Dr The Rt. Excellent and Rt. Hon. Sir Kennedy A. Simmonds
K.C.M.G., M.B., B.S., D.A., F.A.C.A., PhD. (Hon.)
P.O. Box 167,Earle Morne, Basseterre, St. Kitts, West Indies
Tel. (869) 465-8190* Fax (869) 465-5987
TRIBUTE TO THE LATE DR. FRANKLIN LLOYD
Franklin Lloyd was, to me, a true and treasured friend. Our friendship spanned more than 70 years, beginning at the St. Kitts-Nevis Grammar school, where our paths intersected with amazing frequency. We acted together in school plays, and participated in debating society activities. Even the constraints of Covid could not inhibit our frequent telephone conversations, while he was in Anguilla and I in St. Kitts. I miss him, and I am deeply saddened by his passing.
My wife, Mary, and indeed my entire family joins with me in extending our deepest sympathy to all his family members.
Franklin was a quiet and unassuming person, but he was also highly intelligent, well-read and committed to the service of humanity. He rendered yeoman service in the Masonic Lodge, and in Service Clubs and Organisations devoted to charitable endeavours.
Franklin studied medicine in Canada , and also specialized in internal medicine. When he returned to St.Kitts to pursue the practice of medicine, he brought with him more than his medical knowledge. He brought also a broad experience of life acquired from extensive travels in Europe. One of the things that always amazed me about Franklin was the fluency with which he spoke French especially with people to whom French was their native language.
Dr. Franklin Lloyd was a committed and dedicated public servant. He served in St. Kitts and Nevis as Physician-Specialist at the Joseph N France hospital. Hs attention to detail and his calm, confident and caring demeanour endeared him to patients and staff alike. He was always willing to help wherever the need arose. When the need arose for a Chief Medical Officer (CMO), Dr. Lloyd, along with his duties as Physician –Specialist, acted as CMO of St. Kitts and Nevis. He was subsequently appointed and served substantively in that capacity.
When Franklin retired from the public service in St. Kitts and Nevis, he returned home to Anguilla . He was eventually appointed CMO of Anguilla and rendered dedicated service until in that capacity until the Government of Anguilla devolved the Health Services upon a newly established Health Authority. Dr. Lloyd retired again. Eventually he was called upon to serve once more and , ever willing to serve, he answered the call to become the Chairman of the still fledgling Health Authority of Anguilla.
Franklin Lloyd was indeed “ a man of many parts”. He was an astute businessman, a true Caribbean businessman. He managed business interests in the wider Caribbean beyond the shores of St. Kitts and Nevis, and Anguilla.
I could not pay a tribute to my friend Franklin Lloyd without reference to his remarkable culinary skills. He was a chef par excellence, and he took an artist’s pride in his skill. I speak on this attribute of his with the voice of an experienced taster. Some of the happiest and most memorable moments of my sojourn in Anguilla, were spent on the verandah overlooking the street, with my friend Franklin, reminiscing about our youth, discussing local affairs, Caribbean issues, world affairs, cricket, music, (he had a large library of music), and whatever was current.
Dr. Franklin Lloyd lived a long and productive life of service. Family and friends, it is inevitable that we must mourn because of the lost fellowship which we will enjoy no more. However, let us not sorrow as those who have no hope. Our hope is in the abundant grace and mercy promised by our God. Let us commend our brother Franklin to the safekeeping of our God, and there may his soul rest in peace.
(Published without editing by The Anguillian newspaper.)
