STATEMENT FROM MINISTER OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS FRED MITCHELL ON THE PASSING OF AL DILLETTE, CONSUL GENERAL TO TORONTO

**Al Dillette is pictured with Prime Minister Philip E. Davis, who participated in the official opening for The Bahamas Consulate General new office in Toronto, Canada, on April 15.**

SHOCKING NEWS: Minister of Foreign Affairs Fred Mitchell just released (Tuesday, May 2) this shocking news:

I regret to report the death of Albert King Dillette, known to his friends, including me as Al Dillette. 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.

Prime Minister Philip E. Davis is pictured seated center with the Foreign Affairs Minister Fred Mitchell (seated right) and Bahamas High Commissioner to Canada V. Alfred Grey (seated left) during the official opening ceremony for The Bahamas Consulate in Toronto. Standing at centre is Bahamas Consul General to Toronto Al Dillette with Consulate staff. (Photo Credit: Eric Rose, BIS)

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. 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.

**Ribbon-cutting for new Bahamas Consulate office in Toronto.**

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

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

We say in his passing to God be all the glory for a life well lived.

May he rest in peace.