Family and friends gathered at the Roseau cathedral chapel to say farewell to former teacher James Grell Seraphine, aka “Grell” who was recently killed in Roseau.
Grell was the brother of past prime minister of Dominica, O.J. Seraphine.
However, over the past several years he had become homeless when his life took a turn for the worse, drug use being one of the contributors to his demise.
But those who remember Grell portray the sometime poet as an affable, intelligent human being without a bone of malice in his body.
Main celebrant at the funeral Fr. Branckar John, in his homily, called on those responsible for the selling of the illegal drugs and alcohol to stop.
“It is destroying our society and our people. Something needs to be done.” Fr Branckar John said.
Grell’s former school mate Fr Franklyn Cuffy, was the co-celebrant.
One day one day KANKA DAY!!! The murderer (s) can run but they can’t hide!!! The taking of any life is cruel to say the least but taking the life of a vulnerable, yet harmless Dominican hurts so much. Seeing the coffin is so upsetting. I would have preferred to see a photograph of Grell as his former self. RIP my friend. God bless you eternally x
sum1 put a pic of he man face 4ppl to see that dont know the man like me i like readin DNO but im not fm here so plz put a pic
you know growing up in as a teenager I used to hang out with my friends in this particular house..every chance my friends got they would smoke their weed,and would laugh and giggle as the effect of the ganga would kick in. on every occation they would offer me to smoke while passing it around and entice me..not once did I ever give in to the pressure of smoking,it was just not my interest..a lot of people who are into drugs knew the facts of it destruction before they start using it,but yet they tried and got hooked..Its sad this man died the way he did and I hope who is responsible will be caught and brought to justice..99 days for the watchman but one day for the thief,you will be caught.RIP SIR
99 days for the thief, but one day for the watchman.
My regards to his family sad sad sad
Mr Grell
Many people who saw me gave you,always ask “why are you giving this paro money” , i would simply say …he taught me in school, goodwill junior high school back in the days, always respected you and always will, was never ashame to give you a tag most times we met,introduced you to all my children as my former teacher. RIP.
They will run n hide,but god is not a police.
God rewards the good and generous.
This reminds me, one evening in winter, in downtown Toronto on my way home from work, I saw a ‘white’ man lying on the sidewalk, on a grate which generates heat. As I came closer I felt the urge to give him some money. As I passed by him, I placed some money in his hands and kept walking. I do not even know if he saw me; obviously he did not know who I am.
The good that you do to others, you do for the Lord. Heard this also this week on Catholic Radio.
If I am aware that someone needs assistance and I am able to help, they do not have to ask me. I will offer to help them. Sadly and disappointingly, there are few who do not have such a disposition even as practicing Christians.
My parents were generous people who helped those who asked them, who would come to our door for help. No one was refused. When they were going out, my father would leave instructions that if anyone came for help, to assist them, be it by giving them a plate of food. I have not forgotten that.
There were other instances where I helped others. Granted, some take advantage of our generosity. Nevertheless, as Christians, we are obligated to help.
Those who made such an ungodly remark to you to try to influence you not to help him, lack God’s blessing and graces. They do not love God and others.
One day, I expect that you will meet Grell in Heaven and he will thank you for assisting him; all those who did be it also in prayers. God arranges all things.
Keep in mind all the good and evil we do is recorded. If, in God’s estimation, the good outweighs the bad, we will be rewarded with eternal salvation. God bless you!
They took care of him at death?
What is your point? What do you mean? Make yourself explicit.
Grell, you have gone to your eternal destiny. I hope you are in a safe place with the Lord. God is merciful.
No more life’s problems and burdens;
No more sleeping outdoors in the rain, in bad weather;
No more hurt;
No more hunger and thirst;
No more discomfort;
No more pain and whatever else made your life difficult.
Thank God many good Dominicans cared in their own way to stop by and have a chat with you, even share a joke and to assist you in anyway. God will reward them for their kindness. No matter what the circumstances, God never neglects his children. He always sends some help.
