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Noel King was born on December 24, 1939 at Sion Hill in St. Vincent. He was the second son and third child of Mr. And Mrs. Gladstone King. His elder brother Gek predeceased him, and his sister Pat Franklyn lives in Laval, Quebec. He went to the Kingstown Anglican School under Headmaster Thomas. This school was important in the life of young Noel since his grandfather was once a headmaster. He went to St. Vincent Boys Grammar School (1951 1959) under headmaster Mr. Lopey and Mr. Millar. He was a member of Green House, and a long distance runner with many medals under the tutelage of Walcot Pemberton. He represented the St. Vincent Boys Grammar School on more than one occasion at the Windward Island Interschool tournaments.

He was a member of the Grammar School Cadets Corps, and obtained Class A and Class B badges while on a cadet camp in Barbados. He obtained a Grade 1 School Certificate from Cambridge University in 1957. After leaving the Grammar School, he taught one year in the primary school system in St, Vincent before leaving for Trinidad where he taught at Eastern Boys Primary School in Lavantille (1960 1963).

He migrated to Canada in 1963 and worked at Tam-O-Shanter (1963-1965) while going to school at Sir George Williams University (now Concordia) in Montreal. He left Tam-O-Shanter and went to university full time completing his Bachelor's Degree in 1967.

He got married to Miss Greta Duncan in 1964 and they have two children. Gene, his son was born in 1965 and Tracy, his daughter, was born in 1967. He started working with Department of National Defence in 1967 and retired in 1995.

Extra-Curricular Activities:

He was a founding member of the Kingstown Chorale and sang with the group for a year. He was also very active in the late fifties and the early sixties as a calypsonian. His popular name was Lord Shines, and he has been called Shines ever since. His love for music impacted very much on his son Gene who is now in the music industry.

He became associated with a group of young people in the Calliaqua/RathoMill area in St. Vincent known as the "Villagers". He remained a most loyal "Villager". He became a member of the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Association in Montreal and was a past president. In the year 2000, he became active in the Association again and was vice president, and became president in 2001 and continued to be president until he passed away. His impact on those who knew him was strong simply because he gave a hundred percent in whatever he did. He will be missed by many of us.

Remembering Joel Fitzgerald Huggins

Eulogy of Joel Fitzgerald “Toby” Huggins, delivered on Saturday, November 22nd, 2008, at the St. George’s Cathedral, Kingstown.by William Anthony Huggins.

A minister was conversing with a member of the congregation. The Minister: “As I was shaving this morning, I was thinking of my sermon and as a result I cut my face.” Congregation member: “The next time you shave think of your face and cut your sermon.” With so many skilled orators before me, I will try to be brief, but not without doing justice as you all join me in reflecting on my loving brother’s short life on this earth. “ I am not here to bury my brother, I am here to praise him and to reflect some good memories”

His Excellency The Govenor General of SVG, Sir Federick Ballentyne, Dr the Honarable Ralph Gonslaves Prime Minister, other members of Parliament. The Hon Charles Savarin Energy Minister of Dominica, the Rt Reverend Leopole Friday, Bishop of the Windward Islands, other members of the clergy, the folks here who worked with Joel, the special friends from his boy days and the special friends from more recent times, and all who came from near and from far, on behalf of the Huggins family, and especially on behalf of Joel’s wife Clydella, his children Ariane, Jesse and Daryl...a special heartfelt welcome and thank you for being here today.

My brother, Joel Fitzgerald (Toby) Huggins, was a man of upstanding character of integrity, honesty, understanding and kindness. He had a sense of purpose; a desire for success but not at the expense of his moral fabric; and a sense of responsibility to his family with uncompromising love for his children.

Throughout my life, I look to Toby as my hero... as the person I want to be like! He was such a special person in the Huggins family. I as I reflect on the man, I concluded he was the best of the best... a darn good combination of the Huggins and Sutherland genes!

Born July 3rd, 1946, in Biabou, St Vincent. He grew up in Golden Vale. Went to Calliaqua Anglican school and then on to Grammar school where he completed his A’ Levels. While waiting for a scholarship to University, for 1 year he taught at Bishop’s College Georgetown (along with the Hon Prime Minister Dr Gonsalzes, I believe they were members of the first teaching faculty). He then went off to UWI, St Augustine Campus, to complete his Mechanical Engineering degree.

