UPDATE: Maynard dubbed nationalist and hero

Charles Maynard and Mrs. Maynard. * File photo

A nationalist, a hero that’ll be missed by Dominica, a man admired for his strength of views.

These are some of the accolades being heaped on the late Charles Maynard, former government minister who died overnight at the Princess Margaret Hospital at about 1am.

Former acting Chief Justice Brian Alleyne, a former attorney general and ministerial colleague of 78 year old Maynard,  says not many people have made as great a contribution to life in Dominica as his very close friend of 40 years.

“Dominica has lost a hero and the country will miss him,” Sir Brian told Dominica News Online in paying tribute to Maynard whose most recent stint was as Dominica’s ambassador to the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States and a special adviser to Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit.

Meanwhile Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit on Tuesday described Charles Maynard as a “great adviser”, a regionalist and an integrationist.

“He could be relied on for very constructive advice,” PM Skerrit told local radio station Kairi FM.

Ambassador Maynard is reported to have spent three months at the Barbados Queen Elizabeth Hospital.

He fell ill during a diaspora discussion here last November.

Charles Maynard held a variety of ministerial porfolios during the 15 year rule of the Dominica Freedom Party (DFP).

The DFP’s current leader, Judith Pestaina, credits him with having helped the country make inroads in primary health care when he was minister of health.

Pestaina told DNO that the former DFP government minister also contributed significantly to trade development and helped put Dominica tourism on the map.

“A nationalist” who made a “stalwart contribution,” is how she sums up Charles Mayarnd.

The current government’s productivity consultant, Parry Bellot, served as Dame Eugenia Charles’ press secretary when the DFP was in government.

Bellot says Ambassador Maynard must be respected for his willingness to work with Dame Eugenia in government even though they had philosophical differences.

The productivity consultant  also lauded Ambassador Maynard’s decision to work with “another government with potential” when he decided to contribute in a meaningful way to the efforts of the  Roosevelt Skerrit administration.

Sir Brian Alleyne recalls working with Charles Maynard in “business, politics, church”.

One of his fond recollections of his friend and colleague: “I always laughed at his tendency to wear mixed socks (different colored socks)”.

“He had a tendency to be careless in that way,” Sir Brian said.

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66 Comments

  1. Cecilia Registe
    May 9, 2012

    Condolence greetings going out to the Maynard family on the lost of a great man,may our God give you all His peace and strength as you go thru this great loss.

  2. Views Expressed
    May 9, 2012

    Concern says “THEY WERE. STOP CURSEING THE MINISTERS. RESPECT THE PRIME MINISTER ect…YOU ALL ARE PUTING MALE’DICTION ON OUR LOVELY DOMINICA. LOVE YOU ALL.”

    Views Expressed says….” Trust and dignity cannot be bought, it has to be earned….tell PM and his ministers and any other so….”

  3. Sout Man
    May 8, 2012

    Ambassador Charles Maynard exemplified dedicated, honourable and meritorious service to our beloved country. May the good Lord guide and protect his wife, his children and family. Thank you for sharing his life with the country through his long dedicated service even before his role in government. His contribution to DAIC is well known.

  4. vince
    May 8, 2012

    RIP. mr Maynard you were one who was greatly respected in the political world

  5. Hope
    May 8, 2012

    Heartfelt sympathy to the family of Mr Maynard,may his soul rest in peace.

  6. Me
    May 8, 2012

    Mr. Charles Maynard was truly distinguished and will be sincerely missed.

    Regardleass of the level he operated from, he was ever so humble to take the time to converse with you, guide and encourage you. You only needed to ask.

    He was even willing to meet you in the comfort of your own space and at a time convenient to you – this just speaks to the “Finese” of this gentleman.

    Once he met you, he never seemed to forget a face and would not wait on you to say hello. He would usually be the first to extend a greeting and at time could continue a conversation from the last time you spoke.

    That is why I submit that he will always be remembered as opposed to saying that he will never be forgotten!

    A few approaching his level would do well to take a cue from the exemplary stature that he exuded.

    I can honestly say – because our paths have crossed – so many a pleasant time – and I had the priviledge and benefit of his words of wisdom, which was invaluable to me … GOD BLESS HIS UNPRETENTIOUS SOUL.

    I ALSO PRAY TO GOD WITH CONFIDENCE THAT HIS FAMILY BE BLESSED. I ALSO ENCOURAGE THAT THEY AND THOSE WHO WERE TOUCHED BY HIM EMULATE HIS BEST QUALITIES.

