, too often we hear of the negative situations regarding visitors, yet here is an example of a true ambassador of The Bahamas.” Seymour stated. “It took team work to help Mrs. Stainbrook and get her to safety; that is what everyone did. I commend Devaughn, the police, the ambulance drivers, the doctors, hospital administrators and everyone involved.”

Attendees gathered for the brief ‘thank you’ and acknowledgement meeting included, GBPA President, Mr. Ian Rolle, GBPA Vice Chairman, Miss Sarah St. George, MOT Director, Mrs. Karen Seymour, GBPA Vice President, Mr. Henry St. George, Public Hospitals Authority representative, Mrs. Odette Knowles, MOT Senior Manager, Mrs. Renamae Symonette, GBPA Community Relations Director, Mrs. Geneva Rutherford,  GBPA Financial Controller, Mrs. Deann Seymour,  and GBPA employee and mother of Devaughn Gow, Mrs. Sandra Borowski.

Photo: Smiles for Bravery (Left to Right) – Mrs. Sandra Borowski, GBPA employee and mother of Devaughn Gow, MOT Senior Manager, Mrs. Renamae Symonette, MOT Director, Mrs. Karen Seymour, GBPA Vice President, Mr. Henry St. George, honouree, Devaughn Gow, GBPA Vice Chairman, Miss Sarah St. George, GBPA President, Mr. Ian Rolle, GBPA Financial Comptroller, Mrs. Deann Seymour, Public Hospitals Authority representative, Mrs. Odette Knowles, and GBPA Director of Community Relations, Mrs. Geneva Rutherford.