Growing up, Toby had some good boyhood days. Roaming the hills of Golden Vale, he and his cousin Frank would instigate harmless pranks on other friends. Granny had a donkey named Prince, I remember all of us used to try riding Prince. Prince was a mean kicking donkey... in between the kicks we had a lot of fun.

Toby, Dr Hughes Dougan, Tony Hadley and Robert Young were like the 4 musketeers. These guys hanged together like cool brothers. Robert was the main man! He had access to his dad’s car. For those of us old enough to remember, it was that light blue Rambler Ira Young owned. They drove the island with Robert in style (big American automatic car)... anywhere a car could go, they went exploring just as a fun thing to do. These guys were part of the larger group we know today as the villagers.

There was an artistic side to Toby. As a hobby, he, Robert and Tony Hadley took up photography. He turned out to be an accomplished photographer. Once, one of his sunset photos won a prize in international competition.

On a personal side, Toby did everything (as US President elect, Obama would say) with deliberate haste. We used to have fun with him on this... it became the norm for Toby to show up at family events late... so we expected it.

And when it comes to eating a jack fish... nobody is more meticulous. It was nothing short of amazing to see my brother eat that fish. It took him twice as long as next slowest eater, but when he was done, that fish skeleton was clean like it never had flesh on it.

Toby believed in the development of the Caribbean region and wanted to make a contribution in whatever small way he could.

Toby started his professional career with the St Vincent Electric Company, then on to Dominica and Montserrat. He returned to Vinlec and ended his career with Domlec.

From the many debates we had, I can tell he was passionate about his job and about the need for more cost-effective alternative energy solutions for the region. Most important, I got the sense that he was very caring about the people in his organization... he understood that the people factor is the pillar for a company’s success! To that, I believe he trusted and supported his staff to a fault!

Since last Friday, after the initial shock of the news, I have been focusing my energy on his legacy. The part of his character that stands out most was his natural ability to deal with conflict resolution... I sort of see him in the same light of Ghandi’s approach to how we should live... I would always think of him as the peacemaker.

In conflict situations, Toby always had a way of having both sides look at their position from each other’s perspective... his famous words “well, let’s look at it this way”. In his life, we have no record of Toby ever being in a physical fight. Very seldom looses his cool, never heard him usher insults, cuss words, he avoided or discouraged speaking ill of people. He was a good listener and always tried to advance a fair and well thought out advice.

I am not saying he was an angel: I am sure if I speak to his past girl friends I would probably dig up a few disqualifiers (laugh).

As I reflect on this quality, it reminded me of some advice Abraham Lincoln offered to a friend (reference Toastmasters human interest stories). On hearing the friend speak angrily of someone, advised him to sit down and put all his abuse into a letter. “It will do you good,” Lincoln said. When the letter was written it was read to Lincoln, who commended it heartily for its severity. The writer was pleased, and asked, “How would you advise me to send it?” “Send it?” asked Lincoln. “Oh, I wouldn’t send it. I sometimes write a letter like that... it does me good; but I never send it.” Now, that’s the kind of advice Toby would offer.

Here are some verbatim, in talking to various people offering thoughts of reflection of Toby:

“From a boy he had good study, discipline and respect.”

“Good example for others to follow... a perfect gentleman.”

“Brilliant in a humble way.”

“Does the right thing regardless of political pressure or persuasion.”

“He exudes professionalism in everything he did.”

“He was an affable person.” (had to ask the meaning of this one...genial, sociable, friendly)

“He used to run away as a boy to go down to the river. We would spend hours looking for him; he was fascinated with the river.” ....even today I find him fascinated with rivers in his pursuit for hydro power.

My brother was a great man! He was an icon in the family! In my mind, given Toby’s beliefs and his pursuits to make a contribution in his quiet and humble way, I am very comfortable referring to some of history’s greats as I reflect on his life.

In his early teen years we almost lost Joel. He hit his head while diving off the jetty at Aquatic club in Villa. Some beach goers pulled him to safety and resuscitated him. God has plans for all of us....I am very grateful he gave Toby a second chance.

His legacy will live on in his children! There was nothing more important and dear to him than his children! Ariane, Jesse and Daryl, as you move on from the pain of losing Dad, use him to guide you. Do the things you want to do and think about making him proud!

