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Draft:Paul Fernander bio

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Paul Fernander – Veteran Broadcaster, Cultural Advocate & Community Leader In September 1971, I began my journey at The Government High School (GHS), entering through its gates with 125 fellow scholars—12 of whom, like me, were former students of William Sayles Primary School, affectionately known as "Brown and Tan."From his early days at The Government High School (GHS) in 1971, Paul Fernander has embraced Sir Cecil Beaton’s mantra: “Be daring, be different, be impractical…” This vision has guided his more than four-decade career in broadcasting, cultural event production, union advocacy, and community development, leaving a lasting imprint on Bahamian society. Early Foundations & Education At GHS, Paul was mentored in photography by Kenneth Huyler, which sparked his creative journey. He would later be tutored by veteran renowned photographer Antoine Ferrier. An accomplished athlete in his senior years at GHS, he represented Nassau House in sprints and relays and was invited to represent The Bahamas at the 1976 CARIFTA Games. He studied Communications at The College of The Bahamas and University of North Carolina Charlotte, supplementing his studies with Basic Electronics at C.R. Walker Technical Campus. Broadcasting & Media Career Paul began his media career in 1979 until 1994 at the Broadcasting Corporation of The Bahamas (ZNS), where he held numerous positions, including Master Control Operator, VTR Editor, TV Producer, and Account Executive. He returned in 2002 and was later appointed middle manager in the Sales & Marketing Department in 2002. His achievements include: Receiving the Broadcasting for Youth Award.

Selection for a US Embassy Caribbean Broadcasting Certification Program that trained participants across major U.S. cities in politics, marketing, religion, and film production.

Managing logistics for ZNS’s first live TV broadcasts of the Exuma and Long Island Regattas, and co-creating the Dollars for Scholars Telethon, which supplied Dell computers to Family Island primary schools.

Producing and co-producing high-profile cultural programming, including co-produced documentaries and TV specials such as the Cat Island Rake n’ Scrape documentary, The Down Home Town Show with Picewell Forbes, and Crab Fest Home Town episodes. I was also instrumental in the “Dollars for Scholars” initiative, which outfitted every Family Island primary school with Dell computers.

Union Leadership & the Fight for Workers’ Rights Paul’s tenure at ZNS was marked by strong advocacy for employee rights. Inspired by leaders like Keith Archer, he became an active member of the Bahamas Communications and Public Officers Union (BCPOU), serving as Assistant Secretary General, later Secretary General, and as a Trustee of the Trade Union Congress. While serving as Assistant Secretary General, Paul was unjustly terminated after speaking out against poor departmental management. His dismissal galvanized the BCPOU, which organized a five-day work stoppage and a historic march from ZNS to downtown Nassau, shutting down Bay Street. This display of unity led to his reinstatement. Paul credits his colleagues and the BCPOU for demonstrating the power of solidarity: “United you stand, divided you fall.” Cultural Events, Festivals & Public Engagement Beyond broadcasting, Paul has played a pivotal role in Bahamian cultural preservation and festival development: Public Relations Officer and Entertainment Manager for the All Andros Regatta, Crab Fest, and Cat Island Rake n’ Scrape Festival, often serving as Master of Ceremony for the flagship concerts.

Founder and producer of the Big Yard Music Festival in Andros, pioneering entrance fees to generate revenue for Family Island events.

Co-producer of multiple live Regatta broadcasts and Junior Junkanoo TV specials, showcasing Family Island traditions nationwide as well as the first live weekly TV show other than news called the Down Home Show.

Long-time President and Fundraising Chair of the ZNS Hill Thrillers Sports & Social Club, which became renowned in the 1980s and 1990s for highly successful cultural cruises and variety shows.

Community Programs & Charitable Work Paul has conceptualized and executed numerous fundraising and social initiatives: Co-creator of More 94.9FM’s Secret Santa program for pediatric AIDS patients and Operation Adam, a cancer fundraising initiative.

Architect of Operation Green with the Kiwanis Club of New Providence, raising significant funds for the Ranfurly Home and Adventure Learning Centre.

Consultant and “Grill Master” for the Goal-Den Sisterhood, supporting annual back-to-school drives that provide over 300 backpacks, meals, and school supplies to underserved children.

Guardian Media Group & National Disaster Relief Since 2012, Paul has been Special Projects Coordinator at Guardian Media Group, leading impactful initiatives across its media properties (The Nassau Guardian, Freeport News, Guardian Radio 96.9FM, Star 106, Hits FM, and Hot 91.7FM): Co-Produced major national telethons, including Help Us Help Haiti, The Cancer Society’s Building Hope, and Rebuild Bahamas.

Co-led Operation Joaquin Relief & Full Restoration, delivering 20 pallets of aid to Acklins and Crooked Island after Hurricane Joaquin.

Developed flagship community programs like the Stocking Stuffer Christmas Program and Trot for Tots Fun Run, raising funds for the Princess Margaret Hospital Children’s Ward.

Sports & Youth Engagement Paul’s support of Bahamian athletics includes serving as Accommodations Coordinator for the National High School Track & Field Championships, ensuring Family Island athletes could stay at Atlantis, and as an LOC host for press conferences during the 2014 and 2015 IAAF World Relays. Alumni Leadership & Legacy In 2022, Paul co-founded the GHS Old Scholars Planning Committee, formalizing the Government High School Alumni Association and creating the prestigious Phoenix Awards, which celebrate outstanding alumni, teachers, and administrators. He serves as the first President of the Government High School Alumni Association(2023–2025), continuing his lifelong commitment to uplifting his alma mater. Paul presided over the Government High School Centennial Celebrations during the month of April 2025. Key Skills & Expertise Broadcasting & Media Production: Radio, television, and live event production

Leadership & Union Advocacy: Labor negotiations, employee rights, organizational growth

Event Planning & Logistics: Major cultural festivals, concerts, and corporate initiatives

Public Relations & Fundraising: Sponsorship development, community engagement, brand building

Cultural Preservation: Championing Bahamian traditions through storytelling and festivals

References

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