Official day of mourning declared for Bishop Bill Daniel

Daniel passed away after losing a battle with cancer
Daniel passed away after losing a battle with cancer

The government of Dominica has declared September 8 as an official day of mourning as a mark of respect for the late Bishop Michael Bill Daniel.

On that same day, he will be laid to rest after an official funeral.

During the official day of mourning flags will be flown at half-staff on all public buildings on the island.

Bishop Daniel passed away on August 22 after losing a battle with cancer.

He served as Bishop of the Pentecostal Assemblies of the West Indies Dominica District from 2000 to 2014 (14 years) and Pastor of the People’s Pentecostal Family Church from 2001 to 2014 (13 years).

Up to the time of his death he was serving as the President of the Dominica Association of Evangelical Churches. He served as the Pastor of the Cochrane Pentecostal Church for twenty-two (22) years and was the founder if the Shepherd’s Care Social Ministry.

In 2012, Bishop Michael Bill Daniel was awarded the Dominica Meritorious Service Award, Dominica’s third highest award, for his service in pastoral ministry. He started preaching at the age of 15 continuing in ministry for 44 years. He led the prayer at the Parade of Uniformed Troupes on November 3, for a number of years.

In the field of sports, Daniel was a member of the Dominica Cricket Association Disciplinary Committee as well as a cricket commentator. He also served as Secretary Treasurer of the Dominica Softball Cricket Development Committee.

He is survived by his wife Raphina Daniel, daughters Tamara and Tracy and grandson Kevin.

His Excellency, the President and Mrs Savarin, Prime Minister, Roosevelt Skerrit and Mrs Skerrit, and other members of Cabinet, Alix Boyd-Knights, Speaker and other members of the parliament, members of the Diplomatic Corps and other Government Officials are expected to attend the funeral.

Public viewing shall be from 1:30 pm at the People’s Pentecostal Family Church.

The Official Funeral Service will commence at 2:30 pm.

The late Bishop Daniel will be laid to rest at the Roseau Public Cemetery.

All official mourners are requested to be in their seats no later than 2:15 pm.

 

 

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40 Comments

  1. CaraW
    September 5, 2014

    Seriously? Why?

  2. paul
    September 3, 2014

    this is nothing but a damn political move by the administration.I thought official funerals were reserved for people like minister or prime ministers? in what capacity did the deceased serve the political arena? an official day of mourning? come on people this is absurd but again we are in an election year.dont get me wrong im in no way associated with any political party however this is nothing but politics

  3. Johnny Boy
    September 3, 2014

    It is unfair for people to ask others to stop sharing the concerns they have as far as the relationship between Bishop and the politicians. This is why the church should not get tied up in politics. The world is watching. I see this as an obstruction to winning souls. So let this be an example of what a preacher should not do. People will ask questions, People who having difficult lives due to politics will look to the church to get help, but when the church is mix up, then where should they turn. Be ye separated. While this goes on, People have the right to ask questions as long as pastors and preachers continue to mix politics in their church.

  4. mine
    September 3, 2014

    A Labour Party Affair

  5. September 2, 2014

    As a member of the Pentecostal Assemblies of Canada which is a sister denomination to the Pentecostal Assemblies of Dominica it gives me joy to see Bishop Michael “Bill” Daniel honored with a State Funeral for the more than significant contribution his ministry was to the nation over so many years.

    Prime Minister Skerrit shows respect for the Christian leaders and the work of God on the island. This reaches across denominational lines. It is not a sectarian thing. Again and again he has seized the opportunity to say “We’re glad you’re here and we appreciate your work.” Few church leaders in any generation have been more worthy of honor than Bishop Daniel. The Prime Minister has recognized this and done the right thing. It has nothing to do with politics. It had everything to do with well deserved honors. It has something to do with the discerning man that Mr. Skerrit is.

    Sincerely, Rev. Dr. Donald Hill. International Evangelist.

  6. longtong
    September 2, 2014

    I hope swanston gets an official funeral.

  7. September 2, 2014

    It seems one must be a preacher to receive that official funeral. But doh mind a person who has helped to connect the world through sports and who demonstrated that the same ministers could walk into the park with their women could only be given a stipend. Not a Stand nor an Official, but will be remembered for his contribution to national development.