My final thought, a poem by Hugh Robert Orr:

They are not dead who live in lives they leave behind;

In those whom they have blessed, they live life again,

And shall live, through the years, Eternal life, and grow each day more beautiful

As time declares their good,

Forgets the rest, and proves their immortality.

We can’t bring him back, but we can sure learn from him. My brother, you have gone to a better place. You know, I think dad and Uncle Douggie are reeking havoc in heaven and God can’t stand it, so he called you up to be the peacemaker! Go make peace between Cumbie and Hottum! We will carry on where you left off.

SVG pays final respects to Joel Huggins

Bereaved widow Clydella Huggins (right) with their children (from left): Daryl and Arianne. At back right is Huggins’ (Joel) son Jesse (partly hidden).

Kenara Woods 28.NOV.08

Almost every pew at the St George’s Cathedral in Kingstown was filled to capacity last Saturday, November 22, as mourners turned out in their numbers to pay their final respects to the late Joel Fitzgerald “Toby” Huggins.

Huggins, 62, General Manager of Dominica Electricity Services Ltd (DOMLEC), died suddenly on Friday, November 14, 2008, while on board LIAT Flight 851 that was destined for St. Vincent and the Grenadines. He died of a heart attack.

Governor-General Sir Frederick Ballantyne, Prime Minister Dr Ralph Gonsalves, along with Opposition Leader Arnhim Eustace and other Government officials attended the large funeral.

The sombre mood that hung over the church was eased somewhat by the tributes that were paid to Huggins.

Speaking first, the prime minister said that it was quite a privilege to have known Huggins and to have shared with him on many occasions. Dr Gonsalves recalled fondly their days as students at the St. Vincent Grammar School and as teachers at the Bishop’s College Georgetown, where he said they learned a lot from each other. The Prime Minister said he had spoken to Huggins in Dominica three weeks prior to his death and no sign of ailments were visible. “I love him very much and I will miss him,” said Dr Gonsalves.

Chief Engineer of Domlec, Rawlins Bruney, said that when Huggins took up the position as head of DOMLEC in 2004, he brought a wealth of experience to the table. He stated that the deceased provided much leadership over the years and that he had a quiet confidence and professionalism that was exemplary. Bruney further noted that he was honoured to have had the opportunity to work alongside a man of Huggins’ stature.

Delivering the Eulogy, Huggins’ brother Tony reflected on the wonderful times they had while growing up in the Calliaqua area. Huggins reminisced about the pranks they played and their efforts to ride their grandmother’s donkey named “Prince”. Huggins described his brother as a man of outstanding character, integrity, honesty, understanding and kindness. He said that Joel had a sense of purpose and a desire for success, but never at the expense of his family or his moral fabric. “He was my hero, and I called him the best of the best,” stated Tony Huggins.

Other speakers included: Trevor Louisy, of St. Lucia Electricity Services Limited (LUCELEC) and CARILEC; Thornley Myers, CEO of Vinlec; Charles Savarin, Minister of Public Utilities, Energy and Ports in Dominica; L. Fenton from Montserrat; Brian Glasgow, District Assistant Governor of the Rotary Clubs in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, and Joel Toney, who spoke on behalf of the Villagers group.

Local surgeon Dr Hughes Dougan gave an emotional tribute to the man who he said had been his friend since they were in “ABC”. He said after hearing about Huggins’ death, he had “never felt so alone in his life”. Dr Dougan used the opportunity to call on those present to pay more attention to their health by having a regular check-up and taking their medication. He said that Huggins had battled with high blood pressure for most of his adult life.

Delivering the homily, Rector of St. Paul’s Anglican Church Archdeacon Dr Sylvanus Regisford said that Huggins was “A hardworking, steady Eddie, whose hands and hearts, mind and spirit spoke more for him than his lips.”

The funeral mass, which was attended by a large number of persons from overseas, was celebrated by the Right Reverend C. Leopold Friday, Bishop of the Windward Islands.

Following the funeral service, Huggins’ body was taken to the St Paul’s Anglican Church yard in Calliaqua for burial. Huggins is survived by his mother Arabella Sutherland, his wife Clydella, three children: Arianne, Daryl and Jesse, several brothers and sisters and the extended Huggins and Sutherland families.

Before taking up his post at DOMLEC, Huggins had served as CEO of the St. Vincent Electricity Services Ltd (VINLEC) for 22 years.

