By:Curtis Morton
Charlestown-Nevis-Scores of individuals showed up at the Roman Catholic Church in Charlestown, on Friday 30th September. They all came to pay final respects to a man who has been fondly remembered for his tremendous work as a Medical practitioner on the island of Nevis.
It was the home going service of Dr. Patrick Desmond St. Clair Dias, with the officiating minister being, Father Lawrence Malama.
Elder sister, Shirley Spycalla, delivered a beautiful tribute in song and this was followed by another glowing tribute by the Health sector on Nevis, led by Minister of Health, Hon. Mark Brantley.
Minister Brantley revealed that Dr. Dias commenced duties as a Medical Practitioner on Nevis, in the Gingerland district and there were times when he was the only doctor available on the island.
He was also one of the first persons to speak out at a public forum on the HIV/AIDS issue and was definitely the first Medical Practitioner on the island, to treat HIV/AIDS patients.
He also served as President of the Family Planning Association for ten years.
Minister Brantley’s tribute was followed by a wonderful rendition of ‘Over in the Glory Land,’ by a combination of Nurses; Doctors; auxiliary staff at the Hospital and Health Centers and personnel from the Ministry of Health, who served to provide a formidable choir.
Mr. Dennis Michael Morton JP, a personal friend of the deceased, had the distinguished privilege of presenting a brief eulogy on behalf of the beloved late Physician.
He stated that Dr. Dias was a private individual and noted that he would respect his wish to keep certain things private.
He however stated that he served people unselfishly and especially when he worked in Gingerland, people responded to love and care by bestowing him with gifts such as yard fowls; goats; fish and other supplies.
He opined that Dr. Dias definitely had a ‘calling’ for his profession and served with distinction. He also volunteered that Dr. Dias’ last twenty years of his life, were his best years, as he was well taken care of by his wife, Matron Aldris Dias and noted that theirs was a loving relationship.
He also indicated that the dear Doctor also had a spiritual element to his life and was a regular worshipper at the Roman Catholic Church in Westbury.
He noted that in the latter stages of his life, Dr. Dias also went in search of a deeper spiritual connection for his life.
He concluded by expressing deepest condolences to his wife and other family members and friends.
Dr. Dias’ daughter, Monique Liburd, teamed up with Ms. Elaine Titley, to present the intercessory prayers and son Damian, presented the first scripture reading.
The homily was jointly delivered by Father George Agar and Father Lawrence Malama.
The body was interred at the public cemetery in Gingerland and despite heavy showers late in the afternoon, many persons braved the inclement weather and stayed on at the cemetery until the final rites were completed.