EDITOR, The Tribune. 

Over the years I have written many times about the fact that people, born and raised elsewhere, love The Bahamas so much that they choose to make The Bahamas their home. Many of them make immense contributions to The Bahamas, often without seeking publicity. Some of them were and are people of immense power and influence. One such person was Dikran Izmirlian, who has passed from time into eternity.

Dik, as he was affectionately called, was a consummate gentleman, a man of his word, and someone with whom people did business on a handshake. I highlight his trustworthiness because in today’s world of fake news and AI generated fake videos, fact and fiction and truth and falsehood, far too frequently become blurred.

Dik and his wife Helena positively impacted, in a personal way, the lives of many Bahamians, and others, through their generous and quiet philanthropy. The Izmirlian family’s impact on education in The Bahamas is shown through The Lyford Cay International School. In his usual quiet manner, Dik embraced the vision of the High School division and generously supported its creation and operation.

The Baha Mar complex is also a testament to the Izmirlian commitment to his home, The Bahamas. As with many ventures, there have been ups and downs. History cannot forget that the author of the original vision was the Izmirlian family.

Thank you Dikran Izmirlian for making The Bahamas your home, for personally, positively and quietly impacting the lives of hundreds of Bahamians and for leaving everlasting testaments through your contribution, among other things, to education and commerce.

Prayerful condolences are extended to Helena, his loving and devoted wife, their children, grandchildren and family.

Allyson Maynard Gibson KC

Nassau

August 28, 2024.