Permission granted from Searchlight.

http://www.searchlight.vc

EULOGY FOR VERNICE DRUSCILLA HAYNES

Delivered by Son Colin Adams on Tuesday, July 15, 2014

At the Calliaqua Methodist Church

VERNICE DRUSCILLA HAYNES was the second of 11 children born to Theophilus and Beryl Haynes, four of whom are represented here today. She in turn gave to the world three children Yolande, Deirdre and myself Colin. Miss Haynes, or sister Haynes, or Auntie Venice, as she was affectionately called by those who knew and loved her was a woman of many talents and those she shared unreservedly with her family, her church and her community. I called her Mommie and so did my siblings. In the tributes you heard there were so many things about her, and I don't believe she realised the impact that she has had on so many lives.

In the 81 years of my mom’s life, she displayed a type of dignified grace that I think testified a perpetual achievement of the impossible that the American writer James Baldwin spoke about in the following quote:

" But in our time, as in every time, the impossible is the least one can demand - and one is, after all, emboldened by the spectacle of human history in general and ..... negro history in particular, for it testified as nothing more than the perpetual achievement of the impossible" James Baldwin, American writer

Permit me to share some things about some areas in her life – some of which you have heard before. Her formal education started at the Calliaqua Government school, from there she received a scholarship to continue her education at the Girls’ High School. December 7, 1990, Kenneth John reported that in an interview with Mrs. Iris McKie ( a former GHS headmistress) she named Vernice Haynes as the most outstanding student who passed through her hands at the Girls’ High School. The International Woman's Day Committee for the Development of Women named my mommie as one of the "most outstanding women for her work in Public Administration".

Her work life: Mommie started her career in the Civil Service as a Stenographer and rose steadily in the ranks to retire as a Permanent Secretary. In fact, she was the first female Permanent Secretary in the Civil Service in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, and blazed the trail for other women to follow. She distinguished herself in the Civil Service and when we perused her files we found so many letters of commendation that were written about her from as far as the Foreign and Commonwealth Office in London. She treasured these letters and often shared them with me and other members of our family. She took pleasure in mentoring young civil servants and showing them how to navigate the government bureaucracy with integrity and professionalism.

When she took the Efficiency Bar exam, mommie was one of the two persons who passed it that year. She got so many congratulations. She remembered two policemen at the Calliaqua Police Station - SGTs. Commissiong and Woodley, coming to her home to congratulate her and her parents wanting to drink a toast but all they had was a little black wine which they drank cheerfully in celebration of her achievement.

Internationally, Mommie attended courses at Carleton University in Canada, the International Law Institute in Washington and Riverina College for Advanced Education in Australia.

In her career, she had opportunities to travel to the USA, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia and many Caribbean countries to attend the meetings as well as on various training programs. It was on one of these trips to Jamaica that she first met my wife Antia. Antia and I were studying at UWI Mona at the time. I remember that Antia was in awe of what she later described as this stately presence of my mother. My Mom cherished these travel opportunities very much and was very appreciative of the confidence placed in her by her supervisors, the chance for professional growth and to make a contribution.

Mommie was dedicated to her work with a contagious fervor that I now see in my sister Dierdre. One of my recollections of her dedication was when she was a Senior Clerk to the Cabinet. At that office, she was responsible for preparing the Agendas, attending the Cabinet meetings and writing the minutes, also supervising the vote accounts and signing claims. She served in this position for twelve years. They met on Tuesdays and very often she had to stay at work late into the evening, but she got up the next morning got us off to school and herself to work. She performed duties with dedication and I got the impression from very early in my life that her work was more than a job, it was moreso a calling. Mommie was an avid reader of the local newspapers and maintained a keen interest in local, regional and international affairs which extended into her retirement years. You could challenge her to a game of jeopardy at your peril.

While serving in the Public Service she served on the Board of the Port Authority, the Housing and Lands Board, and the Disaster Preparedness Committee.

After Retirement she served as Chairman of the Board of the St. Vincent Electricity Corporation, Chairman of the Board of the St. Vincent Philatelic Corporation, a Director on the Board of the National Insurance Services, and for short periods, as a member of the Wages Council, the Income Tax Appeals Committee as well as Coordinator of the Administrative Reform Programme.

