Eulogy of Brendon Calvert Browne

by Ambassador JOEL TONEY

THIS IS THE DAY that the Lord has made. Let us rejoice and be glad in it. My name is Joel Toney, former Ambassador of St. Vincent and the Grenadines to the United Nations.

I was honoured when Jennisse asked me to do the eulogy for her dear father, Brendon Calvert Browne. My friend Brendon honoured me in life when he asked me to be his Best Man at his wedding. As a frequent visitor to Brendon’s family home Jennisse knew me as Uncle Joel throughout her life.

Brendon Browne was born in Marriaqua on January 5, 1953. His parents were Dorin Wyllie and Augustus (Chippie) Browne. He sadly left us on February 17, 2020. Brendon attended the Mesopotamia Government School, and St Martin’s Secondary school. He earned the Bachelor of Science and the MA degree in International Relations from Windsor University in Canada. From there Brendon would go on to become an upstanding citizen in his service to the people of St Vincent and the Grenadines.

Brendon began his working life as a teacher. He later joined the civil service as an administrative cadet in the civil service. While there he worked in many ministries. He found his calling in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs where he developed a passion in the area of protocol. He lectured Civil Servants in this area for many years, and he eventually published a book called “The Right Way: Protocol and You.” His book was favourably reviewed by prominent Vincentians and others. The reviewers came from many walks of life, including Monte Maule, former Speaker of the House of Assembly, Renee Baptiste lawyer and Parliamentarian, Dr Adrian Fraser, historian, and Joel Providence, business executive. One of the reviewers the late Edgar Adams, noted historian wrote “this text on protocol and social graces is most timely as it offers helpful guidance, and can be used as a reference book by those in search of the information.” Brendon was fondly known as Mr Protocol.

Not all of his expertise was government related. He was the franchise holder of Miss World/ Miss Universe beauty contests. He collaborated with the Carnival Development Corporation,

and Terry Gurley Williams to produce these contests. He was featured many times on “Giggles” Best Dressed List.

Brendon’s brother, Ken, is full of praise for his younger brother. He told me that Brendon did not involve himself in any sport except for table tennis. However, Ken believed that Brendon set out to learn every big word in the dictionary, and would try to use them in his regular conversation. On Brendon’s first date with his future wife Arlene Keane, there was thunder and lightening and a soaking rain. After he arrived at the Keane’s house, Arlene assessed the situation, and suggested to Brendon that they postpone the date. Brendon objected with the following reply “Oh we are off on an explosive start.” Soon after the couple got married and produced their lovely daughter Jennisse.

Every year since the permanent mission of SVG was established in 1981, I as head of mission, asked for another diplomat to assist me during General Assembly. Every year Brendon joined us for four months and received all privileges and immunities due to a diplomat. He made a tremendous contribution to our small office staff at the United Nations. During that time Brendon developed a very friendly relationship with his co-workers.

Brendon was appointed Cabinet Secretary, and later he was appointed OECS High Commissioner to Canada. He represented six Caribbean countries including St Vincent and the Grenadines. It was during that period that his dear wife Arlene died.

Our nation has lost a pioneer in diplomacy, and a wonderful example of a dedicated son of the soil.

My wife Joyce I would like to extend condolences to his family and friends in their time of sorrow.

May he rest in peace, and may light perpetual shine upon him.