University of The Bahamas Library Receives Copies of The Rassin Story of Love, Loss and Leadership

7^th November 2025

Nassau, THE BAHAMAS – Renowned health care administrator, Rotarian and University of The Bahamas (UB) Trustee, Barry Rassin, has captured the life and legacy of his father, Dr. Meyer Rassin, in a book that honours one of the visionaries of the Bahamian healthcare system, and recently presented copies to the Harry C. Moore Library and Information Centre at UB.

The book, The Rassin Story of Love, Loss, and Leadership explores the life of Dr. Rassin, the first orthopedic surgeon assigned to The Bahamas as a member of the World Air Force in 1945. Beyond his medical service, Dr. Rassin played a pivotal role in expanding professional health care services in the country, eventually founding the privately-operated Rassin Hospital.

During the book presentation, Rassin acknowledged that his father encountered obstacles, but said he overcame them, a similarity they both share.

“Part of the side story is that you can accomplish your goals no matter what gets in front of you, no matter what challenges you have. Both he and I, we had challenges, but we still got things done. And I think that’s a powerful message that I wanted to make sure everybody knew,” Rassin said.

Rassin also expressed deep appreciation for the university and its role in nurturing Bahamian achievement.

“I’ve always had a special place in my heart for the university. I didn’t go here, but a special place, because I know the history of a lot of people who’ve been through this university and are doing amazing things around the world. I cherish that history and it’s an honor to be a part of that,” he said.

The book weaves a tale of love, traces gripping moments of loss, and pays tribute to an indomitable spirit and tenacity that advances a legacy of leadership.

UB President Dr. Robert Blaine III commended Rassin for sharing a story that contributes to the national narrative of leadership and resilience.

“I think that the process of writing is something of a sacred space. We are very appreciative of the fact that you have written about not just your story, but the story of your family, and the impact that has been on a national scale. We thank you so much for sharing that,” President Blaine said.

Chair of the UB Board of Trustees Allyson Maynard Gibson, KC, highlighted the enduring impact of the Rassin family on The Bahamas.

“This book is not only about Barry’s leadership journey, but very importantly, of his father’s journey in The Bahamas and the development of healthcare in our country. So, we owe a real debt of gratitude to Dr. Meyer Rassin and Mrs. Rassin, who we both were very involved in not just health care, but also health in terms of, dare I say, spiritual, through philanthropy,” she said.

Maynard Gibson also reflected on the broader message of inclusivity that the Rassin family’s story evokes.

“There are a lot of people in our country who come and make our country their home and I think that we accept that as a compliment to us. We have to always remember that that’s one of the things that makes The Bahamas so special. We accept people. This book reminds us to reject the principle of polarization,” she added.

Deputy Librarian Catherine Archer welcomed the donation as part of the library’s ongoing efforts to preserve Bahamian stories and scholarship.

“We want to collect everything that we can about the Bahamas. We want every story to be told, that can be told. So we are very excited to have these books,” she said.