In her community life, she was, as one person put it the unofficial 'immigration officer' for many years. This was because many persons turned to her to have their papers for the United States, Canada or the United Kingdom completed. When her sister Shirmine died some years ago, the Haynes boys were in a corner wondering out loud why of all the places on the earth that Haynes family ended up in cold, cold Winnipeg in Canada to live. Mommy heard the conversation and quickly explained her role in facilitating the migration process of her brother Felix and others. Many others credit her with helping them to secure their first jobs, helping them to craft their application letters and giving them appropriate references.

Her involvement in the community extended to the cultural areas of her life. She was at one time Manager of the Potential Steel Orchestra (as you can see they played her to glory earlier) and Commandant of the Calliaqua Red Cross Unit. My mother was a seamstress and many brides boast of the beautiful dresses she created for them for that special wedding day. There was rivalry among some as to whose dress was the best ever made. One of her other community role was that of neighbourhood typing teacher and was so proud when at exam time, her students attained grade 1 passes in typing at Pitman. Many just spoke about the kindnesses she extended to them in so many ways. I remember many young ladies who were in and out of our house on evenings and ‘clicker’ ‘clacker’ of those manual imperial typewriters. I remember many red-inked typing sheets that were corrected by my mom. Mommie was a teacher and I now realize she had sown the seed that now bears fruit in my current profession as a college professor.

Mommie was all about her Methodist Church and in church in general. This passion for church work she has passed on to Yolande, Deirdre and myself. She said that she was born opposite the church gate, so she could not stray far from it. She was so involved and served in many capacities, e.g. Congregational Steward, Quarterly Meeting Secretary, Circuit Steward, Organist and Choir Director for over 40 years, Class Leader from age 10, President Girls League, President of the Women’s League and the leader of the women's group that she started some time ago. She could never understand the love and gratitude that these women showered on her, as she said, after all, I didn't do anything special. She was humble and did not look for accolades. At the level of the Methodist Church in the Caribbean and the Americas (MCCA) she served as 2nd Vice-President/Correspondent and Secretary as well as Correspondent. She was District Sub-Secretary for Women's Work. Oh, how she enjoyed women's work and being with the women as they laboured in the vineyard; travelled to conferences and meetings and serving God.

Mommie loved music and singing and she was Organist and Choir Director here at Calliaqua Methodist Church for many years. She loved to sing and you could call any hymn in the old Methodist Hymnbook and she would tell you the number and sing the tune for you too. Many persons turned to her for help in choosing hymns for various occasions.

Mommie loved her family, every one of us. She prayed for us night and day and called us all by name. Her children and grandchildren were the joy of her life, though she could not spend time with them as she would have wished. The many nieces and nephews who called her Auntie Venice held a special place in her heart and she rejoiced in their achievements, successes and shared in their disappointments. She was so proud of them. As for her sisters, they were like her children as she watched over them all. Her love of family was only surpassed by her love of God. She was a God-fearing woman who instilled that love of God in us, her children and in her siblings. We had to go to church and Sunday School and take part in all church activities the only time you did not go to church was if you were very ill. It was never a question of if you wanted to go, as long as you lived in Venice's Haynes house you had to go.

There are many persons who called her their second mother. That is the measure of love and respect they had for her. Hear the words of one such person:

“In the beginning I called her Miss Haynes, then it evolved into Aunty Vernice. Aunty Vernice was always someone who had words of encouragement for me and for the people around her. I always thought of her as my second mother. We have shared many moments. Moments when she would relive her memories regarding her work experiences and her encounters throughout her travels around the world, and we would have a good laugh. Aunty Vernice was "cool"'. She was also very stern but in a good way. Yes, at one point I feared that tall powerful lady, that was until I got to know her and knew that she meant well. She has left her footprints in my life and for that I will be eternally grateful.”

Listen also to the words of my wife Antia:

It is impossible to find a better mother-in-law than Ms. Haynes as I called her. When I came to St. Vincent in 1990, after looking me over, she welcomed me, loved me, helped me, encouraged me, and supported me throughout the years even when I was far away. I will always love and cherish you, I will never forget you. I will remember your laughter and your vibrant spirit. I enjoyed all the moments that we shared and treasure them deeply. Sweet dreams, second mother.

Over the past couple of years, this phenomenal woman was still making her contribution by forming and facilitating the Tuesday Women’s Fellowship and here again her dedication was unmistakable. In 2010 when I visited, I listened for hours as she told of the group's progress, whether it was the scripture lesson for the week, the study of the Book, Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert or some idea she got from an Oprah magazine.