  8. D Richman vs Lazarus
    September 2, 2014

    In Luke 16:19-31, we must have read or heard much preaching about the story of the rich man and the poor man who both died. Christians have always portrayed the believer as Lazarus, since he died and did not have “BIG” funeral , whereas the poor man has been portrayed as the man who died and got a BIG< MIGHT, STATE FUNERAL. I have never heard anyone preach it as well as the local Evangelist and pastors of the evangelicals. But since pastors are the ones receiving the state funeral I wonder who is Lazo and who is the rich man. I guess both the Evangelist and evangelical pastors will have to re-think that particular sermon.

  9. Skerrit's Bishop
    September 2, 2014

    DNO, so far you have done a very good job in keeping us well informed with the remains of Bishop Michael “Bill” Daniel. You broke the news of his death to us; you told us of the official funeral he will be getting and you told us of the national day of mourning. However, there is one thing you have not told us and that is, who will be the officiating minister. I have about 5 possible pastors, but need Daryl Tyte to confirm. 1. Will it be the former spiritual advisor of Skerrit? I do wonder what kind of spiritual advise he was giving 2. Will it be the former well known Evangelist that gave up the pulpit for the political platform, seeing that he has conducted other DLP state funerals? 3. Is it going to be the pastor / businessman, who resides and pastors in Maryland and is also a known member of the Skerrit priesthood? 4. Will it be the Catholic Priest from the North? I know he is catholic but in recent years they all from the priesthood had the same message 5. Will it be Pastor/ Bishop / Evangelist Skerrit, who seems to have exchanged positions with those servants of God? Please find out for us so we could know who to prepare for the funeral. Also, are we to dress in ALL RED for the funeral?

  10. Skerrit's Bishop
    September 2, 2014

    Rest in peace my pastor and man of God! You have just graduated and got one step close to your rewards, while those of us left to mourn will remember that you cannot correct anything now, but we still have another chance. As a good friend of Pastor Bill, here is what I believe he would say to us while we mourn his death:
    1. Let’s make sure we serve God and do his will fully
    2. Be very careful with receiving gifts from politicians; most times it is their way of bribing us especially preachers, so that we don’t preach against their unrighteousness which is indeed a reproach to any nation.
    3. We cannot serve God and man. Is either we are God’s servant or servant and bishop of politicians.
    4. Servants of God must remember that it is better to please God than man. Galatians 1:10
    5. Servants of God MUST remember that God’s children are supporters of both UWP and DLP and therefore should be very careful with their actions 1 Cor. 10:32
    6. Servants of God should never be afraid to rebuke sinful politicians like John Baptist did to Herod – Matt. 14:1-2
    7. Always remember that corrupt politicians may give you money, give you air condition, and a good state funeral but they cannot represent us before God.
    Rest In Peace pastor Bill. Thanks for your wise counsel and work of love.

  11. honest
    September 2, 2014

    boy look roro.The man’s death being used to play politics.Would Pastor Danield consent to that if he could? What a wayto try to buy us Christians.I will not attend for that reason

  12. Stamos
    September 2, 2014

    People on DNO are SICK. Politically OVERDOSED.

  13. Stupes
    September 2, 2014

    Everyone is hell bent on associating Pastor Bill with Skerrit and the labor party. As a Dominican he had a right to support any party he chose. To say he was an advisor to the prime minister means nothing since we all know the prime minister does whatever he wants to do anyways.
    It could just be that a lot worse could have been done were it not for the advise of Pastor Bill.
    We’ve lost a good man! And the fact that the government has chosen to honor him should make us as Christians very proud.
    God forbid that Bishop Malzaire should die anytime soon I expect that the same would be done for him.
    It’s not only politicians and civil servants that need to be honored. And no matter how we feel about the government , we have to admit that there are men of the cloth who deserve honor.
    Rest in Peace my Pastor

    • September 11, 2014

      I can’t understand so much bitterness against both religious and political leaders. The negative comments on DNO do not represent the majority. Most people have the common sense to know if you have nothing good to say you say nothing.

      Why can a politician not do something decent and uplifting without people implying he is “being political” or he is “trying to get votes”? Honestly, you are not leaving much for the man to do!

      Why is it if a bishop or pastor is serves the community well, often ministering to those who do not belong to his church,
      and he accepts an expression of appreciation from a government leader, there are so many implying that he has compromised the gospel, and turned a blind eye to wrong doing to win favors?

