Freeport, Grand Bahama Island - The Ministry of Tourism, on behalf of the Government and
the People of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas, extends deepest
condolences to the family of the late Mr. Felix A. Seymour, educator,
businessman, hotelier.
Mr. Seymour began his professional career with the Andros
Island Development Company, Fresh Creek Andros and then moved on to the
Nassau Beach Hotel, as Personnel Manager. Then the Seymour family
relocated from New Providence to Grand Bahama Island,
in 1973. This phase of his career included postings as General Manager
at the Lucayan Harbour Inn and Marina, Port Lucaya Resort and Yacht
Club; as well as Resident Manager of the 400 room Princess Tower Hotel.
Always the consummate hotelier, he mentored members of
staff numbering in the hundreds over the years. His inimitable
management style reflected a mixture of cutting edge Cornell University
hotel management and human resources training, common
sense, traditional family values and strict discipline in the
workplace. He stood firmly for equal opportunity for Bahamians
everywhere.
At the pinnacle of Mr. Seymour’s career in the tourism
industry, Bahamian leadership in the sector was vibrant. The decade of
the 80’s were the best years on record for visitor arrivals to Grand
Bahama Island, increasing almost three-fold. Tourism
sector leaders of the day included the late Sir Albert J. Miller KCMG,
and colleague hotel managers, Emile Poitier, Tyrone Thurston, Andrew
Barnett, Michael Coakley and Donald M. Archer, amongst others.
Also during that period, the calendar of special events
attracted international recognition to the destination, most notably the
ABC Television’s World Superstars, the Princess 10K Run and 5K Run, and
the Grand Bahama Vintage Grand Prix. Mr. Seymour
personally facilitated the staging of a series of fashion shows held at
the Princess Tower Hotel between 1978 and 1981 by the world famous
Ebony Fashion Fair Models.
The life of Felix Seymour will serve as a fitting example
to many. His commitment to excellence in the field of tourism shall long
be remembered.
I join now with the nation in an expression of sympathy,
and extend personal condolences to the Seymour family during their time
of bereavement. We pray for his soul and the souls of the dearly
departed, may he rest in eternal peace.