We all in our lives stand on the shoulders of giants and Yolande, Deirdre and I will be forever be grateful for having her as our mother and we could not ask for a better legacy on which to build our lives.

We are here to say goodbye to a Mother, Sister, grandmother, aunt, Leader, Seamstress, Teacher, Poet, Civil Servant exemplar, Organist, World Traveler, Devoted Methodist and Christian woman, and may she rest in peace and may flights of angels transport her to her final rest.

‘We love you mummie’

Acknowledgement - Passing of Elma Browne-Dougan

We would like to convey our sincerest gratitude for the many tributes, prayers and words of condolence you sent to us on Elma’s passing.

In particular, we have been touched by the many school-friends who remembered her, and the testimonials of the members of the Nursing fraternity whose life she impacted. The genuine love, the warmth, the support expressed by EVERYONE have been overwhelming and helped us through these difficult days of bereavement.

She was a very unique and special person who touched the lives of many in all stations of life. She stood, far larger than her small frame suggested, taking on the whole world as she sought to make a difference in our many lives. She will be sadly missed by all her family, nuclear and extended and by everyone with whom she had contact. God has called her to a rest she richly deserves.

Sleep sweetly, Dear Elma!

On behalf of

Her siblings, Shirley,Joye, Mike, Bonni, Mackie, Shani

Her husband, Carlyle

Daughter, Carla Bacchus and family

Son, Justin, Grace and family

Her extended family, her household and neighbourhood circles.

Tribute

Farewell to my dear sister

Grief can encroach on our lives when we least expect it. It could be a cruel leveller at times but its harsh reality does bring perspective to all our lives.

My sister Elma has touched the lives of many in ways that could only be matched by a select few. Growing up as the eldest of eight, she never imposed her seniority over her siblings. We learnt to respect her drive and dogged determination and felt embraced by her caring protection and warmth. Even at times of variance, there was always that underlying care and concern for one another, whether tacitly or tangibly expressed.

I cannot overemphasise how much she devoted her life to those close to her - her husband, children, grandchildren, parents and extended family all shared and embraced the caring warmth and affection that was constantly on tap. It is quite moving to acknowledge that she also found time to devote to so many outside her family boundaries – neighbours, friends, her church fraternity, as well as various organisations.

Her professional commitments went far beyond the call of duty. She worked unstintingly at the General hospital having qualified as a state registered nurse and midwife in the United Kingdom. She further aspired to Nurse Tutor and eventually, Principal Nursing Officer. Elma’s professional contribution to Vincentian society has helped to shape the lives and futures of many.

My main regret is that she did not direct some of that wonderful, caring dedication to herself.

It pains me intensely not to be there at her funeral to say goodbye with all of my family. To be told of her death in a hotel room in Singapore is easily the most heart breaking and harrowing experience of my entire life.

Somehow I feel that with God’s hands guiding her, Elma directed the time of her death, I cannot elaborate on this – it’s between us both.

I will be coming home to say my private farewell within the next few weeks.

The pain may be intense right now, but life is temporary for us all. I know we will meet again one day - in Heaven.

Rest Well.

Shirley Browne Winsborrow

11th August 2015

TRIBUTE FOR

THE LATE DR. BERTRAM E.S. STEPHENS

DELIVERED ON 10TH OCTOBER, 2020

FROM THE PHILLS SIBLINGS

Bertie or "Chic" as he was fondly called by his Phills cousins was a loving, caring, generous, sincere and protective person. We were fortunate to have been able to spend many happy moments with him. As a young man in St. Vincent, he was a Patrol Leader in the Calliaqua Scout troop under the tutelage of Scout Leader, lawyer Alban Radix, his Uncle-in-law. Artie, Vin and Asquith recall those days of hiking, camping and other such activities as being crucial to character building and leadership qualities.

As an older cousin, Bertie could always be depended upon to share good advice based upon his experience. When he emigrated to the United States and attended college, he freely directed our educational goals and aspirations. He attended Hunter College and so Cheryl attended Hunter College. After Hunter College he moved to Washington, D.C. to attend Howard Medical School and Vin, after his stint in the U.S. Army, shared an apartment with him there in D.C. He was an affectionate Godfather to Vin’s daughter Janel Phills. He cruised to Alaska with his brother Fred, Artie and Asquith. He was Asquith's travel buddy, flying on the Concorde, cruising on the QE2 and other cruise liners, and other travel adventures. When Hazeldene and cousins, the late Denver Radix and the late Carol Dougan first visited the US on vacation, Bertie took them to the Coney Island Amusement Park where they delightfully enjoyed the rides.

