PR – An outpouring of love, music and heartfelt tributes marked the retirement from St. George’s Baptist Church (SGBC) of Stanford Simon, who was hailed for his generosity to others and for “getting things done’’.
Simon’s decades-long service to SGBC included holding the position of Senior Pastor for the past few years.
Widely respected across Grenada, Pastor Simon’s influence extended beyond the pulpit into community development, youth empowerment, and institutional leadership.
As a tribute to Simon, SGBC hosted a special service that was broadcast live on social media, drawing viewers from across Grenada and the Diaspora.
The celebration blended worship and festivity, with singing, dancing, and artistic presentations reflecting the dynamic ministry that defined Simon’s decades of service.
As well, many spoke to the character, leadership and pastoral service of Simon, who has expressed a commitment to national development through unity.
“If we can look beyond the colours and focus on what we can do together, we will bring the best minds together to build this country,” Simon, who plans on running in the upcoming general election, told the Grenada Broadcasting Network (GBN).
He’s expected to be the candidate in the St. George South-East constituency for the Democratic People’s Movement (DPM).
One speaker, at the SGBC service for Simon, said his retirement from St. George’s Baptist Church signals not an end, but “a new assignment.”
Matonia Munroe, in a powerful tribute at the service, described Simon as “a builder of men”, whose leadership was marked by “authenticity, generosity, and radical faith.”
She highlighted his willingness to embrace the marginalized, saying to him: “You loved without boundaries; from the troubled youth to the broken, you opened your arms and transformed lives.”
Guest speaker, Reverend Osbert James, reflected on decades of friendship, calling Simon “not merely a dreamer, but a builder,” adding that his ministry was “sustained not by drama, but by faithful endurance.”
From the business community, Devon Charles praised Simon’s decisive leadership. “He does not talk about getting things done—he gets them done,” said Charles.
Harrison George, another speaker, credited Simon with strengthening unity across churches.
Simon’s leadership “taught us to be mission-oriented and progressive”, George said.
Event co-host, Vanessa Whiteman, captured the spirit of the evening, noting that Simon’s generosity was a common thread in every tribute. “Almost everyone here can attest to that spirit of giving,” she said.
Simon, speaking on GBN’s “To the Point’’ programme, said DPM represents a necessary break from entrenched political structures, advocating that longstanding political polarization should give way to a more cooperative, forward-thinking approach.
“We are far more efficient and effective as a nation working together than divided,” Simon said, underscoring a core pillar of DPM’s philosophy—working across party lines for national development.
Simon, highlighting his long-standing relationship with MP Peter David—DPM’s Political Leader—explained that their shared vision inspired his decision to join the Movement.
“We felt it was necessary for us to form a new path; to build something different, something clear in its direction,” he said.
The former SGBC Senior Pastor stressed that his mission remains rooted in service.
“I am not a politician—I am a leader seeking to serve,” Simon affirmed.
DPM, which intends on fielding candidates in all 15 constituencies in the next general election, continues to position itself as a credible alternative for Grenadians seeking unity and a new direction in national leadership and nation building.
