The passing of the Honourable John Fitzgerald Edward Registe in the early hours of Wednesday, 1st September 2021,
came as a shock to me. I listened to the Prime Minister’s Statement on DBS on the morning of Wednesday, 1st September in total shock and disbelief.
A little after 5.00 pm on Tuesday, 31st August, I received a message to the effect that Ed Registe had suffered a stroke and had been rushed to hospital. Then a little after 7.00 pm, I received another message from a different source informing me that if I had heard that Ed had suffered a stroke that I should ignore it, as it was not a stroke but a bout of gout and he was feeling better. It was, therefore, a total shock to hear this dreadful news of his passing a mere twelve (12) hours
later.
I was able to speak with his Mom, Mrs. Magdalene Registe, the same Wednesday and conveyed my personal condolences and that of my family and to assure her of the support of the Government and people of Dominica in her moment of grief. She informed me what a rock Ed had been in her life and that of the household since she was not in good health neither was her sister, but it was all in God’s hands.
Ed is the second Parliamentary Representative of Grand Bay to die in Office. The first was Pierre Charles who passed on 6th January 2004, only three (3) years after assuming the office of Prime Minister. He had succeeded Rosie Douglas who had himself passed on 1st October 2000, only eight (8) months after becoming Prime Minister.
Rosie had won his election in Portsmouth in 2000 with 90.52% of the vote. Pierre Charles won his election in Grand Bay in 2000 with 80.4% of the vote and Ed Registe won his election in Grand Bay in 2019 with 87.89% of the vote. All three were champions, unrivalled in their popular support in their constituencies, dedicating their lives to service and had passed-on virtually at their desks. They are true national heroes.
Ed’s passing has created a void, not only in the lives of his Mom and immediate family, but in the political, cultural, community and religious life of the Grand Bay Constituency and the wider Dominican community. Anyone who knew
Grand Bay, knew Ed or at the very least, knew about Ed and the same can be said of the Labour Party, as he served as General Secretary and organizer of the Labour Party in opposition and in government.
As a Senator, Deputy Speaker, Parliamentary Representative for Grand Bay and Minister of Government, Ed Registe has made his mark on the Parliament of Dominica. His unique voice in Parliament, on the political platform, and on the
airwaves as a former staff member of DBS and Public Relations Officer (PRO) of DOWASCO, will remain with all who knew him.
My wife Clara joins me in conveying to his bereaved parents, immediate family and loved ones, Members of Cabinet, constituents, staff of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, International Business and Diaspora Relations, the Executive Members of the Dominica Labour Party, and to all those at home and abroad who mourn his passing, our deepest condolences on this very sad occasion.
This article is copyright © 2021 DOM767
