The late distinguished Reynold Lewis Francis Benjamin, OBE, gave more than half a century of service to his country fellowmen. He was born on October 13th 1930, in the beautiful and historic village of Paraclete, in the parish of St. Andrew. His parents were the late Masters and Beatrice Benjamin; affectionately known as “Benjie” or “Ben”; a famous son who resided in Grenville, St. Andrews since 1956, until his death on the early morning of October 7th 2010. His extraordinary contributions were an outstanding life service to his nation beyond the call of duty. Reynold lived a life with passion and purpose and his influence was felt and seen throughout Grenada. At the early age of fifteen, his accomplishments covered a wide field starting as a teacher at St Mary’s RC in La Fillette and St. Patrick’s R.C School. His strong desire for travel and adventure caused him to break his teaching career, when in 1951 he volunteered for the first USA farm worker program in Grenada and was successful after facing many obstacles. On his return to Grenada, being under 21, he married Nadia Rush at 17. In 1952, he joined the Ministry of Agriculture Agronomy Division as an apprentice at the Cocoa Station. In 1953, he was appointed as Overseer of Laura Estate in Laura, in the Parish of St. David, where he set up the first private cocoa propagation unit in Grenada. In 1954, an exhibition for the best display of plants, products and technology was held and he won the Governor’s trophy. Reynold was a foundation member of the Community Council in which he worked and was also the President of a Literary League in 1953. His most significant contribution was in the field of Agriculture; one of the early pioneers, he implemented the rooting techniques from the nutmeg branch to produce thousands of plants after Hurricane Janet in 1955. He served as Government Agricultural Information Officer and played many other roles in the Ministry of Agriculture. During the 1956-1967, Reynold became a foundation member and President of the Grenville Youth Club. He also pursued a course of studies in Radio/TV and electronics with the National Technical Schools USA and received a certificate of merit. In the 1960’s he became a member of the Grenada Amateur Radio Club which came into good use in 1983 during the Revolution. In 1967, Mr. Benjamin was selected to study Agriculture at the Eastern Caribbean Farm Institute of Agriculture and Forestry in Trinidad and received a diploma with distinction. He was also the President of the Students Guild 1968-1969. On his return to Grenada he was appointed to the post of Information Officer for the Ministry of Agriculture with function as editor of “The Farmers Weekly” and production of radio agricultural programs. In 1970, Benjamin received a British Council scholarship and studied “audio visual aids” at the Center for Education Development Overseas (University of London). He had attachment to the BBC Birmingham Studio, television training and he received certificates with high commendations. In 1972 he received a certificate in Farm Broadcasting from Federick Ebert Stifftung Foundation, Germany and in the 1976 he was accepted at the University of the West Indies, Jamaica where he studied Mass Communication where he received a diploma. In 1979, he attended the Caribbean Agricultural Research and Development Institute (CARDI) where he carried out research in Small Farmers Multiple Cropping Systems. In 1983, he was appointed Chairman of the St. Andrew’s Advisory Council by Sir Paul Scoon, Governor General. He was also appointed to serve on the Board of Grenada Co-operative Nutmeg Association (GCNA), a position he was elected to subsequently for nine consecutive years. He retired from the Ministry of Agriculture in 1986. In 1983-1993 he received an award on the 10th anniversary of the National Insurance Scheme (NIS) in recognition of his contribution to the development of NIS. In 1989, he was appointed Chairman of the Committee to manage the affairs of refurbishing the Grenville Market with funds from the British Development Division. During that same period, he was elected to the Board of the Grenada Cocoa Association and later became Chairman of the Cocoa Rehabilitation Board. Mr. Benjamin was also a foundation member and first President of the St. Andrews Development Organization. During that time he headed a committee for the development of the Grenville Telescope beach and lands surrounding the Anglican Church and School in Grenville. He helped made Rainbow City Festival a reality. He received an award from SADO on the 10th and 25th anniversaries of St. Andrews Development Organization. He was made a member of the National Economic Council chaired by the then Prime Minister, the late H.A. Blaize in 1986. He was