"TRULY REMARKABLE" FORMER MINISTER BRIZAN

St. George’s, February 19, 2012 – Public Relations Officer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Arley Gill, has described as “truly remarkable’’ what he calls “the life and times of George Ignatius Brizan.’’

Mr. Brizan, a founding member and former leader of the NDC, also served as Prime Minister of Grenada, Carriacou and Petite Martinique in 1995.

He died Saturday at the age of 69.

Senator Gill, in paying tribute to Mr. Brizan, said the former Prime Minister excelled in all spheres of his public service to the nation.

“He was not just a teacher of History and Economics for students at the Grenada Boys’ Secondary School. He also was a mentor to them, raising their level of social and political consciousness about local, regional and international issues,’’ Sen. Gill said.

Mr. Brizan, who also taught at the Institute for Further Education where he was vice-principal, is remembered, too, for his trade union leadership and as a prolific author.

In addition, he was government consultant, an Agriculture Minister, a Finance Minister, as well as a Minister of Trade, Industry, Production and Energy.

Mr. Brizan was also a sports enthusiast who commentated at the annual secondary schools’ Inter-Col track and field games.

“The life and times of George Ignatius Brizan are truly remarkable,’’ Sen. Gill said. “He has had a long and illustrious public service career. I, as a politician and a student and former teacher of history, fully understand that the nation has lost a treasure.’’

Mr. Brizan, who was appointed Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in 2009, is survived by his wife and three children.

“Deepest condolences are extended to Mr. Brizan’s wife and children from me and the rest of the executive and the general membership of the NDC,’’ Sen. Gill said.

“Certainly, Mr. Brizan was a national icon and must, at some point, be bestowed a national homegrown award.’’

FORMER PM BRIZAN – A TRUE PATRIOT

STATEMENT FROM NDC GENERAL SECRETARY

St. George’s, February 19, 2012 – The National Democratic Congress joins the rest of the nation in mourning the passing of our good friend and colleague, Hon. George Brizan, who died on Saturday after a long battle with the effects of diabetes.

Mr Brizan is a true Grenadian patriot who has served us well as a politician, teacher, economist and historian.

Of course it was his vision and efforts, along with that of Dr Francis Alexis, which led to the formation of our party – the National Democratic Congress – and introduced a kinder, gentler, more socially-conscious movement into our national politics.

The late Mr Brizan formed the NDC after he took a stance for the workers of Grenada who were faced with massive retrenchment under the then New National Party.

He was the first leader of our party. He remained, to his very last days, a respected elder of the National Democratic Congress.

By the time he entered full time politics, Mr Brizan had already made his mark as an educator and writer, but then went on to further distinguish himself as a senior government minister, including that of Agriculture Minister. He is widely regarded as one of the best Agriculture Ministers in post-independent Grenada.

As the Minister of Finance he also heroically, and in the face of much skepticism, fashioned Grenada's homegrown structural adjustment programme – guiding Grenada out of the jaws of a stricter International Monetary Fund programme – and laying the foundation for the country's economic revival.

Hon. Brizan's remarkable patriotism and his outstanding contribution to nation-building will be hailed for many years to come.

The NDC expresses its sincerest condolence to his wife Jean, and their children.

Mr Brizan is expected to be honored with an official funeral, befitting of his status as a former government leader and in tribute to his contribution to the modern Grenadian society.

MR. BRIZAN WAS PASSIONATE ABOUT GRENADA SAYS PRIME MINISTER TILLMAN THOMAS

ST. GEORGE, GRENADA, 18th FEBRUARY, 2012_ Prime Minister Hon. Tillman Thomas has expressed “deep sadness” at the passing of former Prime Minister and founding member of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), George Brizan.

The Prime Minister, who is presently in Canada celebrating Grenada’s 38th Anniversary of Independence, said Mr. Brizan was a patriotic Grenadian whose love for country was exceptional.

Mr. Thomas said the former Prime Minister was passionate about Grenada.
He championed the role of the agricultural sector in general and his book ‘Grenada’s  Black Gold’, outlined his enduring interest in and support for the Nutmeg industry.

The Prime Minister recalled that Mr. Brizan was especially attached to the farmers of the country during his time of service.

“I remember him as a friend and statesman, a man committed to his family. Although afflicted by sickness, he still found opportunities to contribute to discussions on national development. He kept himself informed about the activities of those he loved,” Prime Minister Thomas said Saturday.

“Grenada has lost a great stalwart, who gave selflessly as a teacher, author, politician, historian, minister of government and Prime Minister. On behalf of my family, my Cabinet, the National Democratic Congress, the Government and people of Grenada, I express to his family, his friends and his associates, my heartfelt sorrow during this difficult time,” the Prime Minister said.

“My prayers are with his family and all Grenadians,” he added.