Former MP, Minister dies at 93

Alexis was born October 15, 1921 and was a former Teacher and Postal Clerk in Grenada. He became a member of the British Empire Citizens’ and Home Rule Party, from 1945 to 1956 after which he joined the People’s National Movement (PNM).

In the election year of 1956, when the PNM entered the General Election fray, Alexis, originally a staunch Butlerite, faced the polls in St Patrick Central as an Independent, and won the seat by one vote. He won the seat with 3,124 votes. he defeated the Butlerite candidate, CL Mitchell, who gained 3,123 votes. Other candidates who went under for that seat included Lionel I Jones, who contested under the banner of the PNM. He received 2,287 votes.

In the following General Election, held in 1961, Alexis by that time had joined the PNM, and contested as the party’s candidate for the La Brea seat, and won with 7,924 votes, defeating his nearest rival, Leo Mitchell of the DLP, who received 1,816 votes.

The 1961 election was a straight two-party race between the PNM and the Democratic Labour Party (DLP). In the 1966 General Election, Alexis again contested the La Brea seat under the PNM banner. He won with 6,422 votes. In 1971, Alexis again won the La Brea seat under the PNM, this time getting 4,473 votes. In 1976, Alexis was out of the election scene, he being replaced by Ian Anthony, another PNM member.

During the period 1961-1963, Alexis was Parliamentary Secretary; from 1963-1967 he was Minister without Portfolio in the Ministry of West Indian Affairs. From 1967 - 1970, he was Minister of Labour.

In a statement issued on Friday, PNM General Secretary Ashton Ford stated Alexis was committed to the labour movement.

“Despite his commitment to the plight of the workers and the labour issues, Mr Alexis also had the rare skill of being at home with the grass-roots while also being able to treat with every class of society,” Ford said. “A committed family man, Mr Alexis became a brother-in-law to the Father of the Nation, Dr Eric Williams after marrying his sister.” The PNM stated Alexis had been ailing over the last ten years and finally succumbed to his illness on Friday. He leaves to mourn six children, including two members of the judiciary and journalist and composer, Anthony Alexis. He was the father of Senior Magistrate Ejenny Espinet.

“The PNM extends its sincere condolences to the Alexis family and gratitude for his service to the party and the nation. Our prayers are with his family,” Ford said.