By Claudia Liburd
Reporter- SKNVibes.com

Former Deputy Premier, Hon. Malcolm Guishard

(Charlestown, Nevis) --- A blanket of sadness covered Nevis on Monday, June, 11 as members of the general public mourned the loss of Deputy Leader of the Opposition Party, Hon. Malcolm Guishard. 

Originally from Church Ground Village the former Deputy Premier of Nevis was the longest serving DP serving a total of 14 years from June 1, 1992 to July 10, 2006.  He was elected to the Federal House in 1993, 1995, 1999 and 2004 as the St. Paul's/St. John's representative.  He was also elected in the local elections for the parish of St. John's in 1992, 1997 and 2001. 

The Federal Parliamentarian passed suddenly on Monday morning during a routine morning swim.  Police reports indicate that during an early morning visit to Gallows Bay, Guishard started complaining of short breath and chest pains.  Shortly thereafter he was rushed to the Alexandra Hospital where he was pronounced dead shortly after his arrival. 

The Premier of Nevis, Hon. Joseph Parry was in New York attending the Caribbean Week conference, however he offered his condolences to the family during a live radio address. 

"During this difficult time, our thoughts are with his family, particularly his wife Mrs. Yvonne Guishard, his parents and his children.  The Premier and Cabinet on behalf of the Government and people of Nevis, register heartfelt sympathy," he said.

 

"Among the special qualities that Mr. Guishard possessed, was his warm personality and his love for people which touched the lives of many at home and abroad.

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Parry said that at the time of his passing, Mr. Guishard was the Federal Representative of the Electoral District of Nevis No. 9, comprising the parishes of St. Paul's and St. John's.  He served the people of Nevis from 1992 to 2006 as the Minister of Communications, Tourism, Agriculture, Housing, Culture and Information. 

"I urge all of us to remember that those who live in the hearts of others never die," said Parry.

 

In the wake of the tragic event several members of the community are stunned by Mr. Guishard's sudden death.  Close friend of the Guishard family and Nevis sprinter, Shirvon Greene of Craddock Road who is currently enrolled at Monroe College in New York also expressed his condolences to the family of the bereaved during a brief interview with SKNVibes.com.

"To be honest I can't believe that he is gone.  He has been a mentor to me from since I knew him.  Not only a mentor, but I consider him as one of my family members, dear to me," he said. "To his family I just want to express my deepest sympathy; to my boy Kevin, you have been one of my best friends for years and I will always be here for you as a true friend."

He continued, "Though it's very hard to express how I feel, I can say this, he may have departed from us suddenly but his spirit still lives on especially in my heart, my soul and with me forever. I therefore dedicate my current sporting career (track, cross country and basketball) to "Big Guish" for he has been the one who always told me that there is nothing known as "can't". Instead replace that word with "I can"."

"I also want to extend condolences to his wife Yvonne who has been very encouraging towards me and daughter Shenel and sons Kevin, Colin and Duane.  Also to his mother, father and other relatives  - keep hope alive and though he is gone his spirit will be here with us for ever and ever," said the St. Paul's constituent in ending the interview.