      This is not my language but in the world there is a saying “You are damned if you do and damned if you don’t.”

      It seems to be this way in Dominica! However, I am convinced the the naysayers are an ill informed minority. I just think they should be more careful how they express themselves. Most of their comments sound uneducated and plain stupid.

      Sincerely, Rev. Donald Hill. International Evangelist.

  14. Dominican
    September 2, 2014

    I cannot believe that even in death you Dominicans find awful remarks. For heaven sake who determines who should receive a state funeral and why. i truly believe it is the Government, why can’t you be respectful and embrace the situation.
    I say may the Bishop RIP may the Good Lord strengthen the family and that they are united in their grief.
    Please try and be respectful irrespective of your political status or religion. may the good Lord bless you all.

  15. I believe the bible
    September 1, 2014

    If pas. Bill got a state funeral, I do wish to see what kind of funeral he would give to his so-called spiritual advisor, and the former Evangelist before he became a minister of skerrit. I guess he would hire LIAT to give them a tour throughout those 18 constituencies the DLP hold as well as a trip over those DLP conventions they use to attend when they would close down church on a Sunday morning. Anyway I prefer to be carried by angels into Abraham’s bosom than to compromise my faith and bless evil doers in the name of politics.

  16. foreign
    September 1, 2014

    A hero a soilder have gone home I pray for the pentecostal assembly in Dominica that greed,ego, vice etc do not take a hold on a legacy the bishop started new doors are to be explored pastors I beg in the name of Jesus keep God’s people united.I know my pastor will others do the same

  17. I believe the bible
    September 1, 2014

    As a fellow Pentecostal and born again believer, I believe I have a right to question the political motive behind that official state funeral and national day of morning that Pas. Bill will receive. Was he ever a public servant? Was he ever a senator? Was he ever a politician or government minister? With my knowledge of the brother, the answer is flat no! Why then was it given to him Mr. Skerrit? What’s your motive sir? Was he a secret politician that you now want to tell us about? Was he one of your secret servants? If yes, you did not have to make it so obvious and embarrass Christianity like that. It is quite obvious that you are using the brothers death to send a political message and God will not hold you guiltless. Your motive is to use his death especially before an election to give Christians all over the impression that you care about Christianity, while the entire world knows that ALL your political friends are enemies of Christ and Christianity. Also, you also sending a message to other servants of God, both those that have corrupted themselves and those that have not as yet, that if they compromise the bible they preach and say nothing while they allow you to do the evils that you have been involved in, you will reward them too with money while they are alive, and a good state funeral when they die.

    • God's Child
      September 2, 2014

      You could not be a Pentecostal nor a born-again believer to be these statements. Nor believing the Bible. If you did read the Bible and believe in it , how could possible say what you said? Read Romans 13: 1-7, 1 Timothy 2: 1-4.

      2 Timothy 2: 15 Study to show your yourself approved unto God, a workman that need not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

      • I believe the bible
        September 2, 2014

        @ God’s Child, I don’t even care to respond to your foolishness because being a born again person who is Pentecostal does not mean I have to be bias. I do not have a responsibility to defend religion because it was religious people that crucified Christ. All I did was asked questions re the burial of Bishop Bill Daniel and you did not answer any of my questions but rather you chose to question my faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. FYI I attended several services preached by the late pastor as well as other evangelical pastors and evangelist, and they always preached about the death and burial of Lazarus and the rich man of Lk. 16. According to them, Lazarus always represented the poor man or the believer who was so unpopular that he could not get a good funeral whereas the rich man got a big funeral. Today what I am reading from this article sure contradicts what the good old time church was preaching as it is the pastors that getting that big state funeral, making them servants of the state and politicians. True or false?

  18. I believe the bible
    September 1, 2014

    Ooh papa God oh! I am a Pentecostal and know Pas. Bill very well. He was no doubt a Man of God and lived an exemplary life. However, with my knowledge of him I bet if he had to do it all over again, he would not have fallen into the political trap that he fell in. On another note, why does DNO refer to him as Bishop? As a Pentecostal myself and member of PAWI, I know it is unconstitutional for PAWI to recognize offices like: Bishop, Apostle, prophet etc on any of their ministers. So just wondering why is he called “Bishop” and not “Superintendent” of PAWI? Rest in peace my brother and no doubt the Lord will reward you for your dedication and service to Him.

