I offer my condolences to the wife and family of Mr. Joseph Benjamin Carroll and pay tribute to this fine son of The Bahamas and Long Island who recently passed away and will be laid to rest in Long Island on October 2nd.

He will be remembered as a family man, for his business acumen, and for his considerable community service.

Born at Lower Deadman’s Cay, Long Island in 1918, Mr. Carroll was the father of thirteen children, two of whom predeceased him. Like their father, many of his children and grandchildren have also made various contributions to Long Island and to our national development.

Mr. Carroll was among that generation of Bahamian who served in the British Army (Bahamas Battalion) during World War II. He attained the distinction and rank of Sergeant in charge of Platoon No. 4. For that sacrifice he has the eternal gratitude of a grateful nation.

Prior to establishing his own business, he pioneered the concept of the Community Food Store at Long Island, establishing the first such store on the island, and thus inspiring others on the island to strike out in such equally enterprising directions.

Of important note is the fact that for many years there was no banking institution on Long Island, and residents there, including small businessmen, could only entrust their money to boat captains for deposit in the bank in New Providence.

It was through Mr. Carroll's relentless persistence that the Royal Bank of Canada finally began dispatching representatives to the island. He housed them at his modest model during that period, but eventually the RBC was moved, through Mr. Carroll's prodding, to establish a permanent branch on the island, which still exists today.

A keen businessman, he remained in business in Lower Deadman's Cay for over half a century, offering, along with his, offspring, services through his motel, gas station, and rental car business. His public service included serving as a member of the local Board of Works in Long Island for over thirty years.

Mr. Carroll’s community service extended to his membership in the school board for more than thirty years, as well as service to the PTA of NGM Major High School, Deadman's Cay, for many years. He generously lent his time and his own resources in the fund raising efforts to build the science building at NGM Major.

Mr. Carroll was also committed to the health and well-being of his fellow Long Islanders, having served as Chairman of the local branch of the Red Cross for twenty-five years and leading the fund raising efforts to build the Deadman’s Cay Health Centre. He also helped to raise funds to build the first (smaller) medical clinic and nurse's residence at Deadman's Cay.

For his considerable sacrifice in war and his extraordinary service to his country and Long Island, he was honoured by the Government of The Bahamas and awarded the BEM by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth the Second.

A man of faith, he was an Elder in Cartwright’s Gospel Chapel (Assemblies of Brethren) from 1958 until his death.

Mr. Carroll was a genuine role model. He demonstrated through his actions, his commitment to faith and family, and his love of country and his native Long Island.

I am pleased to add my tribute and that of a grateful nation for the life and service of Joseph Benjamin Carroll. Once again, to his wife, Virgie, his children, grandchildren and other family members, I offer my heartfelt condolences, as well as thanksgiving for a life well-lived.