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Bahamas Prime Minister The Rt. Hon. Perry G. Christie Pays Tribute To Sir Albert Miller

Published

9 years ago

September 2, 2015

Nassau, 01 Sept 2015 – I begin by renewing my condolences, and the condolences of the Government and people of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas, to Lady Miller and the entire family of the great Bahamian whose passing we mourn today, even as we celebrate his life; a life that was blessed with the gift of long years and marked by devoted service to his country, to his family, and to the institutions, both public and private, that he served so ably and so loyally during his long and fruitful life.

The word “great” is one that we tend to overuse in speaking of the dead. In the case of Sir Albert Miller, however, we stand on the surest and most certain of foundations when we characterize him, as I unhesitatingly do today, as a truly great man and an authentically great Bahamian.

And it would do us all well today to reflect on the personal ingredients that went into making Sir Albert the great man and the great Bahamian that he indubitably was.

To begin with, Sir Albert was a man of character; a man of courage and conviction; a man of talent and ability; of dedication and of discipline; of generosity and of kindness; of loyalty and of service.

And Sir Albert applied these abundant resources of his being in a way that not only earned for himself great personal success in multiple sphere of endeavours; but they also earned him the appreciation, the admiration, and the gratitude of so many persons from so many different walks of life, particularly those who were helped by him in one way or another over the years.

In some instances, the help that Sir Albert provided was direct. Mindful, as he always was, of his own humble beginnings in Long Island and equally mindful of those thoughtful and compassionate persons who had helped him in his own personal development, especially after he had moved to Nassau in his teens, Sir Albert was always keen to extend a helping hand to those who needed it, especially young and promising Bahamians who were without financial resources to further their education or to launch their careers.

Sir Albert helped many such persons over the course of his life, especially in the latter part of his life when his own material blessings had grown considerably. He never hogged his wealth. Instead he saw to it that not only was his family generously provided for but that so many others, especially here in Grand Bahama, would be able to share in the fruits of his material blessings as well.

More often than not, however, we never heard of such generosity. Seldom did we know when Sir Albert extended a helping hand. Most of it he did anonymously, without fuss or fanfare, seeking neither recognition nor reward for doing the good that he was doing.

And so, whether it was extending help through the church or through some other institution or agency, or doing it more directly, Sir Albert never sought anything in return. The personal satisfaction of knowing that he was using his material resources to be of help to those in need was quite enough for him. It was not something he felt any need to crow about.

But Sir Albert helped others in less tangible ways as well. He did so not with money but by the power of his personal example. He was a born leader who, throughout his life, inspired so many others simply by exhibiting the same qualities of greatness that I ascribed to him earlier: his enormous courage; his skill and talent; his disciplined approach to work; his absolute dedication; his loyalty and of sense of service, especially patriotic service.

These qualities were deeply embedded in Sir Albert’s being. They were an integral part of who he was. And one could not help but be impressed and inspired by the Albert Miller who possessed them.

These qualities were as much in evidence during the first part of Albert Miller’s adult life when he was climbing the ranks of the Royal Bahamas Police Force as they were in the second part of his life when he was distinguishing himself as one of the leaders of the Grand Bahama Port Authority and the City of Freeport. He didn’t re-manufacture himself when he moved into these new roles in Grand Bahama. Instead he was able to call upon the same resources of personality, the same reservoir of talent, that had been so central to his outstanding success as a police officer in his earlier years.

And so, just as he had risen steadily through the ranks from the lowly position of Constable in his teens to the exalted post of Deputy Commissioner while in late 30’s, Albert Miller was subsequently able to climb the ranks of the Grand Bahama Port Authority to attain one higher post after another, culminating in his appointment as President and later as Co-Chairman.

In climbing the ladder of success, first in law enforcement and then later in the boardrooms of commerce and city-planning, Sir Albert demonstrated a consistency of high purpose and dedication, and a level of skill and ability that were truly inspirational to behold. He was a man of action. A man of purpose. A man who never settled for second best. A man who never asked others to make sacrifices or to do things that he himself was not prepared to do. He led by example.

And it was because he was that kind of man that Sir Albert Miller is justly remembered today as a true and enduring inspiration to those who worked under him or alongside him as well as those in the wider community who marked the manner of the man and drew inspiration from what they saw.

One of the really remarkable things about Sir Albert Miller’s life was how the first part of his life as a policeman was as impressive as the second part when, as fate would have it, he ended up in a vastly different career as a businessman and city leader – a kind of unofficial mayor even for the nation’s second city.

