Statement from Minister the Hon. Frederick A. Mitchell on The Passing of Former Permanent Secretary Mrs. Mary Sweetnam
26th August, 2023
–Nassau, NP, The Bahamas. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs extends condolences to the family of Mrs Mary Thelma Sweetnam, who passed away in Exuma on the 25th of August, 2023. Mrs Sweetnam was 93 years old. She was born in Governor’s Harbour, Eleuthera on 9 January 1930.
Ms Sweetnam had a long and distinguished career in the Public Service. Among her many assignments in her almost 50-year career, she served as Permanent Secretary in the Office of the Attorney General, the Ministry of National Security, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. At Foreign Affairs, she succeeded Mr Oris Russell as Permanent Secretary in the early ’80s and continued the tradition of strong and exemplary leadership and guidance in the Ministry. Mrs Sweetnam played a significant and impactful role in the development of the Ministry at a pivotal time in its history.
Though her demeanor was always charming, polished, and polite, Mrs Sweetnam is remembered as a no-nonsense permanent secretary, a stickler for detail and one who held officers to a high standard of work and presentation. In the midst of this, she had a remarkable sense of humour. Mrs Sweetnam was instrumental in mentoring many officers who would go on to become senior personnel in both the administrative and technical branches of the Ministry. She is the proud recipient of the Janet Bostwick Medal for Women in the Foreign Service.
Like her sister, former Cabinet Secretary and Bahamas Ambassador to the United States of America, H.E. Margaret McDonald, Mrs Sweetnam epitomized the true virtues of public service: dedication, service, integrity and professionalism. She will always be remembered for her manifold contributions to the growth and development of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Mrs Sweetnam’s contributions were not limited to the Public Service. She was truly committed to serving our country. She was influential in the creation of the Police Dependents Trust Fund, which continues to benefit hundreds of police officers and their families. She was also very active in Girl Guides and the Garden Club, manifesting her passion for native flora and herbal medicine. She was awarded the OBE in recognition of her outstanding contributions to The Bahamas.
In her latter years, she took up residence in Exuma, and though retired she was always thinking of ways she could be of service to her country. She was a devout and active Roman Catholic.
On this sad occasion of her passing, the Minister, Permanent Secretary and the wider Foreign Affairs family send heartfelt condolences to her family.