thebahamasweekly.com - Prime Minister Christie statement on the Passing of Manuel Cutillas

From:TheBahamasWeekly.com

Obituaries
Prime Minister Christie statement on the Passing of Manuel Cutillas
By Office of the Prime Minister
Nov 3, 2013 - 8:37:49 PM

Nassau, Bahamas - On behalf of the Government of The Bahamas and on my own behalf, I express condolences to the widow and family of the late Manuel Cutillas who passed away this weekend.

Mr. Cutillas, a native of Cuba, was a long time resident of The Bahamas who contributed significantly to the development of our country in a variety of businesses, industrial, civic and philanthropic spheres. He was particularly instrumental in the development of the Bacardi Industrial Enterprises in The Bahamas over many long years. He was a major force in a number of other business undertakings which produced employment opportunities for Bahamians in significant numbers over the course of several decades.

Mr. Cutillas was also highly regarded for his major commitment to civic and charitable work particularly in the area of education and involvement in a number of charitable undertakings in our country. He was a driving force behind the Lyford Cay Foundation having provided sterling service as its Chairman for many years. He was deeply concerned about the plight of the less fortunate and did a great deal of good in this regard, mostly behind the scenes, quietly, without fanfare and never seeking public recognition for his philanthropy.

Mr. Cutillas throughout his many years in The Bahamas represented a superb example of good cooperate citizenship ensuring at all times that the various businesses in which he was involved were conscious of the welfare of their employees and of the wider community.

I am advised that at the time of his passing, he was involved with others in negotiations with the New Providence Development Company towards the establishment of an open space at the site of the former Lyford Cay Shopping Centre. I look forward to the completion of the open space and would support consideration of it being appropriately named in honour of the memory of Mr. Cutillas.

It is therefore fitting that proper note is taken of the passing of Mr. Cutillas and that appreciation be publicly expressed for the contribution that he made to the development of our Nation.

May he rest in peace.