Brooklyn Council Member Jumaane D. Williams has added his voice to the overwhelming tributes to late Grenada diplomat Dr. Lamuel Stanislaus, who died on Sunday at a hospice in Brooklyn. He was 95.
“On Sunday evening, we lost a statesman,” said Williams, the son of Grenadian immigrants, who represents the 45th Council District in Brooklyn. “My thoughts and prayers go out to the family of Dr. Lamuel Stanislaus. I pray for peace and comfort for his loved ones.
“I have no doubt that this is a trying time for his family and friends,” he added. “Dr. Stanislaus lived a long and accomplished life. It is my hope that, as these immediate days and weeks go by, his loved ones will be reminded of their time with him and be inspired by the lives he’s touched through his work.”
Williams noted that Sir Lamuel, who was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II, was “a devoted member of his community in New York and in his native Grenada.
“Although he represented Grenada on the international front, as Grenada’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, he was best known for his work as a dentist and community advocate,” he said, stating that politicians and community leaders in New York turned to Stanislaus for advice on social issues affecting the larger Caribbean community.
“Dr. Stanislaus supported his community politically and financially, wielding his influence and connections to help others succeed,” added Williams, disclosing that he, too, had sought Stanislaus’ guidance during his inaugural run for City Council.
“He was a role model for Grenadians, and all people of more color, irrespective of where they come from,” he said. “Generations of people will undoubtedly be inspired by his life and contributions to the West Indian community.”
Sir Lamuel served as Grenada’s Ambassador to the United Nations from 1985 – 1991 and then from 1996 – 2005.
Grenada’s Prime Minister Dr. Keith Mitchell and Foreign Affairs Minister Elvin Nimrod are among dignitaries expected to speak at Stanislaus’ funeral service on Saturday. Mitchell and Nimrod are already in New York attending the 71st Session of the UN General Assembly Debate.
The funeral mass and viewing of Stanislaus’ body will take place at St. Francis of Assisi/St. Blaise Roman Catholic Church on Nostrand Avenue, between Lincoln Road & Maple Street, in Brooklyn.
The viewing will be from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., and the mass from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Stanislaus will then be interred at the Canarsie Cemetery in Brooklyn.
A repass will follow at EL Caribe Country Club on Strickland Avenue, also in Brooklyn.
