Doctor Sophia Jannif Dean says she will close leading photography business “Caines Jannif Pte Limited”It was not an easy decision to make; So it took the family two years to reach a decision.

Dr. Dean said the decision to close followed the sudden death in 2021 of Iqbal Jannif, who took over the business from their father in 1985.

With no clear successor to carry on the family legacy and most of the new generation living abroad, they faced the difficult choice of winding down operations, he says.

Dr Dean said after two years of emotional consideration and careful planning, they decided it was time to close the business.

“And we decided we wanted to get to the top, and we figured we’d do it until people still remembered us. And yes, we decided too. “But that decision was made two years ago and that’s how long it took us, two years, to get it all done.”

Dr. Dean says their success is based on the loyalty of customers and the hard work of their employees.

Meanwhile, the closure of Caines Jannif has also been bittersweet for Manju Kumar, who has worked with the company for over 30 years.

“I have been working for this company for 36 years to date. And it is a pleasure to work for this company under Mr. Jimmy’s leadership. He was a very humble person, a boss I will never forget. Worked as a team and family. We spent our days from 8am to 5pm. It was like home. And Mr. Jimmy, under his leadership, taught us how to run the business. “It also taught us good governance, transparency and justice.”

Kumar says working for Jannif’s family has been a blessing because not only have they become family, but he has also been able to meet many people from all backgrounds over the years, including past and present Prime Ministers of some Pacific Island countries.

Dr. Dean adds that the business has been sold and a new owner now runs it; however, the name was not part of the sale because it was valuable to them and their identity.

He also says the support from long-time customers has been overwhelming.