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Last Updated: Feb 13, 2017 - 1:45:37 AM |
 One day, the life and times of Sir Albert will be the study of historians. He sought no fanfare and wanted no praise. He was an officer and a gentleman “called” to serve and in the end left an unmatched legacy of social and economic change in the city of Freeport. Fact is, the sixty year history of Freeport would have been entirely different had Albert Miller not stepped onto the stage and entered the Leadership of the Grand Bahama Port Authority.
Sir Albert became the pivotal player in changing the tone and bringing the proverbial “soul” into Freeport. His emergence must never be misunderstood or miscalculated. It must be seen in its true context of the times they were, and what and who were needed to reverse and to change an unacceptable social order.
Sir Albert had an unpronounced determination to populate the offices of the Port Authority and its subsidiary companies with recognizable faces. Today young Bahamians follow his path in leadership of the Grand Bahama Port Authority.
Sir Albert sat at the gate when heavy industry found the “Free Port” creating jobs and careers for high school students from New Providence and Grand Bahama. The result was the evolution of a middle class. Families were started, new homes were built and many housing divisions were opened. Bahamians now have a piece of Freeport’s Rock!
Sir Albert led the Grand Bahama Promotion Board. Under his chairmanship, tourism programs were introduced and a major television show found its way to Freeport. ABC superstar saw big name athletes such as Bill Russell, Franco Harris, Tony Dorsett and Earl Campbell in the city of Freeport promoting the new destination. Together with El Casino, Freeport had hit a jackpot and the magical bells were ringing.
Tourism added to heavy industry, defining Freeport as a city of diversity.
Sir Albert’s civic involvement had tremendous meaning. His membership, and leadership in The Rotary Club effectively built bridges and fostered relationships. He was the symbol of confidence to a new and emerging business community.
Freeport today boasts of the more than ten billions dollars invested over the many years. Many Bahamians are now entrepreneurs in a city that was once without a soul.
Sir Albert Miller was a humble nationalist! His Country and his commitment to Freeport were unshakable. He touched the lives of many of us as little boys, teenagers and men.
His life, his leadership, his mentorship, his commitment and determination gave Freeport a Soul, Bahamians an opportunity and Grand Bahama a future.
Sir Albert Miller’s story reminds us that we are to live a life that will pen the words to the sermon at our farewell.
He was a Great Bahamian!
© Copyright 2015 by thebahamasweekly.com
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