Tonight, I was deeply saddened to hear of the sudden passing of Mr. Basil Rolle. The news of his sudden death found us all unprepared.

Basil Rolle was our supervisor in South Andros and Mangrove Cay. I held Mr. Rolle in the highest regard.

During my tenure as Executive Chairman of the Water and Sewerage Corporation, Mr. Rolle and I developed a close relationship. He was an excellent communicator and we spoke regularly. I am going to miss our conversations.

Basil Rolle typified what it meant to be a conscientious and diligent employee and team leader. He was the heart and soul of the South Andros Operations and his hard work and discipline ensured that the community of South Andros received consistently excellent service. He possessed a wealth of institutional knowledge and a noteworthy work ethic. Put frankly, he was a remarkable man and the consummate professional - always willing to go the extra mile.

Basil was always more focused on the good of the Corporation and the people of South Andros and Mangrove Cay rather than on his own benefit.

Not only was Mr. Rolle a dedicated and efficient employee who was well-respected among his colleagues, but he was also an influential community leader. We referred to him as the "mayor of South Andros."

Indeed, it will be difficult to replace Mr. Rolle and it will certainly be impossible to ever forget Mr. Basil Rolle. We shall miss Basil greatly.

Tonight, I spoke to Mr. Rolle's wife Bernell and his brother Sheldon and conveyed my sympathies and thanks for his service. His passing is already being felt by his fellow employees and management. On behalf of my family, General Manager Elwood Donaldson and the wider Water and Sewerage Corporation family and Minister Desmond Bannister, I extend my sincerest condolences.

Please be assured that you are in our thoughts and prayers. Wishing you a blissful rest in eternity Basil