By Lincoln Depradine

Caribupdate Weekly

January 30, 2013

St. George’s, Grenada – Among colleagues in the National Democratic Congress and government, as well as in the eyes of most Grenadians, he was a venerable and dignified politician.

But, to the children and other family members of Denis Lett, he was “dad;’’ the family man, devoted Roman Catholic, cricketer and carnival masquerader.

Lett, outgoing Member of Parliament for St. David, and Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, died 9.45 Monday morning at his St. David home.

He was 74.

“He slipped away peacefully to his maker,’’ family member Meryl Forsyth told Caribupdate Weekly during a visit to Lett’s home Monday.

Forsyth, a former cabinet secretary who now serves as coordinator at the Mediation Centre on Scott Street, was huddled in Lett’s bedroom with other relatives, as streams of visitors entered to room to extend their condolences.

Caretaker Odessa Francis said since Lett – whom she called “daddy’’ – took ill and became homebound, he “has been having visitors every day. There has not been a dull moment.’’

The visitors have included NDC and New National Party politicians; religious leaders; teachers; and students of primary and secondary schools.

“Daddy was dedicated to his family and to his God,’’ daughter Eleanor Lett said. “He was hardworking and a man of service.’’

She and her five siblings remember their father, a lanky man, playing cards and board games with them; and taking them to the beach and to church.

“As a family, we went to La Sagesse Beach on Saturday,’’ Eleanor Lett recalled. “On Sundays, we always went to church together.’’

As well, she said, her father insisted on the whole family having lunch together each Sunday.

Michael Denis Lett was born December 8, 1938. He was the second of his parents’ nine children.

Jerome Lett said his older brother, Denis, was a “very humble’’ person who taught him many things.

His late brother, he said, introduced him to cricket and masquerade.

“He was a fast bowler and he used to bring me on his motorbike to watch him play,’’ Jerome Lett said.

For many years, Dennis Lett played carnival with the late bandleader, Dennis “Away’’ Lindsay, of Green Street.

He participated three years ago in a carnival band produced by Commancheroes and Associates.

“My brother was a mas’ man,’’ Jerome Lett said. “He used to play with Away and took me to play in Away’s band at the age of seven.’’

Not only that, the younger Lett confided, his brother was “very committed to assisting poor people,’’ and did charitable work as a member of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul.

Denis Lett, a licensed surveyor, worked many years at the ministries of works and agriculture.

After retiring from the public service, he opened his own business, Lett & Partner. It’s still run by a son, Ivor.

He entered a new phase of his life – electoral politics – more than a decade ago.

“I remember we were searching for a candidate for St. David and Mr Lett was assisting us with the search,’’ said Peter David, former NDC general secretary.

“Even during the search, we felt that Mr Lett would be the best candidate. But, he never wanted to get involved in frontline politics. It took a lot of persuading until he finally agreed to be the NDC’s candidate for St. David.’’

Lett’s agreement came ahead of general elections in 2003. He won the St. David constituency. NDC narrowly lost 8 – 7 to the NNP in the elections.

Lett was reelected in 2008 in the NDC’s 11 – 4 victory. He was appointed Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries.

“This is a Brother who gave his all to his family, the NDC party, the government, and the people of St. David and Grenada,’’ said former Foreign Minister David, who was Lett’s cabinet colleague.

“He was the voice of reason, but there was also a quiet militancy about him. Mr Lett will be dearly missed.’’

Lett brought to politics a background of activism on social justice issues.

One of his memorable actions was in 1973.

“The nation will remember his heroic stand in defense of the People’s Right of Access to the La Sagesse Beach in 1973 and his willingness to sacrifice his freedom in defense of his principles,’’ the NDC said in a statement of condolence.

Former NDC deputy leader, George Prime, said Lett fits the “classic definition’’ of human, and “embodies every quality that the good Lord has given us’’.

Prime said the two had a “long and distinguished’’ relationship, and never saw Lett lose his nerves.

“In the case of Brother Lett,’’ said Prime, “even if one expects there’ll be imperfections, all will give way to righteousness, humility and his strong sense of brotherhood. He had an instinctive grasp of the human condition.’’

Outgoing St. Patrick West MP, Joseph Gilbert, worked with Lett in the public service.

They both were members of the Catholic Men’s League, and were also cabinet colleagues from July 2008 to January 2012.

“I know him to be a man of deep faith,’’ said Gilbert, former Minister of Works and Public Utilities.

“A good man is gone. We’ve lost a good comrade and a patriot who fought for justice but always promoted peace.’’

Lett brought “sincerity and a strong resolve to do good to the political landscape,’’ said Arley Gill, former NDC public relations officer.

According to Gill, a former junior Information and Culture Minister, Lett went “quietly about his business, serving the people he represented, in his constituency, and serving the country as a whole.’’

Gill said when difficulties arose in the NDC, Lett brought a “reassuring and calming voice’’ in seeking solutions.

“It is regrettable that his advice was not heeded,’’ said Gill. “But, at least, history will record his efforts at problem-solving.’’

Political activist Siddiqui Sylvester was well-acquainted with Lett and held him in high esteem.

“He was a quiet soldier. He was quiet, yet focused; an outstanding individual who stood by what he believed was right and displayed dedication in serving his country,’’ said Sylvester, a former NDC executive member.

Sylvester was recently elected chairman of the National United Front.

The NDC’s chance of carrying St. David for a third consecutive general election now rests on the shoulders of Adrian “Persuader’’ Thomas, a calypsonian and former senior public servant.

Thomas, NDC’s St. David candidate for the February 19 polls, admits that replacing Lett is challenging; “very big shoes to fill,’’ he says.

“I will see if I can fulfill some of the things he promised but couldn’t do because of resources,’’ Thomas said. “These include the rebuilding of the St. David’s Catholic Secondary School, and the building of a bridge to La Sagesse Beach and a restroom on the beach itself.’’

Lett, Thomas said, was a most “committed, selfless and serving individual.’’

He was also a “distinguished family man and a people’s person,’’ said Thomas. “This guy was so genuine, it’s unbelievable.’’

Lett, a graduate of the Presentation Brothers’ College, served as Acting Prime Minister on several occasions.