A Legacy of Leadership and Service: Sir Daniel Williams Laid to Rest

On November 4^th, 2024 Grenadians gathered to commemorate the life of the former Governor General and well-respected Statesman, Sir Daniel Charles Williams, GCMC, KC.

The state funeral mass commenced at approximately 12:35 pm and was held at the Church of the Immaculate Conception in St. David. It was broadcasted by local media outlets, Grenada Broadcasting Network (GBN) and the Government Information Service (GIS). Hundreds of persons attended both in-person and virtually via live stream, to mourn the loss of and show their respects to “Sir Danny”, as he was affectionately known.

Born on November 4^th, 1935 in the parish of St. David, Sir Daniel Williams became the fourth Governor General of Grenada, Carriacou and Petite Martinique on August 8^th, 1996 and served in this capacity until November 18^th, 2008.

Prior to this, he also served as a school teacher and deputy principal, before migrating to the UK, where he obtained his LLB degree and Barrister-at-Law certification. From 1970 to 1974, he acted as a Magistrate on the island of St. Lucia.

He returned to Grenada and became an elected parliamentarian under the New National Party, serving initially as the Minister of Heath, Housing and the Environment. He later filled the positions of Minister for Community Development and Women’s Affairs, Minister of Legal Affairs, Acting Prime Minister, and Attorney General. In 1997, he was knighted by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II with the Order of Knight Grand Cross of the most distinguished order of St. Michael and St. George (GCMG).

The first tribute was made by leader of the opposition Dr. the Right Honourable Keith Mitchell who spoke of their initial meeting in 1984, when they both served as parliamentary representatives and later as members of government under the then newly-elected New National Party.

Dr. Mitchell reminisced fondly of the former parliamentarian’s “quiet strength, humility and boundless generosity. He added that “his quiet wisdom always reached our hearts” and that “he cared for those who had the least, making sure that they were never forgotten”.

Prime Minister Honourable Dickon Mitchell described him as “one of the most respected and admired figures in modern Grenadian history”. He highlighted his impressive career, but emphasised that “Sir Daniel was more than just a statesman. He was a mentor, philanthropist, a public servant, husband, father and a community man” and one whose life was “dedicated to the service of others”.

He further stated that he would be remembered not only for his contributions to the government of Grenada, but also for his commitment to education, youth empowerment and overall national development.

Prime Minister Mitchell concluded that “his legacy will forever be a shining example of what it means to serve one’s country selflessly and with distinction”.

In her address, Governor General Her Excellency Dame Cecil La Grenade described Sir Daniel as “a man of deep faith” who recognised that “faith without works is dead”. She spoke of his efforts as co-founder of the Grenada, Carriacou & Petite Martinique Foundation For Needy Students Inc., a charitable body primarily founded to assist with the education of less fortunate students. In her words, he understood clearly that “the key to a meaningful and purpose-driven life lies in service to others”.

In delivering the eulogy, Mr. Paul Williams described his father as a “fun, funny and fun-loving man” who had lived a full life. He spoke of his father’s belief that “Grenada’s history made the younger generation more aware, committed and dedicated to improving this country”. He further believed that “Grenada would continue to develop at a pace based on the strong entrepreneurial spirit of Grenadians”.

The vote of thanks was delivered by daughters Livia, Dawne, Pauline and Daniella. This was followed by a solemn funeral mass by chief celebrant, Bishop Clyde Martin Harvey. The subsequent procession was led by members of the Royal Grenada Police Force, the Knights of His Majesty’s realm and other armed forces. Sir Daniel Williams was entombed at the St. David Cemetery.

References

GCF Member (2021). 3 SIR DANIEL WILLIAMS. [online] Grenadaculturalfoundation.gd. Available at: https://www.grenadaculturalfoundation.gd/index.php/component/content/article/39-governors-general/167-sir-daniel-williams?Itemid=116

Instagram.com. (2020). Office of the Prime Minister of Grenada (@pmogrenada) • Instagram photos and videos. [online] Available at: https://www.instagram.com/pmogrenada/