Diaspora leader remembered for lifelong service

By Lincoln DePradine

Members of the Grenada Association in Toronto (GAT) say they’re heartbroken at the sudden death of Trisha Mitchell-Darius.

“In every corner of the Grenadian community here in Toronto, Trisha served. She gave her time, her voice, her wisdom, and her boundless energy to countless organizations and initiatives,’’ GAT said in a statement of condolence.

“She represented the very best of who we are as Grenadians — resilient, generous, proud, and deeply rooted in love for family and country.’’

Mitchell-Darius died unexpectedly on Monday. She was 41.

“Our hearts break knowing she has left us so soon,’’ said GAT.

Both in youth and adulthood, Mitchell-Darius was active as a volunteer in Canada and Grenada, combining her non-paying activities with her professional life.

Among the jobs which she held was project coordinator for the Grenadian Diaspora for Development (GD4D) project funded by the International Development Fund and administered by the International Organization for Migration of the United Nations.

GD4D was part of an initiative to leverage the skills, talents, and resources of Grenadian nationals for what was called, “Vision 2035.”

“Trisha did a wonderful job as project coordinator and I am deeply saddened at her passing. My heartfelt sympathies to her entire family,’’ said Grenada MP Peter David, who was Foreign Minister and minister responsible for Diaspora Affairs during Mitchell-Darius’s tenure with the GD4D project.

Mitchell-Darius was married with two young children.

“To her beloved husband, her children, and her family: thank you for sharing her with us. Thank you for the countless evenings, weekends, and moments you sacrificed so she could serve her community. We know that behind every act of public service was a family who supported and loved her deeply,’’ the GAT statement said.

“We pray that you find comfort in knowing her life was one profoundly well lived — a life poured out in service to others, a life that strengthened a community, a life that will not be forgotten. Her legacy is not only in the organizations she served, but in the people she inspired, mentored, and empowered.’’

Among dozens of other statements of condolence was one from Grenada’s consul general in Toronto, Gerry Hopkin, saying he’s “still finding it difficult to believe the news of this loss of our dear sister’’.

Mitchell-Darius designed flyers and promotional material used to mark this year’s 52nd anniversary of Grenada’s independence, and participated in the February 1 commemorative ecumenical service.

Mitchell-Darius was “a community organizer, leader, and active believer in the positive impacts that our harnessing of the resources of our diaspora can have in the sustainable, all-around development of our homeland,’’ said Hopkin.

“To the Darius and Mitchell families, I am extending deepest condolences on behalf of the Consulate General of Grenada in Toronto, the Grenada Independence Planning Committee, and the entire Grenadian community in the Greater Toronto Area. May Trisha’s husband, Dwight, and the members of the Darius and Mitchell families, be consoled by God Almighty, as they remain strong, knowing that we are here for them.’’

LJI reporter