National

State-Recognized Funeral for Late Archbishop Drexel Gomez

NASSAU, BAHAMAS – The country bid a final farewell to Drexel Gomez, the former Archbishop of the Church in the Province of the West Indies in a state-recognized funeral service at Christ Church Cathedral.

Published

4 months ago

November 6, 2025

Delvardo Emmanuel

NASSAU, BAHAMAS – He was known for his wisdom, conviction, and moral courage. Today, Bahamians from all walks of life gathered at Christ Church Cathedral to honor Archbishop Drexel Gomez, a clergyman whose leadership shaped both church and country. Inside the cathedral, family, national leaders, and clergy paid final respects to the late Archbishop Drexel Wellington Gomez, former Archbishop of the Church in the Province of the West Indies. Among those reflecting on his life and legacy was his son Dominic.

Dominic Gomez – Son, Archbishop Drexel Gomez
“Not one moment did he ever belittle my acceptance of Islam as my religion and my way of life, nor did he attack me for choosing my own walk of faith. Rather, he lovingly and respectfully ask questions. Accepted my decision.”

His brother, Damien, also paid tribute to their father, recalling one of his fondest memories—when he witnessed the moment his father received an honorary doctorate degree.

Damien Gomez – Son, Archbishop Drexel Gomez
“Wisconsin and summer is not exactly warm. Um, and the showers were all cold. So, and I teased them afterwards by saying, you’d made it very clear that you wanted me to be a priest, but you didn’t have to bring me other way to reiterate it.”

Among the national leaders in attendance was Prime Minister Philip Davis, who hailed Archbishop Gomez as a man whose faith and service left a lasting imprint.

Philip Davis – Prime Minister
“There are some names that have become fixtures in the Bahamian family, names that rise above time, that become part of our shared story that remind us of what this small nation can produce when faith meets purpose. Today we gather to give thanks for one such name. Drexel Wellington Gomez, a name that will forever be spoken with reverence, affection, and pride.”

As the choir sang, their harmonies filled the sanctuary with hymns for a service befitting a man whose life was anchored in devotion and service. Delivering words of comfort was Bishop Laish Boyd, who succeeded Gomez as head of the Anglican Diocese of The Bahamas and Turks and Caicos Islands.

The Reverend Laish Boyd – Bishop of Diocese, Bahamas and Turks and Caicos Islands
“Fellowship and community are so important because we have to encourage each other. ‘Cause all of us will fall down. All of us will fall into the depths of despair. All of us will be in a valley and somebody will have to put their hand on our shoulder and say, you ain’t going crazy. You’re just human.”

Archbishop Gomez now laid to rest, with a legacy lasting well beyond the grave.