“A moving tribute” – that’s how some described the homily of Reverend William Watty at the funeral service of the late Justice Albert Matthew on Friday (June 1, 2012) at the Methodist church.
Reverend Watty told the congregation that the recent death of Ambassador Charles Maynard and now his “dear friend Albert” left a great mark on him.
“We celebrate him as an eminent jurist but he was also a good footballer and cricketer for Dominica and the Windwards. Albert Matthew and I preached our sermon at the same time. He was always in church where ever he went. He identified himself with his people for Christian fellowship wherever he went,” Reverend Watty said.
The cleric explained that Justice Matthew had a deep religious faith and always believed that God was his Judge.
“Albert Matthew grew up like all of us. He had dreams that he would make something of his life and to help others….family and friends,” he said.
“He was able to follow his dreams and make something of his life and he died leaving a lasting legacy. There is a message for all of us and that is when we dream we have to make it a reality like Albert Matthew because dreams are real” Reverend Watty said.
Chief Justice Sir Hugh Rawlings and retired Justice of Appeal Suzie D’vengue also paid glowing tribute to Justice Matthew.
Sir Hugh dubbed him “a sportsman par excellence, a gentle man, a scholar, a husband.”
He said that since coming to know Justice Matthew in 1986, he was aware of his contribution as a jurist, and he was a prolific writer.
According to the Chief Justice, Justice Matthew left no stones unturned in his work and hardly rested along the way.
“As a judge he was known in every jurisdiction. I had an admiration for him. Never heard him utter a negative word about another person and if you started around him he would stop you,” Sir Hugh stated.
“His faith was in his Maker….that is where he anchored his life. He lived an exemplary and peaceful life. He prayed with a passion,” Chief Justice Rawlings noted.
He said that he admired Justice Matthew as a judge because he was also a teacher.
“He was just brilliant…..we don’t mourn his loss we celebrate a life well live and I am hoping that one day someone will see it fit to chronicle the events and life of people like Justice Matthew and others who have worked tirelessly and unselfishly in the region, so that the coming generation will be able to garner something from that,” he concluded.
Other dignitaries who attended the funeral service included President Nicholas Liverpool, retired chief justice Sir Brian Alleyne, retired high court registrar Reginald Winston, Justice Brian Cottle and Justice Bernie Stephenson Brookes, Chief Magistrate Evalina Baptiste, and members of the local bar association.
The overseas contingent included lawyers from St. Lucia and Antigua’s attorney General – Dominican-born Justin Simon.
Justice Albert Matthew, rest in God’s glory and peace, faithful one.
I guess he was reflecting as to how did the legal system in the Commonwealth of DOMINICA became so corrupt because he did so much to make it better, but we thank him for a job well done and now he can rest in peace .
“laid to rest?”
so what was he doing between the time he died and now?
@ yep
You are asking? If you are a Christian, should you not know?
Our Lord Jesus Christ has rewarded him for being dedicated to his work, concern for others and helping them. Most importantly being a faithful Christian who persevered to the end.
Our Lord promised that those who persevere to the end will be saved. They will not be put to shame. Heaven is assured. God will never rescind His teachings, no matter what era we reside in. Jesus Christ is still the Same, Yesterday, Today and Forever. Praise be to God who is faithful and true to His promise.