When Bertie finished Medical School and moved to Hampton, Virginia, that was the place to go when summer rolled around for all of us. Our Mom- his Aunt Eloise Walker Phills, and our Uncles Clairmonte, Cuthbert, Mack and Drayton Walker were always ready for bonding and fellowship with us all. When Bertie moved back to St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Artie and his family and Hazeldene and her family experienced his hospitality at his home at Prospect. Bertie would pick them up at the airport and enjoy the time with family. He loved to entertain and he himself was a great cook. His hobby of sailing and trips to Jennings/Congo Valley were shared with all of us. The younger Phills generation just admired and loved him. In his last days whenever they would call him, the pleasure shared was immeasurable. They gave him as much love as he gave them. He exemplified the fine qualities of his parents George and Beryl Walker Stephens and all of their children.

"Dr. Chic" will be sadly missed and he is remembered with much love and affection by his Phills family cousins. A huge loss to humanity. He has left behind a legacy of good deeds, Christian fortitude, love and caring. May he rest in peace and may light perpetual shine upon him. The Villagers, the group of young people who grew up with him in the vicinity of the Ratho-Mill area, mourn his loss and we all thank him for the fine example that he set for us all. God bless.

From the Phills family cousins-Artie, Cheryl (Dr. Baldwin King), Vin (Val), Asquith (Christine) Phills, Hazeldene Hercules and their families.

(B)lessed are we, O Lord,

(E)ven as we mourn to be able to

(R)ejoice that Bertie was a member of our family.

(T)hank you for him and so many fond memories as we

(R)eflect on his loving

(A)nd caring nature

(M)ay he rest in eternal peace.

Amen.

Cheryl Phills King.

EULOGY FOR

THE LATE DR. BERTRAM E.S. STEPHENS

DELIVERED ON 10TH OCTOBER, 2020

HER EXCELLENCY DAME SUSAN DOUGAN, GCMG, OBE

GOVERNOR-GENERAL OF ST, VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES

This afternoon, I honour the final wish of my uncle, Dr. Bertram Stephens, who requested two days before his passing that I prepare and read the eulogy at his funeral service.

Today, we celebrate the life of an outstanding son of the soil who has made a sterling contribution to humanity as a medical doctor, not only in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, but also in the United States of America.

Those of us who are feeling the loss of his passing, know him as a doctor, brother, uncle, cousin, businessman and friend.

Dr. Stephens died on Thursday, 1st October, 2020 after a period of illness. Many of us may never have recognized the severity of his illness or the full extent of his suffering since he was very independent and not given to complaining.

Born to the late George and Beryl Stephens at Ratho Mill on 19th April, 1938, his living siblings are Dorothy Ryan, Carl Stephens, Christian Stephens, Fred Stephens and Elsa Jones. His brothers Vibert, Eardley and Robert have predeceased him.

Daddy “Ste” as his father was affectionately called served as headteacher of the Colonarie Primary School and during their formative years, the boys attended the Colonarie Roman Catholic School. Daddy “Ste” was a strict disciplinarian and instilled in his children the value of education, while Mother “Ste” inculcated in her biological children and those that she mothered, strong Christian values and a love for service to human-kind. It comes as no surprise that the Holy Bible, the Royal Reader and several poetry books held prominence in the Stephens’ home.

The favourite in the Royal Reader was Mr. Joe’s Yard because it provided the play names of several members of the family including the personable Percy the Chick. I will say no more about this. I will not divulge the names of the others. Another significant item of literature is the poem the boys constantly recited in school and was penned by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow which reads:-

“The heights by great men reached and kept were not attained by sudden flight, but they, while their companions slept were toiling upward in the night.”

This poem motivated several family members.

Chic continued his education journey at the Boys Grammar School. In our conversation, he indicated that “it was competitive.” After having excelled at the Cambridge School Certificate Examination and the Higher School Certificate Examination, he started his working life as a teacher at the Intermediate High School in 1956/1957, where he worked for two years. He then worked at the E.T. Joshua Airport as a Meteorological Assistant.

