CATEGORY:TRIBUTE --------------------- INSIDE GRENADA Thursday March 22,2007 The Minister, Honorable Yolande Bain Horsford and the Staff of the Ministry of Social Development express heartfelt sympathy to the family and friends of Mrs. Winnifred Strachan. Grenada sadly mourns the passing of one of its most recognized and celebrated women affectionately known to many as “Tanty Winnie.” While we mourn her loss, we take this opportunity to celebrate her accomplishments and her many contributions to the nation. She rose from humble beginnings and despite many challenges including that of being a woman, she emerged as one of the most successful women in Grenada. Her sterling contribution to her beloved country, Grenada, will leave an indelible mark on all whose lives she touched, whether as a Parliamentarian, teacher, spiritual leader, or friend. Many teachers would have had the privilege and would have benefited from Ms. Strachans’ tutorship at the Grenada Teachers College and as supervisor of Home Economics at the Ministry of Education. Ms. Strachan will also be remembered for her pioneering roles as Vice President of the Caribbean Association of Home Economics and the first President of the Grenada Home Economics Teachers Association. She was a highly spiritual woman who devoted most of her life to the Methodist Denomination where she was a Lay Reader. Ms. Strachan, former Opposition Leader, successfully contested the St. Andrew South East Constituency Seat as a member of the Grenada United Labor Party (GULP) in the 1990 General Elections. The GULP placed second at the poles and the party chose Ms. Strachan to assume the prestigious role as the leader of the Opposition - a post which she held with distinction from April 1990 to June 1995. Commenting on the death of Ms Strachan, the Minister for Social Development, the Honorable Yolande Bain- Horsford said: “Grenada has lost an outstanding daughter.” According to Minister Horsford, “Ms. Strachan was a selfless individual who placed people and country first.” The Minister, Bain- Horsford went on to add that, Ms. Strachans, contribution to the development of the community was immeasurable. She was like a mother, father, sister and most importantly an outstanding woman who placed a lot of emphasis on morals and values. She was a true role model and her achievements should be celebrated. Ms. Strachan received a special award for her service to the country in 1999 during International Women’s Day Commemoration from the Division of Gender and Family Affairs and the Grenada National Organization of Women (GNOW). Prime Minister Dr. the Right Honorable Keith Mitchell and Social Development Minister Yolande Bain Horsford recently made a special visit to Ms. Strachan, during which the Prime Minister paid tribute and thanked her for her role in his political development and contribution to the Grenadian Society. Thursday, March 23, 2007 ends the chapter of one of Grenada’s most outstanding daughters. However her rich legacy will always live on. “Tanty Winnie”, we will all miss you. The Ministry of Social Development is requesting that a minute of silence be observed at 1 P.m. on Thursday, March 23, 2007 in respect for the late Winnifred Strachan. The Ministry is also asking that radio stations incorporate in their programming on the afternoon of Thursday, March 23, 2007 some solemn music as a mark of respect. May Her Soul Rest in Peace. Reprinted from the Government of Grenada's general news archives.