Most men who achieve great things in life do it in only one sphere. In the case of Sir Albert, however, he had the uncommon distinction of achieving greatness in two completely different spheres of human endeavour, one after the other.

I need not recall today the great contributions that Sir Albert made in these two different spheres of his adult life because I have already had occasion to do so in my official statement following his passing and also because others have spoken so eloquently to it already as well.

However, it would be remiss of me as Prime Minister if I did not on this solemn occasion express the gratitude of the government and people of The Bahamas for the uniformly exemplary and profoundly important contributions that Albert Miller made over the course of decades to help keep the people of The Bahamas safe from crime.

His courageous and unfailing dedication to policing was as extraordinary as the skills and talents he brought to the job. I have no hesitation whatsoever in saying that it was because of Bahamians like Albert Miller that the foundations of the Royal Bahamas Police Force were as securely established as they were.

Indeed the outstanding police officers of today rest upon the shoulders of legendary predecessors like Albert Miller. He was a policeman’s policeman, a mentor and role model of the first order. The generations of police officers that have since followed in his footsteps are therefore deeply indebted to him for the standard that he and others of his own generation set for them to emulate.

But it’s not just police officers. It is the nation as a whole that is in debt to Sir Albert for all of the personal risks and sacrifices he undertook in the service of the Bahamian people as a law enforcement leader extraordinaire; and for the fearless, incorruptible and expert manner in which he went about protecting the Bahamian people from lawless elements within our borders. He was one of the best. He really was!

For that I extend the sincere thanks of a grateful nation.

I also extend the thanks of the nation for Sir Albert’s second major area of achievement as a leading figure in the development of the modern city of Freeport in the post-Groves era. Sir Albert brought a uniquely Bahamian balance to the otherwise expatriate-heavy leadership of the Port. This was of invaluable help to the Port in re-setting the ship on the right course and in charting the way forward, taking due account of national sensibilities and popular expectations.

Sir Albert sensed these things almost intuitively, and being the man of superb judgment and intelligent insight that he was, he was able to exert great influence over the owners of the GBPA in crafting new and more relevant policies aimed at promoting economic growth and urban development for the good of all.

Sir Albert’s achievements in that regard cannot be underestimated. They represent yet another pillar upon which his legacy stands.

Finally, it would also be remiss of me if I did not again acknowledge how personally indebted I am to Sir Albert for all the wise counsel he so unselfishly gave me over the years.

Although I should have expected no less from the fellow Valley Boy that he was, I was always very grateful – and I still am – for how unfailingly generous Sir Albert always was in giving me sound and sensible advice, and for sharing with me his profound insights into so many different national challenges we face.

I greatly value the moments we shared in that vein just as I greatly value the gift of his friendship.

I close with these words:

Many years ago, one of the more colourful and controversial public figures in American history, the former Vice-president, Aaron Burr, had occasion to use a phrase that has special relevance, I think, to the great man we pay homage to today.

Burr was giving praise to a group of heroic men. In doing so, he described them as “the best blood of the country”. He was moved to describe them so not because of the nobility of their lineage but because of the courageous and patriotic service they had given and the excellent work they had done.

That phrase rings true today as well for Sir Albert Miller’s life, in all its fullness, reveals that there also flowed within him “the best blood of the country”.

And we are all the better for it.

May he rest in peace.

Related Topics:christie perry sir albert miller

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Family of 16 yo Tourist claims negligence in jet ski death; TCI Coroner’s Court hearing evidence

Published

1 day ago

May 2, 2024

Deandrea Hamilton

Dana Malcolm

Staff Writer

#TurksandCaicos, May 2, 2024 – The family of a 16-year-old who died in Grand Turk six years ago while on a Carnival Cruise into Grand Turk is a little closer to closure as the Turks and Caicos Islands Coroner’s Court has opened his case for an inquest.

“On Wednesday, May 16th, 2018, at 11:30 a.m. Police and Emergency Medical Officials responded to a two-jet-ski collision that left a 16-year-old male dead, near the Cruise Terminal in Grand Turk. Two people were involved in the collision. The second male did not receive any injuries. This incident is under Police investigation.”

That was the brief police report in the aftermath of Nicholas Twyman’s death.

In the comments dozens of residents and visitors claim to have been on the scene that day, as the boy was pulled ashore, some trying to assist while others looked on, horrified.

Coroner Mickia Mills called up the case on March 21, 2024 almost six years after the incident occurred. Mills is in charge of finding out what exactly happened that day in Grand Turk and whether there was any negligence or if it was simply a terrible accident.

