Press Release
Deputy Leader of the Free National Movement and former Member of Parliament for St. Barnabas, the Hon. Shanendon Cartwright, will receive the Spotlight Award at the 2026 St. Augustine’s College Alumni Lighthouse Awards & Gala Ball.
The Spotlight Award recognises an alumnus, faculty member or student whose
accomplishments, leadership and public service have focused regional and national attention on St. Augustine’s College.
Cartwright will be celebrated alongside an accomplished group of SAC alumni and friends of the institution on Saturday, 24 October, 2026, at the Atlantis Ballroom. The gala, under the theme “Tradition of Excellence: Lighting the Way Forward,” will be held under the distinguished patronage of His Grace, Archbishop Patrick Pinder.
Opening the evening with a burst of colour, rhythm and SAC pride will be the SAC Alumni Junkanoo Group—the 2026 Junkafusion Alumni Junkanoo champions. Led by SAC Alumni Association President Dr. Anastasia Brown, the group captured the overall championship in its inaugural entry into the competition.
The SAC Pop Band and Drama Ministry will also take the stage during the cocktail hour, showcasing the talent, creativity and versatility of the college’s students. Special entertainment will be provided by Essence Band.
A two-term parliamentarian, Cartwright was first elected to the House of Assembly in May 2017 and re-elected in September 2021. His work in St. Barnabas has centred on a “people first” agenda encompassing youth and student development, social assistance, family enrichment, senior citizens’ programmes, environmental and infrastructural improvements and partnerships with members of the local business community.
Among the signature accomplishments of his tenure is the establishment of the St. Barnabas Community Centre, which provides a central space for initiatives designed to serve and strengthen the constituency.
Before entering frontline politics, Cartwright served as executive chairman of the
Bahamas Public Parks and Public Beaches Authority. During his stewardship, the
authority undertook environmental and infrastructural improvement projects involving public parks and beaches throughout The Bahamas.
His professional career spans more than 20 years in sales, hospitality, marketing and corporate development. He held management positions with global hospitality companies Starwood Hotels and Resorts Worldwide and Kerzner International. Prior to his election to Parliament, he served as a senior executive with responsibility for corporate development and marketing at DanBrad Limited, a major international franchise holding company.
Cartwright is also the founder and director of Vision 21, a youth empowerment and community development programme.
He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in English Language and Literature, with a minor in History, from Franklin Pierce University in New Hampshire, where he also received an honorary Doctor of Laws degree.
During his time at Franklin Pierce, Cartwright became the first person of colour to serve as chairman of the university’s Judicial Board. He received the President’s Award for Leadership and Contribution and was named a New England Collegiate Conference Academic Scholar-Athlete in men’s basketball.
Cartwright later served as an assistant men’s basketball coach at the university and continues to hold multiple Franklin Pierce basketball records.
His civic affiliations include membership in the Bahamas National Trust, the Bahamas Historical Society and the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons of Scotland. He is also a life member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Incorporated and an active member of St. Paul the Apostle Roman Catholic Church.
Through his accomplishments in public service, corporate leadership, sports, youth development and community building, Cartwright has carried forward SAC’s tradition of developing individuals committed to excellence and service beyond themselves—an ideal reflected in his personal mantra: “Live for something bigger than yourself.”
Dr. Brown said the 2026 Lighthouse Awards will build upon the success of previous celebrations while presenting an even more dynamic experience.
“This year, we are taking the SAC Lighthouse Awards to an entirely different level,” she said. “Under the theme ‘Tradition of Excellence: Lighting the Way Forward,’ we are not only celebrating where SAC has been. We are showcasing where SAC is going.”
She said the association listened closely to alumni, supporters and the wider community while planning this year’s event.
“The message was clear: bring back the excitement, bring back the energy and make it even bigger,” Dr. Brown said. “If you were there in 2024, you already know what SAC can do. But trust me, 2026 is going to be better! This is one night you absolutely do not want to miss.”
The gala will also recognise recipients of the Alumni Achievement and Distinguished Alumni Achievement Awards, Special Honours, Alumnus of the Decade, Alumnus of the Year and Family Legacy Award.
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