The Tribune

SIR ALBERT Miller, one of the great pioneers in Freeport, Grand Bahama, died yesterday. He was 89.

The former president and co-chair of the Grand Bahama Port Authority for almost 30 years, he had been Deputy Commissioner of Police and served on many boards, including FOCOL, Solomon Brothers, Pepsi Cola (Bahamas) Bottling Company, Bahamas Amusements Ltd and the Sunshine Group.

Born in Long Island, Sir Albert rose to become one of the country’s most prominent and successful businessmen. He joined the Royal Bahamas Police Force in 1943, and rose from detective corporal to deputy commissioner in 1968. He also acted as Commissioner of Police on five occasions. He built a reputation for discipline, determination, hard work and international training. He resigned from the force in 1971.

His knighthood in 2002 was the last in a string of honours from the Queen – he was a Member of the British Empire, received the Queen’s Police Medal, the Colonial Police Medal and was made Lieutenant of the Royal Victorian Order.

He was a past president of the Rotary clubs in East Nassau and Freeport, Chairman of the Grand Bahama Island Tourism Board, Honorary Chairman of the Junior Achievement of Grand Bahama, member of the Anglican Diocesan Finance Committee and former member of the Salvation Army Board.

Dr Michael Darville, the Minister for Grand Bahama, described Sir Albert as “truly an inspiration to Bahamians everywhere” as he led the tributes. “It is my belief that of all Sir Albert’s accomplishments, he was most revered by the Bahamian people when he topped the Queen’s list of 40 Bahamians appreciated for their dedicated and outstanding contribution to the development of The Bahamas.”

Fred Mitchell, the Foreign Affairs Minister, said he had lost one of “my dearest friends, confidantes, mentors and supporters”. “In the Freeport of the days of the Magic City he is the last man standing in the troika of St George and Hayward and Miller. God bless him and all that he did to contribute to the public life of our country and to the success in business and to the work of our police force.”

The Grand Bahama Port Authority Group of Companies extended heartfelt condolences to Lady Laurie Miller and the Miller family last night.

“The passing of Sir Albert is a great loss not only for our company but also for our community,” a statement read. “In his public life, Sir Albert was a leader in the industry. In his private life, he cherished his family and in turn he was cherished by them.

“As we continue our work at the Group of Companies, we will be guided by Sir Albert’s demonstrated passion and deeply rooted love for the city of Freeport and by extension the island of Grand Bahama and The Bahamas.”

Sir Albert leaves a widow and three children, Russell and Anthony Miller and Deborah Archer.