That verdict will be for the coroner and her potential jurors to decide. However, the family has shared their version of what happened that day.

A lawsuit filed in Florida Courts in October 2019 (Twyman v. Carnival Corp) detailed the heartbreaking hours that led up to the death of Nicholas. In it, the plaintiffs, listed as Gyjuanna TWYMAN and Michael Twyman, claim that they docked in Grand Turk and were curious about using the jet skis; both parents and the son were told by the Carnival team aboard the ship that there was not a formal shore excursion in Grand Turk involving jet skis, but that jet skis would be available for rent by the hour.

The family from Indiana claims three jet skis were rented, one for Nicholas, another for his father, Michael, and another for a different passenger, while their mother remained ashore. Wet Money Enterprise is listed as the jet ski company.

The family says they were given little instruction on using the Jet Skis, especially their son who was a new rider. The lawsuit maintains that Michael was not given any instructions other than being told where the kill switch was and not to ride too close to the cruise ship.

Sometime during his excursion, the young man crashed into the other jet ski. The family claims that neither Carnival Cruises nor representatives from the jet ski company responded. They say it was his father who spun around on his own jet ski, dived into the water for his son, and brought him to shore.

Once there, it was the young man’s mother, a registered nurse, who started emergency medical care.

When Turks and Caicos’s EMS did arrive after 15 minutes the family claims they were unsure how to use certain medical implements and had to be directed by the distressed mother.

The court documents list the cause of death for the young man as blunt force trauma and drowning, similar to what is listed in the TCI courts.

Coroner Mills, who took up her position in 2024, will oversee the proceedings which continued on Tuesday, April 23rd.

News

Will DPP Office ‘No Show, No Call’ cause criminal cases to be Dropped?

Published

1 day ago

May 2, 2024

Deandrea Hamilton

Wilkie Arthur

Freelance Court Correspondent

#TurksandCaicos, May 2, 2024 – On a bright and early Monday morning (15th April, 2024) in the Supreme Court before presiding lady Justice Ms. Tanya Lobban-Jackson and before His Honor The Chief Magistrate Jolyon Hatmin in the Magistrate’s Court, both courts were once again unable to proceed on its scheduled commencement time due to non or failure of attendance by the Prosecution of the Office of the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP).

Given the fact that this has now happened on more than one occasion, in both the Supreme and Magistrate’s Courts, judges and the learned Chief Magistrate have reached its final straw; they have cited the ‘no shows’ as a disrespect and a disregard for prompt and proper time management to be in attendance for legal proceedings.

From this reporters’ perspective, it appears the prosecution shows up when they like, any time they please and some are guilty of not showing at all without a call or message of explanation for the absenteeism. The repeated instances have been called, “embarrassing” for the Office of the DPP, when defense counsel and the accused are present in the courtroom but the prosecutor is a ‘no-show, no call, no text.’

On at least two or three occasions, the Supreme Court judge was forced to return to her Chambers; exiting the court with a strongly worded warning, only to return with there still being no member of the Director of Public Prosecution present in court.

There has also been a promise that even serious cases could be dismissed due to this inappropriate practice.

In the final weeks of April, the country learned of a review by a KC out of the UK, who was looking into case progression at the DPPs office. The Office has also hired a new Director, Philip Bennetts, KC, who takes office in the beginning of June, informed a TCIG media release.

News

Concacaf x Generation Amazing, Turks and Caicos Islands Launch

Published

1 day ago

May 2, 2024

Deandrea Hamilton

#TurksandCaicos, May 2, 2024 – Thursday, April 25, 2024, marked a momentous occasion for The Turks and Caicos Islands Football Association with the launch of the Concacaf x Generation Amazing Program. This program, supported by the Turks and Caicos Islands Ministry of Education, is currently benefiting 21 public and private primary schools across the Turks and Caicos Islands, encompassing both sectors of education. The primary objective of the Generation Amazing program is to educate and certify teachers to serve as volunteer coaches in sports development and safeguarding practices. Through this training, coaches will deliver football programs to children, aiming to catalyze positive social change within our communities that will continue to thrive for years to come..

The program not only emphasizes teaching children the basics of football but also focuses on instilling core values like teamwork, respect, and leadership. The initiative offers children the chance to enhance their physical well-being while nurturing essential life skills that can contribute to success beyond the field.

