EDITOR’S NOTE: The Dominica government on Friday issued a statement on the Official funeral for the late Charles Maynard, former member of the House of Assembly and Dominica’s Ambassador to CARICOM and the OECS.
Here is the press release in full:
The Government of Dominica has afforded the late Ambassador Charles Alexander Maynard an Official Funeral on Tuesday 22nd May, 2012.
The Government has declared a day of mourning next Tuesday as a mark of respect for the late Ambassador Charles Maynard, former Member of the House of Assembly and Dominica’s Ambassador to CARICOM and the OECS.
The Dominican Flag shall be flown at half staff on all public buildings in the State on the day of the funeral – Tuesday 22nd May, 2012.
Ambassador Maynard will be remembered for his significant contribution to Dominica’s political, economic and social development for the greater part of his life.
Ambassador Maynard won the Soufriere constituency on the Dominica Freedom Party ticket in 1985 under the leadership of the late Prime Minister, Dame Mary Eugenia Charles.
He was appointed Minister for Agriculture, Tourism, Trade and Industry.
In 1990, he again contested and won the Soufriere Constituency and was re-appointed in the same portfolio until 1995.
For his services to the state, Ambassador Charles Maynard was awarded the Meritorious Service Award in November 1975 by the Government of Dominica.
He was an outstanding patriot who will be remembered for his assiduous dedication and service to Dominica and the Caribbean.
@ TRULY BLESS YOU JUST WANT A DAY OFF BUT AROUND THAT TIME IS ISIDOR SO YOU A BLESS WITH A DAY OFF NEXT WEEK ANY WAYS
I was British commonwealth Tourism Adviser to Dominica in 1987-90 when Charles Maynard was my Minister for Tourism. I am sad to hear about his demise. He was a patriotic, sincere and dedicated person and an effective minister. I convey my condolences to his family.He teamed up well with Sir Clarence Seignoret, Lady Eugenia Charles and Brian Alleyne to push Dominica into limelight, leaving their footprints on the sands of time.
I THINK THE DAY OF MOURNING SHOULD BE A PUBLIC HOLIDAY. WE COULD CALL IT “CHARLES MAYNARD DAY”. IT IS HARD FOR ME TO CONCENTRATE ON WORK AND MOURN AT THE SAME TIME.
Admin, I strongly suggest that Comments should be closed for this story. I am sure DNO’s intention is to invite sympathy and condolences but some people love these opportunities to show disrespect to others.
It seems that people who live in the certain parts of the world enjoy being disrespectful. The situation is very bad in Dominica. Maybe a few calypsoes can be written about that next year to bring the problem to the forefront…it is so widespread, from kindergarten to funerals!!!
Please consider closing the comments, at least for death announcements and related news items.
To Admin: In my humble opinion, I think that you should avoid posts/comments for certain releases. A release of this nature should be free from comments from the public. This is not debatable and is something of national interest. Most of the comments are in poor taste and does not reflect the life of a man who did his best in his humble way for this beautiful country of ours.
Thanks for considering.
I just want to know, DO I have to go to work that day.
Whats our problem god!May his soul rest in peace.Jesus some of us need to grow up.
I knew Mr. Maynard very well, people who are asking what has he done for DA, well it shows you do not know your history. Go back to the days when Cruise Tourism began in DA, and when it took a sudden height, do you know he was due to his efforts. He was very instrumental in getting American Eagle to come into Dominica, he worked with the Dominica Hotel and Tourism Association very closely, to resolve one day connection into da,and to increase American Eagle Flights into Da to assist Ross University students to get into DA at peak times. Do your research. There are many peoples who worked closely with Charles Maynard and understand what he has done for Dominica. Before you place your stupid comments on this site please check with Athie Martin and his former cabinet collegues like Brian Alleyne to find out about this man. Dominicans are so sick in their thinking, everything is negative. Let the man rest in peace man. DAMM it
@ Bimbo
They are blind, deaf and sleeping. Added to them, ignorance and wickedness of heart. They lack godly spiritual enlightenment.
What have they done and what are they doing for Dominica? You know, it is like the pot calling the kettle black. Shame on them!
Do you know how Social Security began? It was called the National Provident Fund. Charles Maynard, as Permanent Secretary of Home Affairs, championed it. I know, because I was there. Please give credit where it is due…
Is it a public holiday???
