It all started in a little village in Lebanon, where Elias Nassief was born…
Elias Nassief was born on March 3, 1904, into a family of nine, his early years marked by hardship.
Growing up in a small, tight-knit community in Bazhoun, Lebanon, in poverty, Elias often found himself caring for his younger siblings, forming the values of hard work, resilience, and kinship, which would fuel his drive to create a better life—not just for himself, but for those around him.
In 1923, after marrying Marie Raphael, Elias made the bold decision to leave his home and join his older brother in Suriname (formerly Dutch Guiana) in search of work and opportunity. Here, Elias gained much experience and foresight into the world of commerce, which would later guide his entrepreneurial journey.
A visit to his friend Ayoub Dib in Dominica changed the course of his life.
Captivated by the island’s charm and potential, Elias decided to move his family there, determined to carve out his own business path.
Elias’s store became known as the “poor people’s store,” as he extended credit to many customers in need.
Over the years, his generosity grew, and he became one of the most respected donors to local charitable causes.
In 1995, his son Phillip founded the Elias Nassief Foundation (ENF) along with his siblings, George, Annie, Joseph, Alice, Rosa, Juliet, and Michel.
Each of Elias and Marie’s children contributed generously to support the foundation, to honour their father’s memory and continue his mission of compassionate support.
The Foundation was set up to provide grants, scholarships, sponsorships, and assistance to non-profit charitable and religious organizations.
After 30 years, the foundation has become a testament to resilience, determination, and the transformative power of opportunity.
Since its humble beginnings, the ENF has quietly and consistently given back to the people of Dominica. The Foundation has touched the lives of countless children, supported families in times of hardship, and partnered with organisations that care for the weak, the fragile, and those unable to fend for themselves. Their vision was simple yet profound: to uplift the lives of those most in need.
The foundation is now led by Elias’s granddaughters and great-granddaughters, who are proudly carrying forward his vision with gratitude and unwavering dedication to giving back.
To this day, the Elias Nassief Foundation continues to provide resources, support, and opportunities to those in need, embodying the values and compassion Elias displayed during his life.