TCIFA President, Sonia Fulford, conveyed her appreciation to Concacaf, Generation Amazing, and the Ministry of Sports of the Turks and Caicos Islands for their involvement and support. She highlighted the significance of the project, pointing up a positive impact on the Education Ministry. Generation Amazing’s initiative is also seen as a valuable opportunity to enhance both the educational and athletic aspects within the community. “We’ll have more well-rounded teachers, and well-rounded students, not only from an educational standpoint, but a sporting standpoint. For us it’s a big win!” The President expressed excitement for the project, foreseeing an increase in skilled players and coaches, ultimately benefiting the organization significantly.

Jarret Forbes, Director of Sports, commented, “We are excited about the launch of the Generation Amazing programme here in the Turks and Caicos Islands. We commend the TCIFA for taking a holistic approach to student empowerment through sports. And we are grateful for the interest and support from CONCACAF and the Department of Education in developing our young athletes.”

Alvin Parker, Deputy Director of Sports, also expressed his enthusiasm regarding the upcoming chance for educators to apply their acquired knowledge. Viewing the term ‘Generation Amazing’ as a rebranding concept for Generation X, it is with high anticipation that the program will inspire and instill optimism within the younger demographic.

A devoted team collaborated diligently to ensure the successful initiation of the program. Spearheading the launch for Concacaf were Jennifer Roche, the Concacaf CSR Coordinator; Andre Virtue, Concacaf Coach Educator; Cristian Cubillas; and Garry Stannecc, the Sport For Development Consultant for Concacaf. The local facilitators comprised Dane Ritchie, TCIFA Technical Director; Olivia Graveley, Director of the Grand Turk Football Program; Yunelsis Rodriguez Baez, Director of Women’s Football; and Damien Grant, TCIFA Coach Educator and South Caicos Football Development Officer. The launch encompassed a comprehensive two-day training session for teachers, which will be followed by a mandatory six-week program involving a minimum of 25 students from each school. The program’s execution will be supervised by our Local Facilitators in with the support of Generation Amazing staff. Furthermore, the program will offer support to schools by furnishing footballs and essential equipment.

Jennifer Roche elaborated on Concacaf’s emphasis on Social Impact strategies, highlighting the significance of extending focus beyond on-field activities. “Last year, our CSR brand, ’The Bigger Game’ launched and the ‘Generation Amazing’ Program is one of the programs under the pillars of access to play and coaches education. This program is focused heavily on capacity building and giving tools to teachers, community volunteers, and other community leaders to empower and change lives through our beautiful game.”

Andre Virtue commented, “Obviously, we see the sport and the opportunity it has to grow. But, at the core of it is the coaches and how the coaches engage with our youth. We see the social issues that our youth already have to deal with on a day to day basis, and the dependence on either the parent or some adult to guide them and to mentor them is assumed. And, there is an intentional approach to how we’re communicating life values as it is very important.” Distinguishing between athletic prowess and life skills, Andre indicated that Coach Educating initiative aims to bridge this gap by aligning sports experiences with essential life lessons. The football field, as a dynamic environment, serves as a valuable classroom where the intricacies of life are intertwined with the game’s dynamics. “There are so many things that happen on the football field that are connected to life. The game is a great teacher, but there is an intentional and deliberate attempt to teach those values. It’s just the winning, the losing, the ups and the downs that come out of the game.”

Dane Ritchie further explained that the program also adopts a personalized approach, focusing on individual needs rather than viewing the children as a collective group, thereby maximizing the positive impact on each child. The aspects of conflict resolution, and nurturing respect are deemed integral to the game and are leveraged to impart essential life skills crucial for their development.

CherylAnn Jones, Permanent Secretary to the Ministry of Education, Youth, Sports, and Social Services, communicated the Ministry’s unwavering support for the Concacaf x Generation Amazing program and its potential to bring about significant transformation. The Ministry’s ethos, centered on Human Capital Development, resonates strongly with initiatives like Generation Amazing, which focus on nurturing leadership qualities, teamwork, and community spirit among today’s youth for the benefit of future generations. “A key tenant of the Generation Amazing program is its emphasis on child safeguarding and so this program aligns with our policy of ensuring that children learn, grow and develop confidently in a safe and nurturing environment. We are delighted to be partners with Concacaf and TCIFA, and applaud these organizations and their continued programs among our young people. We also applaud our principals, physical education teachers, and coaches who will be trained as facilitators in our schools to implement the program, as well as the Sports Commission. We believe that that commitment through football will create positive change.”

For more information, please contact TCIFA Office Manager | Marketing and Communications Coordinator, Candia Ewing at 941-5532 or cewingtcifa@gmail.com

Address:

TCIFA National Academy

Venetian Road

Providenciales

Turks and Caicos Islands