Tribute by The Rt. Hon. Dr. Denzil Llewellyn Douglas:
Please permit me to recognize Lady Lawrence and family, Governor General and the Prime Minister.
Church, with all that we’ve heard today regarding the Life, Times and Works of Sir Edmund Lawrence. I truly believe that the pages of history are quite solemn as we bid farewell to a Statesman, a pioneer, a servant of the people, but for me a true and faithful friend.
Sir Edmund Lawrence, Founder, Chairman and Managing Director of the St. Kitts Nevis and Anguilla National Bank, National Group of Companies, has really taken his leave at the noble age of 93 years.
So, this afternoon, I again confess that my heart is fractured with his passing. I have not merely lost a friend, but a Companion of Spirit, a Comrade in Vision and a Mentor whose wisdom came not only from books and policies, but from the lived grit of leadership, the quiet dignity of service and the courage of conviction.
Sir Ed, we recall wasn’t the loudest in the room, no never! But he was always the wisest. He was not the flashiest on the roll call, but the most enduring. He was not the seeker of power, but the Steward of Trust. He walked among the mighty with humility and sat with the common with ease and dignity. He built not monuments of stones, but institutions of stability, laying financial foundations that allowed generations to dream bigger, love better and rise higher and higher.
I smile now even in sorrow remembering our countless conversations and Isaac spoke of his wise words, his wit was sharp, his humor understated, his lessons were all timeless. We debated, we laughed of course, argued ideas never integrity and when we argued enough and when we felt hungry, we went down to Alfredos to have lunch.
Time with him was never ever wasted, it was an investment in becoming. Now, as he journeys towards celestial land of our ancestors, I imagine the procession when I wrote this; “Sweet music greeting his passage, angelic voices lifting praises, a chorus of history singing, Well done Sir Edmund, well done!
I see Lady Hulda Lawrence, their six daughters and his son. I see citizens of this nation. I see citizens of this region and of the wider world carrying the weight of his legacy and the warmth of his memory.
To them, I not only extend condolences, but pure admiration for sharing him with us Lady Lawrence, giving this nation a priceless gift and so may he be embraced. Embraced with those immortal words of eternal commendation, welcome home Sir Edmund, thou true and faithful servant, rest now for you’ve labored well.
Church, I’ve really lost a dear friend. You’ll never imagine what he would have done when as a little, poor student in Jamaica struggling. He found time and resources and gave to my brother to assist me.
I’ve truly lost a dear friend. But, the world has gained a Timeless Ancestor.
Rest now in peace Sir Edmund Wickham Lawrence, your light will never go dim. Your legacy will not fade and your memory will never die.