While writing this, the thought crossed my mind, hopefully through inspiration, “Write his name on your list as you do for all others whom you know who passed on, to write in the Book of Life, in Church, in November.”
The departed souls (all) will be especially remembered during that Month. The Catholic Church calls it “The Month of the Holy Souls”, November 1st being All-Saints Day and November 2nd being All-Souls Day. These are also days of obligation for Catholic members, to attend Holy Mass in their memory.
With the help of God, life, health and strength permitting, I will surely write the names in the Book of Life. God is the Judge.
Grell, you are not a forgotten soul. Your soul will be among the other souls who will be remembered daily by The Catholic Church.
In fact, every day/time a Holy Mass is celebrated in all the Catholic Churches throughout the world, you will also be remembered when the Priest prayers with the congregation – Taken from one of the Eucharistic Prayers: “Remember also our brothers and sisters who have fallen asleep in the hope of the resurrection, and all who have died in your mercy, welcome them into the light of your face.”
God ensured that your body did not leave this earth without the celebration of the Holy Mass. This was a blessing from Him. We thank God for His love, compassion, mercy and forgiveness.
May your soul rest in God’s glory and peace. Amen!
“With the help of God, life, health and strength permitting, I will surely write the names in the Book of Life. God is the Judge.” (Justice and Truth).
Justice and Truth, am I to assume, or suspect you have elevated yourself to the position of a god?
What names, or whose names are you going to write in the book of life? I mean I read in the Bible about the “Lamb’s Book of Life” however, I believe only Jehovah, and Jesus Christ has that authority to decide whose name is written within the Lamb Book of Life, and if on that day, when the time comes our name is not found in the book of life, when we are called; we will know we are going to perish in the place called hell.
I wish you had made it easier to understand what you are talking about in regards to “in the Book of Life.”
By the way all the hurt that man may have suffered, unless he became mentally ill, I think he brought all of the hurt on himself. He bought the crack cocaine, he smoked it, he may have planted the marijuana, wrapped it and smoked it, screwing up his mind in the process, so his dilemma was all of his doing.
Shed no tears for people who lived irresponsibly, if we make a soft bed, sleep in it, if we chose to make cold ground our bed, and rock stone our pillow, we guaranty ourselves a heard restless night sleep!
Francisco Etienne-Dods Telemaque
Telemaque, you are the one making yourself a god and judging the man. You have greatly erred.
The saying: “As many heads there are, it is as many opinions there will be.” In these times, there are too many different ones and as many different churches and teachings there are. You are one of those.
You do not even know truthfully what is contained in Holy Scripture, the love, mercy, compassion and forgiveness of God.
You will never comprehend these spiritual matters because you do not possess such a mind. It is hidden from you. Holy Scripture teaches us: “Do not lean on your own understanding.”
You will never comprehend this religious teaching of the Catholic Church. Therefore, understand and learn:
“For those who believe, no explanation is necessary. For those who do not believe, no explanation is possible.”
I leave it at that. No further explanation for one as you who lack this understanding. One day, you will surely know this truth. It will be an awakening for you. Hope you will not live to regret it and your manner of thinking as imbedded in your heart, mind, thoughts and soul.
Pray to God for enlightenment. He who knows your heart and your lifestyle, will reveal it to you if He thinks you deserve it and to know it.
Be compassionate. It is not your place to make such statements and to condemn him. He may be in a better place than you are at present. Remember, you are still alive. Do you know what will happen to you and how you will end up in later years, even sooner than you expect?
Sad that we have young men just mischievously taking lives and harming people .More policing needs to be done in Roseau . Police always complaining no ride , but you see GA vehicles parked at private homes and in cozy corners .
This is a sign of the sickness in society and how these children are not being raised with decent morals and values but are victims of the brainwashing taking place in the schools and via the TV’s and technology element. Look out when times really get tough. They will be major criminals.
