Tribute to Mr. Owen Arthur, late Prime Minister of Barbados

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One Caribbean Nation.

The Mahogany Coconut Group
Tribute to the late Professor Owen Arthur former Prime Minister of Barbados

The  passing of the former Prime Minister of  Barbados, Mr. Owen Arthur, is a considerable loss to his country and the region. Professor Arthur was the longest serving  Prime Minister of his country and has left an indelible mark on its social , political and economic affairs.

His rise in  politics, is steeped in political folklore and competing stories as to whom “discovered “ him abound. However , it can be safely argued that his entry into politics , was perhaps orchestrated by the late Prime minister of Barbados. Mr. J.M.G.M Tom Adams. While Adams was his main motivator, Arthur idolised the late  Mr. Errol Barrrow, who as Prime Minister, is credited with the rise of modern Barbados.

Arthur’s distinguished leadership of the country during the period 1994 t0 2008, was defined by stable and structured economic growth and his full utilization of a brilliant understanding of economics. His energetic  support for the Caribbean Single Market Economy  and his belief in a Caribbean civilization never faltered . However, his political and intellectual attributes were flavoured with a political grass roots charm that he never abandoned and certainly never abandoned him.

Arthur found time to ensure that his connection to the parish of his birth, St. Peter , which was also the constituency he represented in parliament , was never broken. He was  generous with his time and resources and carried his beloved parish with him at all times. He held outstanding Barbadians in the highest  esteem and ensured that they were treated with the dignity and resources needed, in their golden years, after serving the country in sports and culture.  He cherished friendships with icons such as : His Excellence Sir Garry Sobers, Dr. The Most Honourable Anthony “Gabby” Carter and the late Sir Everton weeks.

However these friendships did not stop at those who had achieved national and international fame; he maintained  long and enjoyable friendships and associations with a cross section of citizens that covered all social , professional and economic groups. From the  shopkeeper to the bee keeper, Mr. Gibson, Owen as he was familiarily called by all, embodied the campaign slogan, at the height of his political triumphs : “ We going with Owen.”

Devoted to his family, country and friends , and an avid cricket fan , Professor Arthur, has left a legacy that others aspiring to leadership not only in Barbados , but the entire region, will do well to follow.

May he rest in peace.

 

 


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