appointed to the board of Directors on the Marketing and National Broadcasting Advisory Board. He was a long standing member of the Grenada Chamber of Industry and Commerce and was second Vice President in 1992. He was also a member of the Board of Governors of the Grenville Secondary School. Reynold was made a member of the Windward Islands Unification Constituent Assembly in 1991, representing the Agricultural sector. He was honored by her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and was the recipient of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (OBE) on the 31st of December 1992. In 1997, Grenada Bureau of Standards awarded a certificate in the Standards Mean Quality seminar. He will be remembered for his jovial attitude, contagious laugh, provocative questions, inspirational nuggets and poems he used to engage his families, friends, co-workers, young and old on an everyday basis. His creed, “search for more, do your best, look beyond” is of much value in life’s journey. Reynold Benjamin, we salute your excellent achievements and service to your country. Left to morn, his wife, former parliamentarian–Nadia Benjamin (MBE) Children Gentle, Roland and Carol Benjamin-David in US. Sister–Dorothy Chichester (MBE) of Springs, St. Georges Brother, Ray Seunarayan Benjamin, in the UK and the brother of the late John Benjamin (MBE) Son-in-law – Tony David in the US. Daughter-in-law - Patricia Benjamin in the US. Aunt – Doris Alexander of Chantimelle Aunt-in-law–Jane Sawney in the UK Brothers-in-law Raymond Rush Robin and Robinson Copeland in the USA Dudley Rush in the UK Eric Neckles and Ramsey Rush in Grenada. Sisters-in-law Lisda Sawney Ava Rush Tazaz Lydia Rush Hutchinson Cheryl Rush Guerrier in the US Yvonne Neckles Barrett Neltris Rush Alexis Madelyn Seunarayan Benjamin in the UK Susan Rush in Grenada. Five Grandchildren Kevin Nicole Casey Candace Benjamin in the US Ryan Mitchell of La Tante, St. Davids. Eight Great Grandchildren. Nieces & nephews Patricia Chichester in Springs, St. George’s, Barbara Chichester in the US Brent Chichester in Canada Steve Snagg in the UK Donna Marie and Helen Benjamin in Holland Many grandnieces and nephews. Other relatives and friends: Familes of: Ann Leslie Elma Lenox Thomas Sally-Ann Thomas-Clyne and Catherine Mason families of Paraclete Kenneth Nedd of Pearls Kenneth Jr., Drs. Kester & Khan Nedd in the USA Myrna Rush Benjamin and Rennie Rush families of La Digue, Windsor Forest, Paraclete and Westerhall Familes of Annie Bain of Grand Bras Denise Williams Betty Johnson Margaret Lewis and Dinah Bhola of Grenville. Garnet Williams family of Grand Bras Eileen McIntosh family in the US Louise Barriteau Henry family in the US McIntosh and Nyack families of Paraclete Evadney Thomas and the Robertson families of LaFillete Bridgeman families of Byelands, Paraclete and New Hampshire Prime Minister Hon. Tillman Thomas and family. The Staff of Benjamin’s Variety Centre. Yolande Murray of Mt. Horne Daniel Lewis of Paraclete Donna Neckles and family in the US Corine Neckles-Clara in Grenada Familes of: Yolande Noel Randolph Cape Lauren Ramdhanny Dale Neptune Gertude Munro all of Grenville Shirley Modeste-Buckmire of Grand Bras The Mark and Sears familes of Mt. Carmel The Duncan family of Westerhall The Alexander family in Florida. Eric Lewellyn and family in Toronto. Cummings Murray, Bissessar familes of Conference God-father to: Everton Hutchinson Laurel Alexander-Charles Idis Mark-George Patricia Munro and Peter Bain. Dr. Barrymore McBarnette Dr. Dolland Noel and the Doctors and Staff of the Men’s Medical Ward St.George’s Hospital Dr.Hensley Baptiste Grenville Past/present members of St. Andrew Development Organization The Ministry of Agriculture The people of Grenville and surrounding areas. PRINCESS ALICE HOSPITAL XRAY UNIT PURCHASE There will be a collection at the funeral towards the purchase of an X-ray Unit for the Princess Alice Hospital in Mirabeau, St. Andrews. In lieu of flowers, donations can be contributed towards the establishment of the Reynold Benjamin (OBE) X-Ray Unit at The Princess Alice Hospital, Mirabeau, St. Andrews. Please send donations to the below bank accounts. AN ACCOUNT IS IN PLACE FOR DONATIONS TOWARDS THE PURCHASE OF AN X-RAY UNIT AT PRINCESS ALICE HOSPITAL, IN MIRABEAU, ST. ANDREWS GRENADA. Grenada Cooperative Bank (Acct.321003309) -SWIFT ADDRESS GROAGDGD. Bank of Montreal-Acct.1019198 Swift Address BOFMCAT2, Transit number is 31442001 for transfers Citi Bank-#GBP 0011344633, SWIFT CITIGB2L - acct. #GBP 0011344633 EURO – 0011344625, Sort code 185008 Citi Bank – Acct. 36206975 SWIFT ADDRESS CITIUS33, ABA #021000089 Royal Bank of Trinidad and Tobago–Acct.8811022477-SWIFT Address – RBTTTTPX Barbados National Bank-Acct.0229297-SWIFT address BNBABBBB