NASSAU, BAHAMAS — Family members and friends of the late Edwin “Smiley” Bastian gathered at the former Citibank Bank building on University Drive yesterday to mark the building’s rededication and renaming in honour of the late philanthropist, political activist, and Rotarian.
At the ceremony, prominent businessman and The Bahamas’ non-resident ambassador to the Central American Integration System (SICA), Sebastian Bastian described his father as “his greatest hero”.
Prime Minister Philip Davis told attendees that the native of Andros rose from a shoeshine boy to become a well-known and beloved entrepreneur, philanthropist, and mentor to many as well as an ardent supporter of the progressive movement.
“The renaming ceremony of the Former Citibank and Scotiabank building to the Edwin “Smiley” Bastian Corporate Centre is an example of a grateful son memorializing his father in tribute for all of the intangible attributes transferred to him that have collectively shaped this character and his value system,” said Davis.
“Smiley continues to Iive through his son who dearly loves and honours his father. Family members fondly remember Smiley as a very engaging peoples person and I do to. He understood the value of making everyone feel special. This quality strengthened his entrepreneurial spirit at a very early age,” said Davis, noting that the passion for entrepreneurship was an attribute he would pass on.
Bastian worked at the former City Meat Markets for 30 years as a bookkeeper before retiring as their accountant and assistant corporate secretary in 1997. He also launched the well-known steak and bar The Four Way Inn in Englerston, which became a popular weekend grill spot.
As a dedicated Rotarian, Bastian was also the recipient of the Paul Harris Fellowship award for distinguished services to community and country at large and was for many years responsible for organizing the Rotary Club of Southeast Nassau’s club’s annual steak out fundraiser which was named the Edwin “Smiley” Bastian Annual Steak Out.
Bastian also served for many years as the Chairman of the Yellow Elder Branch of the Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) and was a stalwart councilor and staunch party supporter.
Yesterday, Ambassador Bastian said: “From plumbers to politicians, he always made everyone feel like they belonged. He was always smiling, always cooking something, always planting something. I heard and witnessed so many stories about the people he helped, about the scholarships he assisted in getting for others, and the many jobs he assisted in getting for others.”
He added: “I am the man I am, and I am the father that I am, because of the father that I had.”
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