@ Viewpoint
No! It is a day of mourning, remembering a great son of Dominica who has done much for it and should rightfully be remembered and mourned. I do think that the men should wear something on their lapel and women on their blouse/dress as a sign of mourning and remembrance in his honor.
Good queItion. I was thinking of this question myself. it would indeed be the irony of ironies if a public holiday were declared. Anyone who knew Charles Maynard knew his passionate love for work. He rarely if ever took a vacation; He seemed to be bored with idle time and used every hour in his life productively. So if any effort is made to name a hoiday after him in honour of his passing, would literally dishonour the man and his legacy. In fact I will go a step further and say that the man I knew as Charles Maynard would not approve of this action, if it were taken.
We should honour people in ways that would affirm thei legacy and the much abused holiday is not the way to affirm his legacy. I hope that never happens.
A DAY OF MOURNING ? Good lord where are we leading to ?
When I die I weant a day of mourning too.
holiday! all like a holiday we pa pa! lol!
this is so not my thing in the caribbean.u all prime minister don’t buy nothin for dominica.
@ flow
What is your point? Have you bought anything for Dominica?
is that a holiday
where is the funeral
WHAT HAS MAYNARD DONE THAT HE DESERVES A DAY OF MORNING WHEN YOU COMPARE HIM TO JEFF JO OF THE GRAMMACKS.
Agree with you this man did not do nothing for us when Papa Moises won the election Ma Charles gave Maynard a ministry position he did nothing for us, when Henry Gorge won the election she gave Maynard again a ministry to round, this man never campaign for election, was never elected by the people, to be honest this man did not contribute nothing to the Development of Dominica other than running his book store Roseau
I am so ashamed of the attitudes shown by most Dominicans. It is comments like this that make me feel that Dominica will always remain the way it is – a land of negativity, anti-development and hence decline of positive progress compared to other countries. Wow!
@ Dover
…And I suppose you have contributed something to Dominica?
Those who live selfish and self-centered lives who do nothing for Dominica are in no position to criticize anyone. Get with it and do something good for Dominica. Only then could you criticize and complain. 
excuss you dover, your head was behind your back so you could not see and your ears was where the sun doesn’t shine so you could not hear either. but may his soul rest in peeace, because you have not done half or anything at all for this beautiful land.
You comment is rubbish .
@ Doc.Love
You asked a stupid question. Do you have any sense? What did Jeff Jo do for Dominica in general?
Maynard did not neglect or reject his country to reside in other countries, to promote his career, to get rich and pay taxes to the government of those countries. You get the point?
Furthermore, did that man not get an excellent funeral which he probably did not deserve since he may not have practiced his faith while abroad and even turned against it.
Music and promoting it, singing songs which turn people away from country, from a law-abiding, moral life and most importantly from God will not get anyone to Heaven. I hope you comprehend this.
rest in peace mr pope maynard
but dno tell me ONE SPECFIC ACHIEVEMENT OF AMBASSADOR MAYNARD
in all d big talk no body have not put their finger on one specific contribution that stands out with Charles A Maynard and am confused!!!!
My childrenz need to know !!!!!
yes he went to church
yes he served in many ministeries
yes was made ambassador
but yes he was married and have two girl children
yes yes yes and all dat
yes he was a perfect gentleman and had a law dregree honors UWI
yes he loved Dominica and worked very very hard
yes he was a great role model with a fantastic smile and sense of humour
but ok what had he done to stand out in terms of accomplishments
we need to know
Adre should write a book on him dont u think to catalogue his greatness!!!!!?????!!!
ADMIN: A biography of the extraordinary life and career of Ambassador Charles Maynard was launched on Tuesday, January 5, 2010 at the Fort Young Hotel from 6.30pm.
The book Charles Maynard: A Life in Public Service was written by prominent Dominican Attorney and accomplished writer, Justice Irving Andre.
The 272 page book chronicles the variegated life and career of Charles Maynard. It highlights his significant contribution to Dominica’s political, economic and social development for over five decades.
I was thinking the same.
Wiltshire (a woman)
Speak for yourself and ask yourself, what have you done for Dominica and what are your intentions to assist Dominica? The problem with some of you is, you look at others and criticize and yet you have done absolutely nothing for Dominica. Keep your views to yourself.
When you die God will not ask you about others but what have you done with the allotted time that he gave you which will merit you His Everlasting Glorious Kingdom. This is what you should be concerned about.
Likewise your self what are you doing for Dominica in Toronto, nappar nothing, and to you many are call, but few are chosen
And shureing up a corript governtment