Phillip Nassief, a prominent figure in Dominica’s economic and social landscape, passed away on April 28th, 2024, leaving behind a legacy of entrepreneurship, generosity, and community spirit. Born on January 8th, 1933, in Roseau to Elias Nassief and Marie Raphael, Phillip was the embodiment of resilience and vision.
After completing his education at prestigious institutions including McGill University in Canada, Phillip returned to Dominica, where he took the helm of his father’s modest rum business and started a soap operation which became Dominica Coconut Products Ltd (DCP), Dominica’s leading manufacturing enterprise and a Caribbean success story. Under his leadership, DCP flourished, becoming renowned for its quality products and exemplary management practices. Phillip’s commitment to his employees, his community, and the region at large earned him widespread admiration and respect.
Phillip’s impact extended beyond the manufacturing industry. In 1989, he led the revitalization of the Fort Young Hotel, transforming it into a cornerstone of Dominica’s tourism industry.
Beyond his business acumen, Phillip was a humanitarian at heart. He spearheaded initiatives to uplift his community, including establishing a senior citizen’s home and supporting small businesses through the National Development Foundation (NDFD). His philanthropic endeavors extended even further with the creation of the Elias Nassief Foundation, dedicated to aiding those in need, particularly the elderly.
His dedication to development and ethics earned him numerous accolades including in 1977, Dominica’s highest honor, the Dominica Award of Honor. In 2002, Caricom honored him as one of the Caribbean’s Leading Voices of the 20th Century. And in 2004, he was honored by the American Foundation of the University of the West Indies, as “among the luminaries of the past 100 years who have left their indelible mark on the Caribbean region and the world”.
Phillip Nassief’s passing leaves a void in the hearts of many, but his legacy of innovation, compassion, and community empowerment will continue to inspire generations to come. He is survived by his children – Yvor, Maroussia and Gregor; his grandchildren – Isabel, Alexander, Victoria, Phillip, Natassjia, Gaston, Sofia and Manuela; his siblings – Annie, Usief, Rosa and Juliet; and former wife and mother of his children, Haitian born artist Gild Thebaud Mansour.
The community of mahaut and Dominica by extension should hold Mr Nassief in high esteem.
I’m 50 years of age, grew up in the village and can’t remember hearing any negative about this man.
My truth is, Mahaut was kept in the conversation of dominica history more importantly because of Mr Nassief.
Feedom party was well liked yet we never had to relay on politicians to bribe us for votes because we obtained our independence through had work in making DCP a success.
I would GIVE A MARK of about 90% of persons of homes in the village had one person work at DCP.
Persons like mr Nassief didn’t have to play politics with our community for our survival. This man will be remembered by he as a true hero, selfless with a heart this none of this politician will ever possess.
WHY? Because it was his own resources that was invested in the community and not that of the state.
Christmas bonus and hampers as well as party as our famous sport centre was the highlight.
Many more can be said…
We had a popular saying at home which went like this, “If we only had one, two, three or maybe four more businessmen like Mr. Nassief,” Dominica would be further ahead of its Caribbean neighbors, with the provision of private sector employment. Unfortunately, we only had one. Dominica Coconut Products Limited was an idea and a reality of how a developing nation could utilize its own raw materials, manufacture products at home and export finished products to various overseas markets, instead of the reverse. Rest in peace Mr. Nassief. Your time on earth with us was well spent. Job well done. Condolences to his surviving family members.