BahamasB2B.com is especially saddened by the unexpected death of Charles Maynard. Charlie was one of the “good guys” and one of the first to recognize the impact this website had on The Bahamas, over a decade ago, when we first started out.
It was shortly after BahamasB2B.com jump-started the Internet in The Bahamas. We were working with Rowena Rolle at the Ministry of Tourism on the first e-commerce system in the country, which we were creating to sell Authentically Bahamian goods on the Internet.
Charlie was one of the heads of the vendors’ team working with us to meet the needs of the Bahamian manufacturers and crafts people.
We were arranging to have all the items bulk shipped to the United States, to our distribution warehouse in Detroit, Michigan.
Our founder, Lisa Wells, took a group of people from the Ministry of Tourism up to Detroit to check out the facilities. Charlie was one of the people who went.
He always had an effervescent, positive, cheerful attitude and was filled with enthusiasm and encouragement. Right from the beginning, he recognized the good we were trying to do and supported us wholeheartedly.
We worked with him on other occasions, most recently when we created a marketing plan for the Governor General Youth Awards programme, dubbed the G.O.L.D. Initiative.
Charlie was among a handful of politicians who had vision and he was always a step ahead of the pack.
We offer our sincere condolences to his wife Zelena, his three daughters, his parents Andrew “Dud” and Isadora Maynard, and the many other family members and friends.
Rest in Peace Charlie.
Hubert Ingraham – Former Prime Minister of The Bahamas
“I was greatly saddened to learn of the tragically premature passing of Charles Maynard, chairman of the Free National Movement.
Charlie was a fine Bahamian man, committed to being a part of the solution to the many challenges facing our still young country.
Charlie brought enthusiasm, energy and passion to all his undertakings in both the private and public sectors. He had a biting wit and an infectious laugh which endeared him to all of us.
I was happy to welcome him into the fold of the Free National Movement and to support his candidacy for election in the Golden Isles Constituency in 2007.
Elected, he proved to be an excellent representative of the people and a dedicated government minister.
Charlie had a wonderful future; he had so much more to contribute to our party and to our country. He will be difficult to replace and will be terribly missed.
I and my wife Delores offer our deepest sympathy to his wife Zelena, to his three daughters, to his parents Andrew “Dud” and Isadora Maynard and to his siblings and wider family.
We will keep you all in our thoughts and prayers in the days and weeks ahead as we all come to terms with this terrible loss.
Charlie will be missed.”
Free National Movement (FNM)
“The passing of our national chairman, Charles Maynard, is a tremendous loss of a rising political leader and public servant, not only to the FNM, but also to our beloved country. The leader, officers and members of the Free National Movement extend to his wife and family, to his parents and other relatives our deepest and most prayerful sympathy. All of us share in their loss.”
David Thompson – National vice chairman of the FNM
“As our chairman he was vibrant, he was dynamic, he was full of youth and vigor and he was definitely focused.
“During his lifetime he demonstrated his ability and capacity as a minister, as a Member of Parliament, he served his constituents well and they loved him.
“We think that he will be hard to replace as a young man full of enthusiasm who was committed to involving and causing the participation of young people not only in the Free National Movement party, but as well in the country.”
Phenton Neymour – Former Minister of State for the Environment
“There are certain things about him people never got to know, for example that he had a big heart, that he really loved his family; father, mother siblings.”
Byran Woodside – Former Minister of State for Youth, Sports and Culture
“I found him to be quite an ally, Charles turned out to consummate politician who had nothing but the best interest of this country at heart, he also turned out to be an excellent minister, bar none.”
Democratic National Alliance (DNA)
“In the short time that the Bahamian public has had to become acquainted with ‘Charlie’, as he is affectionately known to many, he has left an indelible mark on all of us.
“Charlie was always a passionate advocate and fighter for a more free and democratic Bahamas.
“With his passing, The Bahamas has lost a bright political mind, a vibrant, charismatic, young leader, and a great man who was filled with courage and promise. It is very appropriate to say that he is gone too soon.”
Bahamas Christian Council
“Mr. Maynard was well loved and respected by the entire community and he served his family and our country well.
“He was a rising star in politics in The Bahamas. Mr. Maynard was considered one of the new generation of leaders for The Bahamas. The Bahamas has lost a great son. He had so much to offer.”
United States Embassy
“Mr. Maynard’s untimely passing will stand as a great loss due to his devotion to the service of others.
“Through his steadfast support to the development of youth, his dedication to the athletic community, and his commitment to sharing The Bahamas’ rich cultural heritage, Mr. Maynard touched the lives of many throughout The Commonwealth of The Bahamas. He will be missed and will continue to be an inspiration for years to come.”
“In his brief three-year term serving as the Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture, the late Charles Maynard left an indelible impact on the sporting landscape of the country, which will undoubtedly continue to effect generations of Bahamians.”