This violence has to stop
R.I.P Sir Grell… U were an irie neighbour back in tha day… weh.
DNO WHERE IS GIRLLS PIC?
Trust me Father John was great and delivered a superb homily. He was frank and on point!
Well, he received a decent burial. Praise to all those who made it happen. I hope the Police are actively working to nab his murderers.
God knows who they are. They have legs. They can run but they cannot hide. Wherever they run to they are under the constant scrutiny of the Lord. They might as well give themselves up for the murder of a friendly, homeless and helpless man.
Their day is coming. They will not walk the streets of Dominica in happiness and peace until they surrender to the police authorities. May it be soon.
hope the daughter accepts my sympathy
i extendsympathy to his daugther and tell her god will bless her for taking care of her father till the end You are blessed You tried your best f
You know I am not sure I knew him it would be nice if a photo could be posted . may he rest in peace
Dca have good wicked pple…..Jah know star……R.I.P, always had respect for you when I saw you……
R.I.P our friend….I pray for them to find your killers….
RIP Grell. I hope the criminals who did this evil act are caught and punished severely.
RIP
very sad life,educated man got hooked on this drugs,the ones that sold it to him their day is coming,and whoever murdered him.
Oh yes they will pay!!!
Wicked people.
my nu, all the fun we had in 4 corners we will continue it in the great beyond.RIP>
R.I.P “Grell”.. I did not know you at all and i am a child, but this is sad for everyone. I hope that everyone finds comfort in this time and may The Lord be with all…
A homeless man a teacher?, an educator to so many, yet still we let him become homeless, and a druggie? I don’t blame the drug dealers I blame, us the ppl of society who see and no the names of the drug deals but refuse to give the information to the police. Better can be done
Sometimes some of you become so emotional it takes away from all reasoning. To begin with he took drugs of his free will, while on government training in Trinidad. It’s easy to speak when you don’t have the facts. When people abuse drugs, you don’t just roll up to them and wave a magic wand and all is cured, hence the reason for the global pandemic we’re facing. Also homelessness is not hopelessness. Many homeless people prefer to live that way, you can offer them shoes, clothing, shelter and this is what they are functioning off,they will return to the streets. Sad but true reality. Broaden your thought process and simmmer down. People of free will also have a personal responsbility to themselves, their families, and society, especially the ones who know better. As heartbreaking as it is, i’m more appalled by his death and want the perps caught than his drug use.
He knew better, likewise many of those starting this minute know damn well the outcome, the evidence is there, this isn’t the HPV Vaccine or some new drug that we’re grappling with to find out the hard data on it’s long term effect. When we start taking personal responsbility and stop feeding bad habits, drug dealers will evaroporate because there is no money to be made. The ones buying and using are the ones feeding their apetite of greed and materialism. I know some of you will find it harsh, but it’s time we own our actions. Minors I can forgive, even though by now they all see it, but adults that’s a no no. You choose what to buy, what to wear, why not chose to say no to drugs?
Wow Tri-State I like how you stay on message. They’re not going to like what you say even if it’s the hard cold truth. In Dominica we get excited about a topic and just blamen blame. Nobody takes responsibility for their behaviour. I have a good partner that played crazy sports for Dominica, had a great Government job and decided to do drugs. Government sent him rehab how many times, but he didn’t need rehab because he didn’t have to start- he knew the end results. What should I do keep feeling sorry for him? I tell people we have power. If a business place treats you bad you boycott, they go out of business, same with the drug dealer. Nobody had to kill Grell and they must face justice for that, but Grell did this to himself, not even his daughter could save him, does that make her bad?
Someone introduced him to it and gave it to him. All it takes is this opportunity. If he had not met that person who gave him the illegal drug, he would not have taken it. I am certain that he would also not have sought it.
