EDITOR, The Tribune.
PLEASE allow me space to give a glimpse into a man who everybody knows but very few know of. As a Grants Town boy, we have had many success stories of those who made it to unprecedented heights from this small community of old. Some whose names will still live on long after they have passed.
But I want to talk about someone who, thank goodness, is still with us. This man has been knighted by the late Queen, and lives up to that honour. Although knights are usually of some nobility and their training matches the role they are to play. But this man came from humble beginnings and has gone on to set unprecedented records in business, humanity and philanthropy. Most know him from stories they have heard or the media, but he’s much more than that.
I got a chance to see the real Sir Franklyn Wilson up close and personal while in Orlando. He’s a dedicated family man, humble and loved deeply by his family and close friends. Yes, he was honoured as an International Man of Honour during a lavish gala event in Orlando last September. But the human and compassionate Sir Franklyn was shown after the events of the weekend.
One of Sir Franklyn’s granddaughters flew in to Orlando from School in Connecticut to celebrate with her grandfather on this special occasion; she had just celebrated her 18th birthday. And because she was away to school her family could not be there for this milestone in a child’s life.
Although everyone was getting ready to leave Orlando, Sir Franklyn wanted to host a special 18th birthday party that Sunday morning.
Despite the crush for everyone to leave, checkout the hotel and head to the airport, they all came down to the restaurant where Sir Franklyn was having this birthday party for his granddaughter, Melissa Smith.
What took place at that party is worth recording for history to basically show the kind of man that Sir Franklyn is. For one his family will always love him, not for the things he gives, but the love that he shows. The parents of young Melissa, Mr and Mrs Frank Smith could not hold back the tears, as Sir Franklyn demonstrated his love for his family and his friends. And they all reciprocated by staying through breakfast and lunch to show support for him as he celebrated his granddaughter’s birthday, despite having to leave, that in itself was awesome.
The 18th birthday party for young Melissa was so special that everyone took part in the celebration.
Sir Franklyn surprised his family with this move, but he made everyone in attendance to be aware that love of family is a top priority.
There is no doubt that Melissa will remember that weekend for the rest of her life. And we all will remember the love that was shown in a family.
Sir Franklyn who just celebrated 30 years as chairman of Sunshine Holdings, is an established businessman, who has shown the world that a small group of eight friends could start a business and still be more than successful 50 years later.
As a philanthropist, Sir Franklyn has poured millions into education, the church, Junkanoo and the country as a whole. So many people benefit from his philanthropy that some don’t even know it.
I am proud of Sir Franklyn Wilson and I want the world to know that The Bahamas has been blessed for a visionary and compassionate man who loves His God his family and his country.
Thank you Sir Franklyn, May God continue to bless you and your family!
TY OLANDER
Nassau,
December 31, 2024.
Comments
birdiestrachan 5 days, 10 hours ago
I too believe he has done well a great son of Bahamian soil, he came from over the hill to the mountain top, hard work and exceptional vision, and he has given back to his Country, through his donations to education, a good example to stand up work hard and always give thanks to God
ThisIsOurs 4 days, 20 hours ago
Nothing in this article provides any reasoning for Sir Franklyn to be deserving of the nations respect. I am not saying he doesnt deserve it, I am saying the sentiments expressed are without substance.
That he has alot of money, his family loves him, he held a birthday party for his granddaughter, people stayed after breakfast and you were somewhere in the vicinity? Ok, that is good for him as a person but has no impact on the country.at large.
This man has been knighted by the late Queen, and lives up to that honour"
Please we all know the Queen knows and could care less about these people, never rejected a request and the only reason they are nominated is because of their proximity to the political strongman of the day. I see this year out of five people nominated for honours four are pastors/bishops etc, nominated for doing what? Being a pastor for years? Mosko was nominated for contribution to business. I dont know what that means. (Ironically I wondered if this Mosko is the same gentleman who has been crying for years about the torture he and his family have endured from construction company noise terrorism right across from the PM, the PM has to drive by everyday as Moskos house and peace of mind are being obliterated. if this is the same person, the PM has done, nothing easily within his power, to alleviate the pain of the man he "honours". God save me from those types of friends.)
"he was honoured as an International Man of Honour during a lavish gala event in Orlando last September"
You may not be aware, but these awards ceremonies are money making initiatives. They target popular people who have a large circle of influence, who will pay for tickets for their families or have friends and loved ones who will pay for tickets to see them "honoured". Its all about the money.
"Sir Franklyn has poured millions into education, the church, Junkanoo"
So has Nygard. So has Sebas. Nygard has been convicted in court of multiple rapes of unsuspecting females. We all know Sebas operated an illegal business for decades. The half may be untold.
Sir Franklyn is clearly a hard working person, he's very intelligent and it is no small thing that he loves his family and supports them, but the singular thing that would redeem Sir Franklyn's name in the minds of the majority of Bahamians, is if he used his wealth and knowledge of industry to restore the people of Pinewood and provide them with rainy and hurricane season peace of mind.
ohdrap4 4 days, 18 hours ago
When was the man disrespected?
ExposedU2C 2 days, 8 hours ago
LMAO. Ty Olander must be one helluva of a kiss arse of Snake's family. And to think The Tribune printed this garbage because of their fear that they might loose some of the advertising revenue the despicable and insatiably greedy Snake spends each year promoting his devious interests.
DWW 1 day, 6 hours ago
screams of narcissism and nepotism all over. Everyone in the family is inconvenienced to accommodate a doting old man? It is like something straight ouf of the drug kingpin movie LOL!
I guess no one cares about the past or the questionable enrichment he has squandered for himself at the expense of the Bahamian people's public purse? How about the current no bid fuel supply contract that was awarded in contravention of the law.
GodSpeed 6 hours, 18 minutes ago
Sir Franklyn Wilson, ain't that the fella that knocked over a church? Also stop the shameless rear end kissing, it's embarrassing.
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