Stephen Walter Alexander better known as “Spin Break” was born in the community of Grand Bras in the parish of St. Andrews, Grenada on May 12th 1940. He was the son of Veronica Alexander and William Thomas but was raised by his grandmother Lucy Bernard. They are all now deceased. “Spin Break” died on April 28th 2014, after a short illness. He was 73.
Stephen received his primary school education at the Old Church Roman Catholic Primary School in Grenville, St. Andrew’s and was among the fortunate few to attend secondary school back in those days. He started his secondary school life at the Presentation Boys’ College in St. George’s but he return to his parish to complete his Secondary school education as a student of the St Andrew’s Anglican Secondary School. He graduated from SAASS in 1960. His love for SAASS continues even while abroad. He organized the first SAASS alumni in hopes of raising funds to support the school while in the US. He was president and was fully committed to the works of the SASS Alumni Association for approximately 10 years.
As a student, he was a sports enthusiast and his love for cricket was the reason why he became known as ‘Spin Break’ – he was a spin bowler for his school team for many. He also participated in track and field activities and won the 100 meter race numerous times in the school’s annual sports meeting.
Upon completion of secondary school, Steve became a teacher and taught at the St Andrew’s Anglican Primary School in Grenville. He then gained employment with the Grenada Cooperative Nutmeg Association. In 1965 he went to Canada for one year to pursue studies in Trade Unionism at Canada’s Labor College. In August of 1967 he migrated to the United States of America and got married to Denise Shears on 23rd December. He remained committed to her and their family until his passing.
“Spin Break” was an avid reader with a very curious mind which led him in various. His reading materials ran from comic books and newspaper cartoons to political and social research papers not forgetting dramas, thriller and autobiographies. He has a collage of clippings and photos of historical event especially pertaining to the Grenada and the wider.
Always up to the times and current events, his passion for world affairs, especially the political affairs of his homeland and the Caribbean as a whole naturally led him to freelancing as a writer for Carib News and a frequent commentator on the Bob Fredrick’s show during his days at WNYE radio.
Though he was not a lawyer in complete a course of study in criminal Justice; pursue course studies with the Metropolitan Assistance Corporation as well as participated in training programs with the Victims Services Agency, and the Immigration Legal Resource Center.
Using the skills that he attained from these courses he freely advised many new immigrants looking for information on get started in this new land. Stephen was truly passionate and committed to the things and causes that he believed in. His care for those in his circle was ever-present for he constantly reached out to make sure the ones he care for were ok and in good spirits.
Stephen also studied Political Science and Sociology at Long Island University in Brooklyn and received his Bachelor’s degree in 1976. He then went to work for the Brokerage Firm of Merrill Lynch for a number of years and then moved on to the Depository Trust Fund as a Research Analyst. Although he was very much occupied with his career and community work, he yearned to serve the country of his birth. As a result of having excellent working relationship with whoever was governing Grenada, the opportunity to represent his country in an official capacity came in 1995.
Alexander became the Honorary Consul General of Grenada in New York, but his employment was short-lived. After 15 months his service was terminated. Although he was somewhat disappointed with his short tenure, he yet felt a sense of satisfaction for having served his country at that high level – for such was his sense of patriotism.
Left to cherish his memories are: his wife Denise, his children Peter and Michael, and seven grand children and their mothers. In addition to these mourners are: His sisters – Jean, Maureen, Carrol and Margaret; His brothers – Carlton, Mervyn, Roland and Wayne. His two aunts: Joyce Lett and Sylvia Williams; His uncles Gogric and Alston Peters. Sister-in-laws – Hermione Hector and Adrienne Alexander. There are countless nieces, nephews, cousins; acquaintances, friend, very special friends and great associates.
May he have eternal rest.
