In memory of Hon. Shaun Crockwell JP MP

Condolences, deepest sympathies and prayers to the Crockwell Family.

Today I awaken to a God who knows all, see all and is able to do more than I can ask, think or even imagine…Last week Saturday June  10th, 2017 I along with thousand of Bermudians, learned of the untimely passing of the Hon. Shawn Crockwell JP MP my dear friend, brother in Christ and former Political colleague. I send my prayers and deepest condolence to the entire Crockwell family. There are NO human words to express my shock and sadness but there is the living word of God that provides us with hope, healing, strength and a promise from God. That weeping may endure for a night (and trust me I literally cried myself to sleep last night after hearing the news of Shawn’s passing it was way too much to bare).  But I awoken this morning to joy…for the joy of the Lord is our strength. Isaiah 63:1 which is My prayer for the Crockwell Family who are strong people of faith, that God Himself will provide for them that morning in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that he might be glorified. This tribute is to thank His parents and family for sharing him with us a great man who against ALL odds made a difference, gave unselfishly to others and made something special out of his life. Shawn was one of the most caring and compassionate people I have ever met. We shared our faith, we shared our prayers and we shared a genuine concern for the people of Bermuda especially those struggling and less fortunate in our community. I met Shawn at Westgate when he called me to produce a play he had re-written called The Judgement. During his time of incarceration I along with many others mentored prayed and encouraged him to complete his law degree and by God grace he did it in fine style with distinction. I will NEVER forget the pride that he felt when he was finally called to the bar. I will NEVER forget his parents, family and friends great admiration and joy upon seeing him finally receiving it after much sacrifice and commitment.  Not only had he paid is debt to society but now was returning to GIVE back in countless ways that only he and God could have  imagined. The first time I heard Shawn speak was not in the House of Assembly it was in the pulpit at the SDA church in Southampton and boy oh boy the brother could preach!!!! He was also gifted in song. We often joked about his decision to choose to be a politician over a preacher…. He would say G trust me they both come with their share of joy and pain, up and downs, victories and defeat.

My political journey with Shaun….was very interesting as he was the one who introduced me to the world of politics. He invited me to a meeting and the next thing I knew I joined the United Bermuda Party and was chosen to serve as a Senator for a full term in the Senate Chamber. Shawn taught me how to prepare and debate and represent the people who we were privileged to serve. He taught me to never go into the Senate unprepared he said the people deserve our very best at all times there are no exceptions and we must do our homework and research on each topic always giving a balanced and well thought through argument for or against a topic. He often said the community is depending on us to be their voice in the House and the Senate. Thank you Shawn for the many lates nights of research, long hours of prayers and great council.

This week was particularly rough because he was the brainchild of the celebration of our Fathers we Love You Dad Event.

He was a great father and he loved his family. I remember the Mya Mya song . He bragged about Shauntino playing on the rugby team. He often talked about Curtis his first born, even tho they had their challenges he loved him as his son.

His parents and family meant everything to him.

On behalf of GSP board of directors we send our condolences and prayers to the Crockwell Family and we will honour his legacy by naming the Father’s of the Year Award in his name.

I close by saying this as a final tribute to my dear friend and brother in Christ taken from 2nd Timothy 4:7, Paul says, “Shawn you have fought the good fight, You have finished the race, You have kept the faith. Shawn you have done this and so much more!! Take your rest my brother…May your soul Rest In Peace until we meet again on that great getting up morning. Dr. Gina Spence JP