Nassau, The Bahamas – Former Member of Parliament and Cabinet Minister Charles Maynard, was saluted as a political leader, a statesman and a man who gave sacrificial service to his country. An official funeral service was held for Mr. Maynard on Friday, at Christ Church Cathedral.
Among those bidding farewell to the man described as one “full” of life was the Governor-General Sir Arthur Foulkes, Prime Minister Perry Christie, Deputy Prime Minister Brave Davis, Members of Parliament, Cabinet Ministers and Government officials. Also paying respect were members of the judiciary, representatives of various local organisations, members of the religious community and political leaders. The four ‘golden knights’, the gold-medal Olympic winning team was also present.
Mr. Maynard, 42, was first elected to Parliament in the General elections of 2007. He was appointed Minister of State in the Ministry of Education with responsibility for Culture and subsequently appointed Minister with Responsibility for Youth, Sports and Culture. He was serving as the National Chairman of the Free National Movement and co-coordinator of the by-election campaign for the North Abaco Constituency when he fell ill and died on Tuesday, August 14, 2012.
Hundreds of viewers joined by tourists lined the route of the procession that travelled from the House of Assembly to Christ Church led by members of the Royal Bahamas Police and Defence Forces.
Officiants included the Bishop Drexel Gomez, Assistant Bishop, Reverend Gilbert Thompson, Assistant Bishop, and Rev. Patrick Adderley, Dean of Nassau. The Rev. Neil Nairn, Assistant Priest at St Agnes Anglican Church delivered the eulogy. He was remembered in music, special tributes and prayers.
Opposition leader Hubert Minnis said the community has lost an astute national, a man of purpose, one of the greatest and brightest Bahamians.
Former Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham said passion and commitment captured the essence and character of Mr. Maynard. He described Mr. Maynard as a man with a passion for life, honest, reliable, confidential, energetic and exuberant. “It was a privilege to have him serve in the Cabinet,” he said.
Also bringing tributes were Edward Maynard, brother, Dr. Bernard Nottage, Minister of National Security and various religious leaders.
Mr. Maynard was the son of Andrew (Dud) and Isadora Maynard. He was educated at Queen’s College and the College of The Bahamas.
He possessed a keen interest in the promotion of Bahamian culture, compelling him to develop Bahamian products and services enterprise. He has played different roles in a number of leading Junkanoo groups and served on the Carmichael Police Consultative Committee for many years. Mr. Maynard was married to the former Zelena Neymour and has three children.
Mr. Maynard’s body was interred in the Woodlawn Gardens Cemetery.
By Kathryn Campbell
Bahamas Information Services
CAPTIONS:
Top: The coffin containing the body of former Cabinet Minister Charles Maynard is taken from the House of Assembly August 24 to be transported to Christ Church Cathedral for the Official Funeral. (BIS Photo/Derek Smith)
Left: Chris Brown, a member of the Golden Knights, the country’s gold medal Olympic winners signs the book of condolences at the Official Funeral for Charles Maynard, former Member of Parliament and Cabinet Minister. Other members of the team are shown. (BIS Photo/Kristaan Ingraham)
