Former Vincentian Ambassador, Speaker of the House dies in New York

Dennie Wilson, a former politician, ambassador and educator died in New York on Friday, April 7 at age 67.

Wilson was a 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.

From 1984 to 1994, he was managing agent for Maxwell Kates Inc. in New York.

In 1990 he was appointed a member of Community Board 17 in Brooklyn Borough, New York, where he served until 1994.

Wilson was Senator, Deputy Speaker and Speaker of the House of Assembly of SVG from 1981 to 1984, and also served as executive member of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA), representing South and Central America and the West Indies including the Falkland Islands, as well as chairman of the local branch of the CPA.

From 1977 to 1981, he served as a Customs/Revenue Officer in the Southern Grenadines.

From 1974 to 1976, he taught at the Bequia Anglican High School.

He is a graduate of Fordham University.

Born on Ashton, Union Island, Wilson was married to Idica and together they have two daughters- Denica and Tedra.

Wilson loved the Anglican/Episcopal church, served his parish of St. David’s Episcopal Church in Queens, NY, and spearheaded the St. Mathias Anglican Church Charity Rebuilding Organization in Brooklyn, NY. This organization comprised Union Island, SVG nationals living abroad and with their funds raised and personal contributions was responsible for the complete repair, rewiring and remodeling of St Mathias Anglican Church in Ashton, Union Island.

“Wilson also loved Union Island, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, and it’s people so much that he became the voice of our expatriates and their descendants. Weddings, funerals, birthdays and graduations, you can hear his voice become the soundtrack to the occasion. His words of prayer and messages of peace and love would forever resound. Armed with accolades and a powerful gift of gab, Mr. Wilson’s love of education and achievement was widely known and heavily influenced his children, godchildren and most young people that came in contact with him. His bright aura always filled the room. His baritone voice made his presence known,” a release from the family said.

He leaves behind his dynamic and loving wife, daughters, grandchild, son-in-law, a slew of wonderful relatives, his godchildren and a host of close friends and colleagues. (Edited contributed by  Shanice Duncan)