Former MP to be buried today

Less than one month after celebrating his 86th birthday on December 16, 2013, former Parliamentarian Dr. Raphael Fletcher died on January 9, 2014.

Fletcher, who was ailing for some time, served in Parliament as the representative for the constituency of the Town of St. George’s as the candidate for the New National Party (NNP) in the General Elections of 1995.

Former Parliamentarian, Dr. Raphael Fletcher.

He was first announced as a minister without Portfolio, but within months, he was appointed to serve as the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Legal Affairs and Local Government. Fletcher was a physicist and university lecturer before entering politics.

He resigned from the Government during the  last quarter of 1998 and joined the Grenada United Labour Party, but his action resulted in the then Prime Minister, Dr. Keith Mitchell, calling General Elections for January 19, 1999. This was the first time the NNP won all 15 seats in the Parliament, resulting in Grenada not having an official opposition for the first time.

His political life is known to have begun in the 1980 when he formed the Grenada People’s Movement. His last public political appearance was during the 2008 General Elections when he was on the campaign platform of the NNP. Since then, he has withdrawn from active politics and public life.

Fletcher will be buried today at the St. George’s cemetery following a tribute and funeral service at the St. George’s Cathedral of Immaculate Conception. As a former parliamentarian, the regulations provide for him to be afforded an official state funeral. (LS)