I was saddened to learn of the passing of Mr. Harold “Tony” Hing Cheong yesterday after a short illness. Mr. Hing Cheong first came to The Bahamas from Guyana as a Surveyor in the Department of Lands and Surveys in 1955. He developed a reputation as an exemplary public officer, dedicated and committed. He always gave priority to the training of junior officers who served under his leadership. He rose to become Deputy Director and then Director of the Department of Lands and Surveys before his retirement from the Public Service in 1984.

Over the years Mr. Hing Cheong became deeply immersed in the life of his community, eventually becoming a Bahamian citizen. He served on the Council of Girl Guides beginning in the 1960s and continued that service up to 2005. Those involved with Girl Guides in The Bahamas recall his role as the Account for Girl Guide’s Cookie Week and as a primary force behind the development of the 8 acre Girl Guides Camp at Marshall Road. He was also a Rotarian of great repute and a supporter of other charities in our community.

I was pleased that he agreed to take up a consultancy at the Department of Lands and Surveys since my return to office in 2007, eventually accepting a temporary assignment as Acting Surveyor General as we sought to re-establish processes and procedures to improve the administration of the Crown Estate. His contribution then has been invaluable.

On behalf of the Government and people of The Bahamas I express thanks and appreciation for the life and service of Mr. Hing Cheong and extend sincere condolences to his children and to his extended family.