Brent Symonette
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Theodore Brent Symonette (born Nassau, Bahamas, 2 December 1954), a prominent Bahamian businessman is currently deputy leader of the Free National Movement (FNM), the minority party and is a Member of Parliament for Montagu Constituency.
Symonette was educated in law in London and is a member of the Bahamas Bar Association. Symonette was appointed to the Senate in 1987 by the late Sir Cecil Wallace Whitfield and he was re-appointed to the Senate in 1992 by Prime Minister the Rt. Hon. Hubert A. Ingraham. He has served in numerous pivotal Government positions over the years: Attorney General, Minister of Tourism, and [Chairman of The Airport Authority. As Chairman of The Hotel Corporation of The Bahamas, he was instrumental in negotiations which resulted in bringing the Atlantis Hotel and affiliated resort properties to the Bahamas. This occurred at a time when the Bahamian tourist industry was stagnant and it has made a lasting difference for the Bahamian economy.
A businessman who has been involved in numerous business ventures in The Bahamas, Symonette an established Real Estate Broker and a member of the Bahamas Real Estate Association.(Reference: http://www.zoominfo.com/people/Symonette_Brent_41025025.aspx) He is married and has children.
Brent Symonette has a long relation to public service: he is the youngest son of Sir Roland Theodore Symonette (1898-1980), the first Premier of the Bahamas and Lady Margaret Symonette ne Frances. Brent is also the half brother of Robert Hallam Symonette. (In addition to winning the World Championship in the 5.5 meter, yachtsman, Robert "Bobby" Symonette was the Speaker of the House of Assembly in 1963 when Sir Roland was Premier. The civic minded Symonettes are known as "The First Family of the Bahamas".
Brent is one of a handful of "white" Members of Parliament and related debate surrounds his political efforts. For an example of this debate, see "The Race Card No Longer Works" http://freeport.nassauguardian.net/editorial/284738024760310.php
Upon his selection as Deputy Leader in November 2005, Symonette was asked if he is automatically going to be Deputy Prime Minister. He replied, "There is no post of deputy prime minister. If Mr. Ingraham chooses when we win the election to make me deputy prime minister then I will also serve. If he chooses someone else then I will support them." (Source: Extreme Radio: by Tanya M Cartwirght, Guardian Associate Editor)
In interviews with Bahamian papers, Symonette states that he stands for strengthening the Bahamian economy, fostering local music and culture.
http://www.zoominfo.com/Search/PersonDetail.aspx?PersonID=41025025 (33 references & links)