    • Pawi minister
      September 2, 2014

      hi. I am a pastor in PAWI and unfortunately you are misinformed. We do embrace and acknowledge the titles of Bishop, Apostle, Prophet and soo forth. The title of Apostle for some time has been something that we were not bestowing, however for over 8 years this has been resolved. we have many recognized persons with the title of Prophet, and a few with the title of Apostle. God bless you

      • I believe the bible
        September 2, 2014

        @pawi minister, Thanks for the correction but I am left more confused now. It is one thing to embrace someone and another thing to bestow such titles on someone. I know PAWI accept ministry from persons who serve in such ministries but I don’t no them to bestow such title on their ministers. If you are sure about that can you please come back with answers to the following questions: 1. Which PAWI minister in Dominica was ever ordained by pawi as bishop, prophet, apostle etc? 2. According to you, PAWI has been bestowing the title of Apostle for 8 years now? In Dominica? If yes, then 3. Why was a pastor in the north east, who had a powerful ministry asked to resign just about 2 years ago? Was it not because he wanted to be recognized as Apostle which was contrary to pawi’s constitution?

  19. Anonymous
    September 1, 2014

    Doing some deep reflection on the involvement of the State in this matter. John the Baptist sure would not have gotten an official funeral. He spoke up against sin.

  20. gods child
    September 1, 2014

    Absent with the body is present with the Lord, You did everything you were called to do . Well done my faithful servant sayest the Lord. Welcome home. my prayers for First Lady Raffina and the rest of the family.

  21. A Valley Man
    September 1, 2014

    I knew Pastor Bill when he was pastor of the cockrane Penticostal church. Infact I was the among the first one who called him Bishop Daniel at his last church service in Cockrane before he was Transferred to head the People’s Penticostal Church in Goodwill He was a devoted Christian Leader and a person committed to the work of god. I extend my deepest sympathies to his wife and entire family and his congregation May his soul rest in the peace of Christ.

  22. idk anymore
    September 1, 2014

    Church and State!

  23. Just a FREEDOMITE
    September 1, 2014

    What is the date declared for Swanston Carbon official funeral. He served the State, he was a Senator of the ruling DFP, the same party CHarlo and Skerro …………..lol,lol,trololol :lol: :lol: :lol:

  24. Johnny Boy
    September 1, 2014

    I hope the Holy Ghost fall move with power during that service. I pray that the message will be preached without fear and that all those who are in attendance will be touched. I hope that they will see that we do not all live forever. I hope it is not a time for good tidings but a time of self reflection and repentance. I hope that his life and legacy will serve as notice that we all have to depart this life and that the most important thing is that people are saved and born again.

    • September 2, 2014

      We do hope that the funeral want be used by politicians as a platform for campaigning because GOVT giving the preacher an Official funeral one cant help thinking that the church were receiving hand outs, So Let the brother rest in peace as he join those who have gone a head . Rest in peace my brother.

  25. # Dominican.#
    September 1, 2014

    May his soul rest in peace. And his family find comfort in knowing he was appointed once to live and death is a certainty for all of us the profound lesson should always be no matter what our status in life we are destined to die one day. So lets celebrate his life never celebrate Death.

  26. Justice
    September 1, 2014

    so no work den, I have to stay home and cry

    • no service
      September 1, 2014

      an official day of mourning doesn’t mean no work smh

    • lula
      September 1, 2014

      well stay at yr home and cry. This is such a foolish comment which does not deserve publication

      • Views Expressed
        September 1, 2014

        …but your response…lol…smh…lol :-P :lol: 8-O

    • Anonymous
      September 1, 2014

      like this one lol

  27. Morihei Ueshiba
    September 1, 2014

    Farewell pastor bill, i will miss our conversations about Romans 13:1-7, i hope now you with the creator u will get the correct answer to help those misguided souls who have the wrong interpretation just like Resistance to Tyrants: Romans 13 and the Christian Duty to Oppose Wicked Rulers by Gordan Runyan.

  28. Anonymous
    September 1, 2014

    I am hoping that there will be one for Swanston Carbon also.

    • labar dabar
      September 1, 2014

      I hope so to because he was a senator

      • lula
        September 1, 2014

        It is obvious he served in the HOuse of Assembly stuppes

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