The Tribune

Cable Bahamas was yesterday mourning the loss of its founder and current chairman, Philip Keeping, who died in what was described as “an unfortunate accident”.

Mr Keeping, who held the BISX-listed firm’s chairmanship for 14 non-consecutive years, was the key player in creating Cable Bahamas, and taking it from concept to what it has become today, upon winning the exclusive 15-year cable TV licence from the then-Ingraham administration.

Mr Keeping began his 40-year career in the telecommunications group of Transport Canada in the early 1970s. In 1986, he formed N1 Cable TV Ltd to deliver high-quality TV services to 220 small rural communities in Newfoundland, Canada.

Then, in 1988, Mr Keeping expanded the company to include communities in New Brunswick, Canada, and in 1991, he concentrated his efforts on the development of the New Brunswick cable TV market.

In August 1994, he sold his interests in New Brunswick and sought out opportunities for the establishment and development of cable TV systems in the Caribbean. Those efforts were rewarded when the Government granted a cable TV license to Cable Bahamas in 1994.

Mr Keeping served as chairman, president and chief executive of Cable Bahamas for more than 10 years before moving on in 2005 to pursue other business interests in Canada and Florida. He sold his interest in Cable Bahamas’ controlling shareholder, Columbus Communications, to a group of fellow Canadian communications investors headed by Brendan Paddick.

After Columbus and the Paddick group sold their Cable Bahamas stake, Mr Keeping was asked once again in January 2010 to assume the position of chairman. Since then, he has led the company through a period of sustained growth, including the company’s recently announced $100 million expansion to Florida.

Anthony Butler, Cable Bahamas’ president and chief executive, said of Mr Keeping’s passing: “He was a giant of a man in many ways, a real friend and inspirational mentor.”

Mr Keeping is survived by his wife Eleanor, their daughters Kim and Eleanor, and sons Gerry and Kenny.

Cable Bahamas added in a statement: “This is such a sad day for the Cable Bahamas family. We find it difficult to convey our feelings over this profound loss.

“All of our staff, many of whom have been with the company from inception, knew Phil to be a true gentleman and friend.”

The firm added: “During his lengthy career, Mr Keeping impressed many as an accomplished leader and visionary. While his technology expertise was remarkable, his true legacy will be the meaningful impact he had on the scores of people with whom he interacted.

“Whether it was the gardener maintaining the grounds of the company, his management team who daily sought his counsel, the shareholders of the company who looked to him for his guidance and acumen, or national leaders seeking knowledge and proficiency, all were impressed by his integrity, sincerity and genuineness. Phil’s unassuming manner and his ability to convey assurance and calm will be fondly remembered and missed by many.”