BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – THE life and times of one of the region’s most prolific icons of education, politics and small business, His Excellency Charles Maynard, have been chronicled for posterity in his recently launched biography “Charles Maynard: A Life in Public Service”.
The Dominican, who currently serves as Ambassador of the Commonwealth of Dominica to CARICOM and the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) as well as a member of the OECS Economic Union Task Force Committee, has logged nearly 50 years in public service though numerous capacities in both the public and private sectors.
The book, written by Irving Andre, weaves all the strands of Maynard’s variegated life into a rich literary tapestry that critics consider to be “a fitting tribute to one of Dominica’s finest citizens”.
At a book launch held last night (Feb. 23) at the Maltin Moving Conference Centre at the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank (ECCB), close friend of Maynard and Chairperson for the event Josephine Mallalieu-Webbe described the book as a “handbook of knowledge” that gives a telling story of the regional icon’s life.
“It is an easy-to-read manual to life; a manual for young politicians, for investors, for parents and for persons looking for small business opportunities,” she said in giving remarks at the ceremony.
Praises rang in from ECCB Governor Sir K. Dwight Venner and from Maynard’s long time friend Hugh Pinard, who both noted that the piece of non-fiction is a must-read for citizens of the region. According to Maynard, Andre’s rendering of his life covers a multiplicity of experiences.
In an interview with SKNVibes, Maynard said, “The book does capture the key aspects, beginning with my early life growing up in the capital of Dominica, Roseau, and it does give a very comprehensive overview of the several departments of life that I have been involved in.”
The book captures the life and public service of Ambassador Maynard’s tenure in the Public Service of the Commonwealth of Dominica, which began in 1963 when he served as Permanent Secretary until 1970. He also worked as a Cabinet Minister and held three different ministerial positions during the period 1980 to 1995.
Additionally, Ambassador Maynard was a member of the House of Assembly for 20 years. He also served on several local, regional and international organisations including the Dominica Association of Industry and Commerce, the Caribbean Tourism Organisation, the Caribbean Centre for Development Administration and the World Health Organisation.
The book is available in soft cover for EC$ 50 at the ECCB.
