The Tribune

BY DENISE MAYCOCK

Tribune Freeport Reporter

dmaycock@tribunemedia.net

FREEPORT – FNM Leader Dr Hubert Minnis paid special tribute to FNM chairman, the late Charles Maynard, at a memorial held at the FNM Headquarters in Freeport on Saturday.

A number of photographs of Mr Maynard attending various sporting events when he was the Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture were shown on a huge projector screen before a packed room of FNM supporters.

Dr Minnis also shared condolences that were sent from the delegation of the European Union and from the US Charge de Affairs officer John Dickerman on the passing of Mr Maynard.

“I want to express my heartfelt thanks and deepest appreciation for the overwhelming, outpouring of sympathy we have received from Bahamians throughout the archipelago, and from various diplomats, and the international community on Charlie’s passing,” he said.

The party leader said that the Bahamas has lost one of its greatest sons. He said the FNM party grieves along with the Maynard family.

“Charlie had an invigorating presence and an infectious smile. He was passionate, yet very personable.

When he accepted the call in public political life, he did so with valor, conviction, and great fortitude,” Dr Minnis said.

He described Maynard as one of the fiercest debaters in the House of Assembly.

As a cabinet minister, he said Charles Maynard was an astute contributor and always thought outside the box.

“He was an innovative thinker and one of the greatest political minds this country has every seen - a mind that did not reach its fullest potential, as time did not permit and he was called home too soon.”

Dr Minnis said Mr Maynard was dedicated to the people of the Bahamas and loved the Bahamian culture.

He stated that “Charlie carried the Bahamian people with him in all his endeavors because he truly believed in a better future for the youth and creating opportunity for the ordinary man.”

Dr Minnis was grateful for the time he spent and work together with Mr Maynard. He and Maynard were in Abaco campaigning for the upcoming North Abaco by-election when he suddenly passed away.

“We recently spent much more time because of our new roles in the FNM. I am grateful for the opportunity to appreciate the depth of knowledge he had, and compassion he showed, and wisdom he shared. I have the greatest respect for Charlie, and will miss him dearly,” he said.

“Charlie left us too soon; he had so much more to contribute to the FNM, his constituency, and to his beloved Bahamas. Death does not discriminate. It took a rising star and left us with a black hole - a void difficult to fill. In his memory, I commit to his cause the youth of this nation.

“As we continue to make life better, particularly for the youth of this great nation, we must continue to empower our young people, enriching their lives, and to elevate and motivate them to greatness.

“We shall always remember that this was the dream and now legacy of the late, great Charles Maynard,” he said.