    While it is a rough time … the passing of a beloved one is never easy … It is with the sincerest ease that I so respectfully express my deepest condolences and to further encourage that in everything, we need to give God Thanks.

    DNO … Thank you so :( much for this space!

  7. Marilyn Loblack
    May 8, 2012

    To the Maynard family our condolenses. May he rest in peace.

  8. Anonymous
    May 8, 2012

    may he rest in peace

  9. lee
    May 8, 2012

    YOU WERE A DISTINGUISHED GENTLEMAN. REST IN PEACE
    SIR. MY HEARTFELT SYMPATHY TO THE FAMILY

  10. Lady K
    May 8, 2012

    Condolences to the Maynard family on the passing of your loved one…He was a great man…who represented his ppl well…I remember back in the 80’s when Y.F.M. was in full swing…inviting us the so called little ppl to his home…May his soul Rest In Perfect Peace…and may his family find strength in the arms of the Lord…much blessings…

  11. concern
    May 8, 2012

    RIP MR CHARLES. NOW TO MY FELLOW DOMINICANS PLEASE GIVE THE MINISTERS OF GORVERNMENT THEIR FLOWERS WHILE THEY ARE ALIVE BECAUSE AM HEARING TOO MANY CRITICS CONERNING PEOPLE AND WHEN THEY DIED EVERYBODY SAYING HOW NICE AND GOOD ect…THEY WERE. STOP CURSEING THE MINISTERS. RESPECT THE PRIME MINISTER ect…YOU ALL ARE PUTING MALE’DICTION ON OUR LOVELY DOMINICA. LOVE YOU ALL.

  12. Anonymous
    May 8, 2012

    RIP Mr Maynard…really wished you had rested at Retirement age when you had the chance to …:(

  13. Anonymous
    May 8, 2012

    condolences to the Maynard family. He served Dominica with dignity and class.

  14. May 8, 2012

    Yes Mr Maynard was a giant of a politician and statesman.

    He passionate about the development of education, and of tourism in particular.

    Mr Maynard’s presence and contributions will be sorely missed on the Dominica and Caribbean, and international landscape.

  15. May 8, 2012

    How peoples attitude can change,not so long ago the man was being hailed a sell out to the labour party.Today all is saying he was the best Da produced.RIP mr maynard.

    • maindesk
      May 8, 2012

      everybody worships you once you are dead

  16. take it or leave it
    May 8, 2012

    On behalf of the people of Soufriere which he represent for 15 years i would like to extend our sincere and deepest condolenses to his entire family he is gone but wont be forgotten, he serve us well so farewell Mr.Maynard may your tender soul rest in peace your father has called you home.

  17. neva Shillingford-Ki
    May 8, 2012

    sincere condolences to Carl and the rest of the Maynard family. stay strong and keep the faith. peace and blessings

  18. DA gal in NY
    May 8, 2012

    May your sould rest in peace

  19. OBSERVER
    May 8, 2012

    My family and I would like to extend heartfelt condolences to the Maynard Family. The road ahead will be rough and you will be besieged by grief, which is normal. Know that God will be your strength and your comfort, and he will send Angels disguised as friends and strangers to help you through this very difficult time. Pleasant memories of your loved one will bring a smile to your face occasionally. Godspeed :-P

  20. Evolved
    May 8, 2012

    Rest in Peace Mr. Maynard. I thank you for all your help in assisting me in the advancement of my professional life. I will always be grateful for the opportunities you allowed my way

  21. Michael Norris
    May 8, 2012

    My sincere and deep sympathy to the family of Charles Maynard, who was a relative. Mr. Maynard struck me as someone who tried to enage the younger technical and professional staff in the public service despite the generation gap. I was impressed with this. Of course, we will never forget his treasure of ancedotes. He had so many of them which he deployed at different occasions to underscore a point or to bring mirth to his listeners. His joyous,loud laughter will continue to echo in our heads. It was always a pleasure to converse with him.

    May his soul rest in peace.

  22. way papa
    May 8, 2012

    DNO how last night could be 1 AM the man died early this morning. Please make the necessary corrections. I know if its you who is reading ths comment that is the one who wrote the story im certain my comments will not be published but dont hurt your haed , if it isnt I will write and call management simple as that.

    may the soul of this fine gentleman rest in peace.

    Maynard served us well let us not politicize hs death and show respect to hs grieving family!

    he was a genuinely great man.

