Good day, church, please be seated.
I adopt the established protocol, but wish to pay my respects to the officiant while recognizing my parliamentary colleagues, the leadership of the Royal Bahamas Police Force, senior government officials and members of the bereaved family.
It is always difficult to offer words of comfort in times like these. The circumstances surrounding the passing of our dearly departed brother only deepen our collective grief, shock and outrage.
In expressing my heartfelt condolences to the Williams family on behalf of the government and people of the Bahamas, I add that no parent, wife or child deserves the shock and horror the Williams family endured on Father’s Day.
Lernex left home on Father’s Day to attend church — to pray, praise, worship, fellowship with the saints and perform his weekly church duties as he had done countless times before.
The reality is that Lernex could have been any father, husband or brother here today, and we have every right to take this unspeakable act of violence as a personal affront.
The work of government is geared towards building stronger families, safer communities, and more supportive public institutions.
Let our collective resolve be strengthened at this time. We cannot and must not back down, acquiesce, or bow in the face of lawlessness.
But the government cannot do it alone. Nor can our law enforcement officers.
I encourage all to form partnerships with and support our law enforcement officers in their reforms and community outreach programs as they stand between civility and anarchy. This is a sacred calling.
Lernex understood this calling. He served his country with courage — as a peace officer, protector, and a man who believed in something greater than himself. He stood against the darkness threatening our communities and faced down the forces of organized crime. Though his life was cut short by the evil he fought against, his legacy endures.
Though Mr. Williams departed at the relatively young age of fifty-two, this Police Reserve Inspector and Senior Transport Officer was also a former Defence Force Officer.
He was the consummate public servant, and his twenty-five years of public service spanned numerous government agencies and capacities. Lernex served efficiently, proficiently, and left his indelible mark wherever he worked.
I can attest to his efficiency. My staff at the office of the Leader of the Opposition called on Mr. Williams on many occasions to set up, network and troubleshoot our computer systems, printers and internet connectivity.
What should have been a temporary post at the Cabinet Office assisting with Independence celebrations expanded into permanent tenure, including IT support for the Cabinet Office and both chambers of Parliament, as well as fleet management.
Many high-tech presentations and zoom meetings at the Cabinet Office were courtesy of Mr. Williams’ technical expertise.
As Mr. Reliable, Lernex routinely worked weekends and holidays and could be called upon at any time — he would not disappoint. And though he was reliable, Lernex was not a selfish gatekeeper of knowledge. He took joy in sharing expertise and mentoring co-workers.
He exceeded his duties with every responsibility. Lernex assisted with National Audits, provided technical support for advisory committees, and even volunteered for maintenance tasks, like changing flat tires on government vehicles.
The 2010 launch of “The Cabinet Files” magazine can be attributed to Lernex’s contributions — he entered its winning name and received photographer credits for numerous images.
His colleagues remain effusive with praise about how Lernex approached every task with intensity, enthusiasm and efficiency.
The family should know I am not overselling Mr. Williams.
He was that good, that resourceful and that helpful as a public servant.
Indeed, we have lost an outstanding Bahamian and an angelic soul. The consummate professional and quintessential public servant is gone, but our loss is heaven’s gain.
We thank the Williams family, especially Mrs. Williams, for sharing Lernex with us for twenty-five years. His personal attributes impacted colleagues even more than his professional competence, underscoring the true meaning of life.
Life is but a comma in the sentence of our lives, not a full stop.
Lernex will continue to live on in the hearts and minds of those who love him and were inspired by his legacy.
“May the angels lead you into paradise; may the martyrs receive you at your arrival and lead you to the Holy City Jerusalem. May you, Lernex Williams, have eternal rest.”
On behalf of my wife Ann-Marie and I, and the people of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas, I express heartfelt condolences to the Williams family on the passing of this great Bahamian.
May he rest in peace.
Thank you.