Al Dillette, The Bahamas’ Consul General in Toronto, died at home in his official residence on Monday night.

In a statement, Minister of Foreign Affairs Fred Mitchell said “we have lost a treasured son, friend, and brother”.

“I regret to report the death of Albert King Dillette, known to his friends, including me as Al Dillette,” Mr Mitchell’s statement said. “Mr Dillette died at home in his official residence in Toronto last evening. He was discovered by the Consulate General’s staff when he could not be reached this morning. The emergency services with the consulate staff entered the premises and discovered that he had passed away. It appears that he died from natural causes.

“For me personally, this is a great loss. We have been friends, confidantes, and colleagues since we were boys. I have spoken to his wife Kathy to express the condolences of the nation and the Ministry.

“Prime Minister Philip Davis was informed, and he too has expressed his condolences to Mrs Dillette and the children and his siblings.

“Al Dillette was one of the finest journalists this country produced,” the statement continued. “He loved to tell the stories of his time at ZNS and his role in defining broadcasting, public relations, and the history of our country since independence. He was a champion of life in Freeport and in Grand Bahama. He was looking forward to the 50th anniversary celebrations of our country, especially now that he was in an official role, a role he inaugurated just a few short weeks ago when we were all gathered in Canada.

“We have lost a treasured son, friend, and brother.

“Mr Dillette is survived by his wife, Kathryn, two sons, Adam and Robert (Xzavier); one daughter, Alana (Derrick) and three grandchildren, Aafiah, Maya and Elijah.

“We say in his passing to God be all the glory for a life well lived. May he rest in peace.”

In a statement, Prime Minister Philip 'Brave' Davis said Mr Dillette was not only a colleague, but a close personal friend.

“It is with profound sadness and a heavy heart that I learn of the untimely passing of my dear friend and esteemed colleague, Mr. Al Dillette, a distinguished diplomat, public relations specialist, and an invaluable member of our nation,” Mr Davis said. “As the Consular General for The Bahamas in Toronto, Mr. Dillette was beginning to make his mark, and his dedication to public service will be dearly missed.

“I had the distinct honour of being present with Mr. Dillette in Toronto for the opening of The Bahamas Consulate Office. Not only was he a colleague, but he was also a close personal friend, with whom I shared many memories and experiences. He played an instrumental role in establishing the Consulate Office, and his passion for his work was evident as he embarked on this new chapter. Despite the short duration of his tenure, Mr. Dillette's unwavering commitment to enhancing the relationship between The Bahamas and Canada will be remembered for years to come.

“His focus on assisting the Bahamian diaspora, promoting foreign direct investment, and being a responsible contributor to international affairs is a testament to his legacy. Mr. Dillette's lifetime of public communication, from his beginnings as a broadcaster to his service in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, showcased his dedication to the well-being of our nation. His leadership in The Bahamas Olympic Committee further demonstrated his love for sports and our country.

“Born in Nassau and educated in The Bahamas, Jamaica, and the United Kingdom, Mr. Dillette brought a wealth of knowledge and experience to his diplomatic posting. His enthusiasm for this new challenge was palpable, and he was determined to serve the interests of our country to the best of his ability.

“Al's warm personality, contagious laughter, and genuine kindness touched the lives of countless individuals, both personally and professionally. I will forever cherish our conversations, our shared passion for the advancement of The Bahamas, and the unwavering support he provided during our friendship.

“On behalf of the Government and the people of The Bahamas, I extend our deepest condolences to his wife Kathryn, two sons, Adam and Robert (Xzavier); one daughter, Alana (Derrick) and three grandchildren, Aafiah, Maya and Elijah.

“As we mourn the loss of a remarkable individual and a cherished friend, we celebrate the contributions Al Dillette made to our nation, even in the early stages of his work in Toronto.

“We pledge to carry on his legacy in our ongoing efforts to strengthen and promote The Bahamas in the international community.

“May his soul rest in peace, and may his memory live on in the hearts and minds of all who had the privilege of knowing him.”