    ADMIN: The story said ‘overnight’ not ‘last night.’

  23. DA IN NY
    May 8, 2012

    YOUR WERE A GREAT GENTLEMAN. SORRY TO HEAR OF YOU PASSING. MAY YOU REST IN PEACE . GOD STRENGTHEN
    HIS FAMILY AT THIS MOMENT OF GRIEF.

  24. Alice
    May 8, 2012

    A true gentleman whose greatest achievement was his love of God and service to his church.

  25. May 8, 2012

    On behalf of the Dominica Oversea Nationals association, we send sincere condolences to the family of the late Charles Maynard. We worked with him over the years and we know his passion and commitment to Dominica
    May his soul rest in peace

  26. Faceup
    May 8, 2012

    ALSO REPRESENTED DOMINICA BACK IN THE LATE 50s together with Mrs Yvette Montoute Barzey for DOMINICAS Y.M.C.A in Rome ITALY, May your soul rest in peace sir…

  27. waitukubuli
    May 8, 2012

    Hope you find rest in Jesus Christ.

  28. retired civil servan
    May 8, 2012

    Sympathy to the family. May He Rest In Peace.The suffering is over and joy above has began

  29. Condolences to family and friend of Mr.Maynard,a man i grew up to respect in many of way especially in school and other lectures during his time as Minister Of Government.
    Many Dominicans at home and abroad surely learnt alot from Mr.Maynard,he will also be missed by many.
    R.I.P Sir,you’re in Good Hands now.
    DJ Mr Vybes (Soca Fm)-London

  30. Real Patriot
    May 8, 2012

    Sincerest condolences to the Maynard family in their time of bereavement.
    Ambassador Maynard will certainly be missed, not only in Dominica but across the region. It was my distinct pleasure to have worked closely with Mr. Maynard over the years. He always remained resolute in his dedication to his family, his church and his nation, may his soul rest in peace.

  31. Cecilia
    May 8, 2012

    Truly a servant of the soil dispite his political ambitions and mixed affiliations….he served, yes he did…he will be missed…..a pleasure to work with and truly a mentor in trade and tourism issues…..

  32. Ghetto gyal
    May 8, 2012

    Truely a great man I admired him so much RIP uncle God has called u home u will be missed by so many.. Aunty Joan be strong all will be well God will take care of you like you took care of uncle Charles my sincerest condolences Carl & Yvonne….

  33. Carissa
    May 8, 2012

    My deepest sympathy to Carl and the rest of the Maynard family.

  34. Anonymous
    May 8, 2012

    I am so sad i remember him as a down to each person at the feast of St.Anthony he and Allen Carbon, Mamo and the rest of the cabinet would visit our home he would sit on step and eat just like us the children would do hold i love the man i will miss him May his soul rest in peace …………all our good ones are going but i know that God needed him more

  35. Neighbor
    May 8, 2012

    So sad to hear that Mr. Maynard has ended his journey on earth. My deepest sympathy goes out to all the family as you struggle through the grief and sadness. I remember Mr. Maynard when I was a kid leaving in Belfast over 30 years ago. Very nice and humble man. To the family: remember life brings tears, smiles and memories. The tears dry, the smile fades, but the memories live on forever. Keep his memories alive. God Bless!!

  36. Reader
    May 8, 2012

    My heart felt condolences to his family and friends. May God comfort you in your time of grief.

  37. Sad Day
    May 8, 2012

    Was not aware that he was ill. May his soul rest in peace. What did he die from, anyone?

  38. Edgar Hunter
    May 8, 2012

    Ambassador Charles Maynard was a great Dominican who served his country well in many capacities. Dominica has lost a hero. May his Soul RIP.

  39. Afro-Diaspora Muslim
    May 8, 2012

    In the Name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.

    Allah says, “From Allah we come from and to Him we return.”

  40. jay
    May 8, 2012

    One of the few politicians I admired, a man of class, dignity and respect. RIP Sir. May God be of comfort to the family

    • youth
      May 8, 2012

      ppl of diginity don’t sit by idly!

  41. FLO
    May 8, 2012

    WOW!!!! May he rest in peace and God’s blessings to his family and friends

  42. smh
    May 8, 2012

    R.I.P SIR

  43. loving cric.2 d bone
    May 8, 2012

    RIP Mr.Maynard and may the family find comfort in theie time of grief.

