The 15th of October 1986 was a joyousday when the rambunctious baby boy was born to Joann Erica and Clyde Gibson. Hewas named Akandi Nnamdi Virgil Gibson. Akande means “firstborn,” symbolically aperson who is a humanitarian with a generous heart of Nigerian and Yorubaorigin. He was so kind-hearted and an animal lover, that the neighborhood straydogs will miss his regular treats and pat on the head. They came looking forhim daily because he did not treat them like strays but like ‘man’s bestfriend.’
Akandi received his formal education atBahamas Baptist College and Jordan Prince Williams High School before he laterwas moved to C.I. Gibson High School. As a child, he enjoyed his summervacations visiting his grandmother in Savannah Sound Eleuthera, spending timewith his cousins, and enjoying the beautiful turquoise waters of the island. Heloved swimming, natural habitats, and the ocean so his initial desire was tojoin the Royal Bahamas Defence Force.
Simultaneously, he was alwaysfascinated by the electrical trade and all the dynamics associated withelectricity. After completing high school, he was enrolled in the electricalinstallation certification program at the Bahamas Technical and VocationalInstitute (BTVI). After completion, he worked in several established electricalcompanies on the island of New Providence. Akandi’s affable and pleasantpersonality made him the electrician of choice for many families and friends.
More recently during the COVID-19Pandemic, like most essential workers he worked diligently to ensure that ourgovernment clinics, like South Beach Clinic, remained electrified toaccommodate the many patients that passed through its doors. He and hiscolleagues worked long hours to ensure that our healthcare workers were able tocomfortably provide the essential care and medications that our communityrequired during that time.
The extraordinary joy of his life washis two children, Ataria and Grayson. He enjoyed spending time with them. Hewas immensely proud of them academically and their teachers knew him well. Thispast May his heart was filled with immense pride and joy when his “Lia,” hisbaby sister graduated from the University of the Bahamas with a Bachelor ofScience Degree in Nursing. He loved his family, and we loved him.
The last few years of his life were particularlychallenging, but he journeyed through with peace, grace, and the confidence ofa better tomorrow. Akandi was a child that grew up in church and his motherenjoyed dressing him up in nice outfits from St Michael’s and to the end of hislife he was a well-dressed and clean young man. He enjoyed Sunday school whichinstilled in him Godly principles. Three years ago, he was baptized by BishopMcLaughlin and daily he would text his loved ones “Have a Blessed day” and hewas not shy to express his gratitude and love. Akandi’s life on this earth wasshortened but he found solace with the Divine Creator.
Akandi is survived by his Parents: Clyde V. Gibson JP, and Joann E. Gibson; Children: Ataria Victoria and GraysenChristian; Siblings: Alia, Candice,Kenneth, Marine Mechanic Ryan Lewis, and Corporal Dario Johnson; Grandmother: Inez A. Forbes; Aunts: Sheila A. Gibson RN, NP of Ft.Lauderdale, Jacqueline Forbes-Foster Attorney (Michael), Jaccara Smith (Mark)of Connecticut, Cherry Gibson (Riley), Sheril, Sharon, Shirley Gibson; Uncles: Retired Chief Ralph W. Gibson(Clarissa), Dale Gibson (Valarie), and Michael Gibson; Cousins: Dr. Kristy Whyte Favors (Jamil) of Atlanta, Carlton Gibson(Judy), Craig Gibson, 3271 PC Rhonda Gibson, Leading Woman Marine Abigail Gibson,Police Sgt. Deanne Hield (Cory), Able Seaman Ralph Gibson Jr., Dale Jr, Tammy,Tamara Gibson, Alterio, Keith and Randlese Gibson, Malik Foster, Matthew, andLuke Smith; Grand-Aunts and Uncles:Curlew Forbes, Ethelyn Stuart, Estina Morris, Beryl Salmon, Beverley, Coraleeand Joyce Bartley, Johnny, and Dudley Bartley, Irene Major, and Doris Hanna; Godparents: Heady Walkine, Karen Sands,Wilfred Butler, and Derek Butler; A Hostof Family and Friends including but not limited to: Archbishop Roston &Minister Althea Davis, Bishop Dr. Trent & Elder Novia Davis & TheGolden Gates World Outreach Ministries Church Family, Hon. Minister MarioBowleg, Member of Parliament for the Garden Hills Constituency and residents ofthe Garden Hill # II Community, Pauline Brown & Family, Shellycia Cooper& Family, Shantell Brown & Family, Daphne Patton & Family, AgathaBethel & Family, Carol John & Family, The Minnis Family, Krystal Kemp& Vanessa d’Arceuil & Family, Dario Johnson & Family, AntoinetteLewis & Family, Bishop Errol McLaughlin & Family, Beryl McDonald &Family, The Gibson Family of Savannah Sound, Eleuthera, The Sands Family ofGovernor’s Harbour, Eleuthera, The Bethel Family of Palmetto Point, Eleuthera,The Hanna Family, The Major Family, The Bryan and Paige Family of Jamaica,Sharene Smith, Brendalee Williams & Family, Joycelyn Butler & Family,The Cadet Family, Florene McKenzie & Family, Tyrise Sawyer & Family,Margaret Robinson & Family, Inga Dorsett & Family, Dianne Davis, KayRahming, Livern & Jasmine Myers, Carla Yarborough & Family, Daisy Kelly& Family, Lorie Williams & Family, Yorick McHardy & Family, Mrs.Donnet Sands & Family, The Cox Family, Randy Smith & Family, Sonja andChane Knowles, Dorethea Foster, Monique Millar, Pastors Arlington, and Ginger Strachanand the entire Balm in Gilead Church Family, Ministries Church family, Dr.Barrington Murray of Florida, Ms. Deleveaux, Ms. Major and Mr. Smith (CarltonFrancis Primary Admin and Staff, PTA President & Board President), Mrs.Janet Mackey & Family, Nigel Ingraham & Family, Precilla Dean &Family, The Johnson Family, Derek Johnson & Family, Rev. Sheldon Higgs& Family, The Cox Family, The King Family, Maxine Williamson & Family,The Forbes Family, Viola Beckford & Family, Tameka Gardner & StevetteGreen