He had a bright future ahead of him and it destroyed him. The person who primarily gave it to him is responsible for his state. Granted, he could have refused. However, who knows, he could have been coerced to take it. He got hooked on it. You know, “Take it; have one; have another one. It will make you feel good. Nothing will happen to you.” Yeah? This is an old term.
God will hold all those who traffic in illegal drugs responsible for the deteriorated state of the health and welfare of those whom they sell it to and give it to, to ingest which also caused their demise. One day they will find out their grave error.
That is the honest conversation we need to have. It’s not about being harsh TSB, it’s about truth. I see people that were in good jobs hooked on drugs, and i’m saying didn’t you the other one before you? Buying poison just so a man and his woman can have boat, flashy ride and your life is being destroyed. Anybody remember the Customs officer who gambled his wife house,because he was on coke? While the woman busy working in the telecomms business and buying clothes SM to resell the man doing coke and owing people big money. Destroy his family, so who should be blamed? Some people too wicked. My cousin is on drugs and couple relatives find I should not shun her, I bet most people know who that woman is. Instead her mother stop take loans to pay people she reaps off, she in church screaming is demons Dominicans put on her.
I was hoping that his brother by mother Pastor Belle ………………….. Anyway, hope these senseless killings will stop in DA. Thanks to all of our non high and mighty family members who sent a card etc. or who gave Grell a dollar when visiting DA. He was a good man and may he RIP.
AA, So Brakesie bury his first dead? Well done brother!!
Marcus you went to school a little after Grell couldn’t you say something ? instead of tell King father John lol what you said? I expect more from you Marcus.
You may be brunkers next burial.Never know more so when we have CNCD’s
watch your heart.
Well, if this is the same same Marcus Hill I knew from Green’s Lane in Goodwill or that general area, then I certainly do not expect any better from him.
Grow up bro.
RIP Brother Grell..
“Change Must Come”
Assertive, NOT Agressive!
May his soul rest in peace…and may fyah burn dem papas!
a a, one thumbs down, i did not know drug dealers does read dno, i thinks is hustle alone they hustling.
R.I.P Grell
We as a people must do more to bring back hope to the despair. The Almighty says «whatever you put your hands on do it with all your might.” While there is life, there is hope. It is all good to pay tribute to the deceased, however, as Church Leaders, family members, did we work tirelessly to save this man. Remember, the Savior reached out to the down trodden, those who had almost given up. I have seen an afflicted woman lying in a drain between two houses of worship, how many stopped to assist this woman. People the Master is watching, please reach out to these people, do not turn a blind eye. Let us all use the death of this man to ponder on our actions from day to day. Remember, when it rains, it doesn’t affect the poor only and that we all, good, bad, wicked, rich, poor must depart the Earth one day. Take heed!
And this is the best picture of mr.Grell we could find?
RIP Grell. It is very sad that this man served his community very well, and due to situations took this turn in life, and this is the way he had to go. JUSTICE will prevail!! Whoever did this will pay..God is watching.
Man, I love Dominica. We give the same love and respect for our beggars as we do our leaders. This is a rare commodity!
They are people too! God’s created children. If it were not for his state, he would have been a well-to-do person. He was educated and well known. He deserved this respect.
RIP. Hope the person (s) are caught and justice done!
Farewell my friend, I hope you find peace and rest in your next life.
To DNO Admin,please solve the following.Whenever I post a comment, I following instructions are given to me,”sorry,but I think you might be a SPAMBOT, please complete the captcha below to prove that you are human.”I am told to select two characters made up of numbers and letters.I am asked to put atleast two characters in a box, them I am asked to punch,” I am Human.”
Typo:the following…..
I WOULD BE HAPPY TO SEE HIS PICTURE…MAY HIS SOUL REST IN PEACE AND THE POLICE SHOULD FIND THE KILLER OR KILLERS
There is a wonderful photo of Mr Seraphin, titled “Teacher grell king parro” in Dominica Diaspora, check it out, you might have to log in / sign up!
Ben Davis