  44. Way Out There
    May 8, 2012

    May you and your family find peace in God, and thank you for all the years of service.

  45. Peter Matthew-
    May 8, 2012

    A true icon during the freedom party administration, rest in perfect peace…..

  46. ron rainbow
    May 8, 2012

    Mr. Maynard, You served with pride and dignity and was one of the best ministers of your time. We thank you. RIP.

  47. Giving Thanks
    May 8, 2012

    RIP. Ambassador Maynard. A man who has made an immeasurable contribution to family, church and country. A good man. Thank you Lord for the life of Ambassador Charles Maynard. Today, we pause to give thanks. Indeed, I shed a tear, a tear that reflects sadness but also a tear of contentment,to say Thank You Lord for the Life of this Great Dominica. Mrs. Maynard and family, grieve you must, but take comfort in all the happy memories. May the angels lead you to paradise, my friend.

  48. Reason
    May 8, 2012

    From very humble beginnings in the back of Hillsborough Street Mr. Charles Maynard worked hard every step of the way to serve and to acheive: as a school boy and student; as a Catholic Youth Worker;as a civil servant rising to Permanent Secretary; as a member of the Committee for National Salvation 1979; as a minister of government of tourismhe pioneered the Nature Island image; in agriculture he supported national parks and fought to hold the banana industry together; as a parliamentary representative for Soufriere/Pointe Michel he served the people; as OECS Ambassador and much more he served the region.Time for rest and relief from pain. May his soul rest in peace

  49. Dusty
    May 8, 2012

    My deepest condolences to his family , And many friends. On behalf of My family.
    May the peace of God that passes all understanding keep you in this time of bereavement.

  50. A Voice
    May 8, 2012

    To his family and love ones please accept my condolences.

    This man can rest in peace now because he has truly served his country well. I always remembered him as a man of distinction.

    May the LORD be with you in your time of mourning.

  51. Original-Eagle Eye
    May 8, 2012

    Life is but a journey of which we have no date, except the reminder of death that we are all on borrowed time. Deepest condolences to his family and friends. RIP

  52. We Are Dominica
    May 8, 2012

    An exemplary life of public service indeed.

  53. ashanti
    May 8, 2012

    On behalf of the people of the Soufriere Constituency i would like to extend our deepest condolenses to the family of the late Mr. Charles Maynard. Mr. Maynard served as Paliamentry Representative for the Soufriere Constituency for 15 years under the Freedom Party Government. He was indeed a good man and served us well.

    You have gone to a better place joining the angel in heaven.

    RIP. Mr. Charles Maynard.

  54. Dominican
    May 8, 2012

    Rest in peace. you were a good man

  55. +
    May 8, 2012

    May your soul rest in eternal peace…you will be long remembered for your goodness. Wonderful man. Strong. Faithful. God bless your family in this time of grief. :cry:

  56. Lougaoo Mem
    May 8, 2012

    Thanks for your services to the nation; May your soul rest in peace. (RIP)

  57. Shearlyn Joseph
    May 8, 2012

    Dominica has truely lost one of the great men of the soil. Mr Maynard was one of his kind. A man who served God and who was extremely humble. He was always willing to pass on some of the wealth of information he knew. I am indeed honored and have been priviledged to have spent the last two of his working years with him. He was an excellent boss. May his soul RIP. and may the good Lord comfort his loved ones during this time esp his wife Joan, Yvonne , Carl and Shernice..

    • +
      May 8, 2012

      Shearlyn please accept my deepest sympathy. I know you will be strong for yourself and his family. He is resting peacefully now, no more pain, no more sorrow…God Bless Ambassador Maynard – RIP…

      • Shearlyn Joseph
        May 8, 2012

        Thanks Dear!

  58. Really?
    May 8, 2012

    RIP Ambassador Maynard….Wish You Could Have Been Around For June 2013. What We Enjoy From Here On Will Be Due To Your Hard Work And We Will Not Soon Forget!!! #MyPromise!!!

  59. Wendy Williams
    May 8, 2012

    Kind regards and sincere sympathy to Mrs Maynard & family.

  60. Anonymous
    May 8, 2012

    R.I.P Friend

  61. Anonymous
    May 8, 2012

    RIP. A true son of the Soil. A patriot.So Sad.

    • Anonymous
      May 9, 2012

      with my deepest sympathy to the family of mr menard,as a y,f.m.i admire u and learned a lot from u.to the family keep up the faith and be strong he will be surely missed.

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