Glowing tributes from family, friends and members of both political parties flowed at the St Matthias Anglican Church in Union Island during the home going service for the late Dennie Wilson on Monday, May 8.

During his life, Wilson held a wealth of titles including educator, politician and ambassador. He served as former Permanent Representative of St Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG) to the United Nations (UN), and a former New York City Department of Education administrator and educator. He also served as SVG’s Deputy Consul General in New York and a Deputy Permanent Representative of SVG to the UN.

Wilson also had an active political career and served as Speaker of the House of Assembly from 1982 to 1984.

In his tribute, Leader of the Opposition, Dr. Godwin Friday described Wilson as a “humble servant of the people of St Vincent and the Grenadines”.

“Mother Teresa said give your hands to serve and your hearts to love. Dennie followed that principle. His work as an educator showed him first hand the importance of shaping young minds … throughout his life he was committed to making his country better for those to come after.”

Tedra Walker, Daughter

Dr Friday recalled how Wilson offered his political experience to other candidates in the party during elections, noting that his eagerness to help others was one of his shining qualities.

His daughters Tedra and Denica, born out of his marriage with Idica, both shared fond memories of their father growing up in New York. Tedra recounted a moment, as a child, when she saw Wilson speaking to a homeless man, where he offered him a job to help him get back on his feet.

“As a child, to witness your father do that is monumental. He showed the importance of compassion.”

Denica encouraged mourners to emulate her father’s love of people, adding that he was always dependable and of service to his community.

“Dad had a way of making you feel special and the most important person in the room. He genuinely made you feel like you mattered.”

The funeral service was led by Anglican Archbishop Leopold Friday. Also present were senior members of the Royal St Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force, including Comissioner Colin John. The guard of honour led the procession to the Ashton Public Cemetery where Wilson was buried.