ST. GEORGE’S, Grenada – Prime Minister Tillman Thomas today led the tribute to former Speaker of the Grenada Parliament, Sir Curtis Strachan, who died at the age of 86.
“Sir Curtis has serves as a tower of information for parliamentarians, especially those who were elected for the first time. He was never too busy to assist those who called on him for help. He was a person who gave selflessly in support of the development of our democracy,” Prime Minister Thomas told legislators.
Sir Curtis, who gave 52 years of service to Grenada at various positions within the public service, including Clerk of Parliament and Speaker of the House of Representatives, also served as Executive Secretary and Deputy Chairman of the Special Organising Committee for Grenada’s Independence, which was achieved in 1974.
Well known for his advocacy of, and efforts at strengthening parliamentary democracy, and the rule of law, Sir Curtis travelled widely in the Commonwealth, participating in numerous parliamentary conferences and seminars.
Sir Curtis, who became the doyen of Commonwealth Clerks of Parliament, demitted office in 1991, and became a parliamentary consultant. In 1995 he was unanimously elected by the House of Representatives as its Speaker. In 1999 he was re-elected and served until his retirement from public life in 2003.
During the suspension of the constitution in 1979-83 when Grenada was under the rule of the leftwing People’s Revolutionary Government (PRG), Sir Curtis secured, by hiding, the maces of the Houses of Parliament, which reappeared in 1984.
During the parliamentary session on Tuesday, Speaker Mc Guire called for a minute’s silence in observance of the contribution of Sir Curtis to Grenada and the institution and also served as an expert and resource person at parliamentary seminars in Africa, Canada, Grenada and the Turks and Caicos Islands..
He is the author of two books; “Mainly for Parliamentary Freshmen” and “Assisting the New Member,” as well as several parliamentary papers: “The basis of Procedure”, “Ceremonial and Official Dress in the Legislative Council”, “Procedure in the Senate” and “the Public Accounts Committee of Grenada.”
Sir Curtis was predeceased by Etheline Lady Strachan and survived by children Richard, Carol-Anne, Michelle and Arthur, and six grand-children.
No date has yet been announced for the funeral. (CMC)