His thirst for knowledge led to his quest for educational opportunity. He, therefore, migrated to the United States of America in 1962. In 1963, he enrolled at the Hunter College where he graduated with a Bachelor of Arts (Hons). In 1966, he entered Howard University in Washington DC to pursue his medical training and graduated in 1970/1971. Doc indicated that he gained practical experience as a special intern at Howard University Hospital. Much of this training covered the areas of haematology, radiology and gynaecology. In the mid-seventies, he specialized in gynaecology and obstetrics and became board certified in 1975.

Dr. Stephens worked at several hospitals, including Hampton General, Mary Immaculate and was one of the doctors; who worked at the newly dedicated Hampton Newport-News Hospital in Virginia; which is ranked in the top 250 best hospitals in the United States of America. He had fond memories of his tenure as a physician at the Hampton General Hospital and spoke of several occasions when his counseling allowed families to make life-saving decisions.

I must mention his colleagues Dr. and Mrs. Vernon Francis, Dr. Stiff, his wife Dr. Minnie Stiff and their children, Dr. Leslie Stiff, Dr. Bertram Stiff and Mr. Brandon Stiff, and Captain Benjie and Marva Harris. They all indicated that “Chic” was a remarkable physician and friend. They indicated that he was compassionate, conscientious, well-respected, knowledgeable and still holds the record at the Hampton General Hospital for performing the fastest C-section.

In 1998, he returned to St. Vincent and the Grenadines and practised from 1999-2019. Chic was a veritable force to be reckoned with. Very much like his father, Daddy “Ste” in stature, he had a brisk, energetic walk that exuded confidence. He walked every morning at 5:00 a.m. with friends, Alma Dougan and Val DaSilva and they will tell you they used to gasp to catch up with him. He never spent too long in one place, except when he had his after lunch rest, or when he was at Congo/Jennings Valley on his Saturday cook-out, or when arguing with his Sunday morning group or when watching jeopardy.

As a doctor he went above and beyond the call of duty to provide his patients with the best medical care at his clinic, which he shared with Dr. Hughes Dougan and Dr. Perry DeFreitas. Many patients admitted that they would enter his clinic feeling afraid and depressed and Doc’s humour acted as therapy, taking their minds off their illness. His positive nature acted like a breath of fresh air on a troubled soul.

What we remember is a Chic who was meticulous, focused and no-nonsense. A man with an exceptional life story, who embraced many at social activities hosted at his home or at his property in Congo/Jennings Valley. He was a stickler for time and Heaven helped you if you turned up late for his functions. We remember the Chic who used every opportunity to jet set, cruise around the world and on some occasions he was accompanied by his cousin Asquith and brother Fred; using some of the finest cruise-liners like the Queen Elizabeth II and jets like the Concorde.

Chic was a person of unparalleled integrity, which was grounded in strong Christian values and his love for human kind. He was a faithful supporter of St. Paul’s Anglican Church and contributed in all areas, especially the upkeep of the church and cemetery grounds.

He loved his family dearly and if you would like to know how much, ask Imran, his nephew; who visited him every day during his illness and attended to his needs. Ask Errol “Booge” and Merva who lived at his home in Virginia. Ask Sylvia Sayers who would just sit and watch him during his illness, being unable to fathom that one who was so energetic could now be so inactive; the villagers and cousins, the Dougans, Phills and Walker families. Ask Debbie, his secretary who visited daily while he was ill. My children adored him, but he never spoilt us.

He has asked me to thank his caretakers – Brenda Nanton, Ras, Jevan Ross Hazel Ann Bascombe, Oshanda, Jacklyn, and Nurse Hadaway; you are a special group of people.

Dr. Bertram Stephens had tremendous faith and we believe he is in the arms of our Father, our God; whose love and wisdom surpass our understanding. Gone but will never be forgotten by his relatives, especially Elsa, Chris, Dorothy, Carl, Fred, Errol, Ann, the villagers, colleagues, church members; and those of us whose lives he touched in a special way. We share the loss but appreciate the faith that allows us to joyously celebrate him having received a higher calling that we too hope will be ours one day.

Many will remember Chic’s hearty laughter, his courageous and forthright, nature, his caring disposition, but most of all his dedication as a doctor; whose watchword remained excellence. He never forgot to say “thank you.” We in turn today say “thank you Chic”

May his soul rest in peace.