MIAMI, Florida -- An autobiography of the late Livingstone B. Johnson, first Bahamas Ambassador to the United States and to the United Nations will be released February 27 at a book launching ceremony to be held at the British Colonial Hilton, downtown Nassau.  According to daughters Anita Johnson-Patty and Deanne Johnson-Anderson, “this is long overdue and we are ecstatic that we are finally able to fulfill our father’s dream.”

A former Member of The Bahamas Senate, Ambassador Johnson C.B.E., D.C.L., died in Nassau, Bahamas March 5, 2009 at the age of 85.  A State recognized funeral service was held March 20 at Christ Church Cathedral, George Street in Nassau. The Ambassador is widowed by Charmaine Culmer Johnson, his wife of forty nine years.

A barrister at law (Grey’s Inn, London) L. B. Johnson was appointed Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the United States and to the United Nations soon after The Bahamas achieved its independence from the United Kingdom on July 10, 1973.  He presented his credentials to United States President, Richard Nixon, four months later on November 9, 1973.

Ambassador Johnson’s Memoirs titled: The Past Remembered, is a compilation of the early beginnings, development and growth of a young man born of humble means in a little village called The Hermitage, situated at Exuma Island in The Bahamas.   The Past Remembered is also an autobiography chronicling, among other experiences, his early years as the first Bahamian Envoy accredited to the United States, the United Nations as well as to several other countries where he was recognized as non-Resident Ambassador for The Bahamas.  Most importantly, however, The Past Remembered is also a ‘road map’ for young people throughout the Islands of The Bahamas to reference as a guide while reminiscing on the Ambassador’s enthusiasm for excellence.  The Past Remembered is, in his own words, ‘A Bahamian’s Long Journey Home In Pursuit of Knowledge…’

However his autobiography is discussed or debated, the objectives of this compelling work are, intentionally obvious, in the Preface (written by the Ambassador himself) of this 121-page manuscript:                  

“…It is hoped that those youth still yet lost and undiscovered in the hinterland of Exuma and on every Island of The Bahamas Archipelago will come to realize that poverty, lowly upbringing and opportunities that seem limited or unattainable must never become impediments to the desire for achievement and excellence…”

One of those diplomats, who served with Ambassador Johnson during his early days in Washington DC., had this to say about the autobiography.  “This is by far the most compelling piece of contemporary Bahamian history I have had the pleasure to read.  The Ambassador’s memoirs belong in every Bahamian Home, in every Bahamian School, and should be sanctioned as ‘required reading’ by every member of the Bahamas Diplomatic Service now and in the future” according to Winston D. Munnings, a Junior Diplomat in the mid 1970’s and a protégé of Ambassador L. B Johnson.   “I say compelling, because I was there at the time, and could certainly validate much of the revelations in His Excellency’s Memoirs especially about those earlier years in Washington DC,” he added.

On the eve of the release of her Dad’s Memoirs, Anita Johnson-Patty eldest daughter said "...Writing this book was a labor of love for my father and we are thrilled that we can share his life story with young people of The Bahamas, and with people globally who are challenged by the societal ills of today..."  

And as to how she hoped Bahamians will respond to her father’s autobiography, Deanne Johnson-Anderson, youngest daughter of Ambassador Johnson, added “For the young Bahamians, for whom dad wrote this book, I hope they see this book as an inspiration to stay the course towards whatever they want to pursue and believe in themselves in pursuit of that goal, regardless of their current circumstances. For all Bahamians, I hope they regard this book as a history lesson of our great country from the eyes of someone who truly loved his country and his people and be proud. "                

The Past Remembered is published by Media Enterprises Limited, Nassau Bahamas, and will be on sale beginning February 27.  

Photo1 : His Excellency Livingstone B. Johnson, Bahamas Ambassador To The U.S. (1973-79)

Photo 2: (Quantico, Virginia -1978) Ambassador L. B. Johnson attending graduation excises for Inspector Fernander of the Royal Bahamas Police Force from the FBI Academy. (Left to Right) Winston D. Munnings, Third Secretary, Bahamas Embassy; Judge Webster, FBI Director, His Excellency L. B. Johnson, Bahamas Ambassador to the United States; Mrs Fernander and Inspector Fernander.)