The Tribune

BY DENISE MAYCOCK

Tribune Freeport Reporter

dmaycock@tribunemedia.net

FREEPORT – FNM supporters on Grand Bahama gathered at the party’s headquarters in shock and disbelief after learning of the sudden death of party chairman Charles Maynard.

David Thompson, national vice chairman, said Mr Maynard’s death is a major loss for the party and the country.

“He was a politician who had extraordinary promise of a bright future for the FNM party and the people of the Bahamas,” Mr Thompson said.

Mr Maynard, 42, was in Abaco, where he and FNM officials were busy campaigning for the upcoming North Abaco by-election.

Mr Thompson said FNM supporters here were deeply saddened when word of his death came around 6am yesterday.

“It was both an unexpected and shocking experience this morning… to get the sad news on the passing of our chairman,” he said.

“I, frankly, did not believe it, and it was surprisingly shocking that a vibrant chairman who was full of life, with a bright future of politics in our party and in the Bahamas would have been taken away from us so suddenly.”

Mr Thompson said Mr Maynard made significant contributions to the country’s national development (particularly in terms of youth, sports and culture), and was committed to improving the lives of Bahamians everywhere.

As the former Minister of Youth, Sports, and Culture in the Ingraham administration, he said Mr Maynard accomplished a lot and was a great supporter of Bahamian athletes, junkanoo, regattas, and Family Island homecomings.

“He left a legacy at his young age as a person who cared deeply about improving the lives of Bahamians everywhere. We will certainly mourn his passing,” Mr Thompson said.

He stressed that Mr Maynard would be extremely difficult to replace as chairman.

“He was an enormous talent. As the new chairman, he was fully immersed in refocusing the party and in strengthening and building the FNM.”