Remembering Owen Arthur
Political and civil group leaders pay tribute for Owen Arthur, Barbados’ longest-serving prime minister, who died earlier on Monday from heart-related complications.
Babardos’ current Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley, who struggled for word in her tribute, hailed Arthur as “the man for the times”.
Mottley believes the island has suffered a great loss in the passing of Arthur.
“Barbados is the poorer for his passing. His intellect was larger than life, believe you, me. His love of country as constant as a northern star. The last title bestowed on him was the most fitting – Professor of Practice. Owen was first and foremost a teacher. Taking the most complex economic issues and stripping them down to be understood by the average man and average woman in the shop. His keen sense of history and of politics shared daily with an emerging class of politicians that he would claim responsibility for bringing to public life,” Mottley stated, reflecting on his life.
Meanwhile, Opposition leader Kamla Persad Bissessar says the Caribbean has lost one of its greatest statesmen and a true leader of character.
“On behalf of the United National Congress, I offer my sincere condolences to the people of Barbados on the passing of Former Prime Minister Owen Arthur. Our Caribbean region has lost one of its greatest statesmen and a true leader of character who dedicated his life not only to the development of Barbados but the entire region.”
Bissessar noted that Arthur’s vision went beyond the borders of Barbados as he committed to improving the overarching socio-economic structure of CARICOM and strengthening regional development.
Likewise she added that his legacy will live on for many generations as inspiration for many Caribbean youths who wish to enter politics.
CARICOM Leaders hail Owen Arthur
Jamaica’s Prime Minister Andrew Holness has described Arthur as a person who was passionate about his country.
“Today I pause to pay my respects to a man who served Barbados and the Caribbean with distinction, former Prime Minister of Barbados, Owen Seymour Arthur. I am truly saddened by his passing,” Holness said in a message on his Twitter page.
St Lucia’s Prime Minister Allen Chastanet extended deepest condolences to Barbados on the death of Arthur.
“Our heart goes out to his wife and daughters and all his family and friends and to the government and people of Barbados,” he added.
The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Secretary General, Irwin LaRocque said the entire Caribbean Community mourns the passing of an “ardent regionalist” in Arthur.
Grenada’s Prime Minister Dr. Keith Mitchell, in his tribute, referred to Arthur as his “close friend and colleague.”
“Barbados and the Caribbean have lost a great son. He was one of the brilliant and best political minds of the region. A brilliant economist as well. I had tremendous respect for his insight into political and economic issues.”
Prime Minister of Dominica, Roosevelt Skerrit praised Arthur for his contribution to the socio-economic development of Dominica describing him also as a regionalist, who fought for the betterment of the 15-member regional integration movement, Caricom.
Caribbean diplomat Sir Ron Sanders praised Arthur for his love and commitment to the Caribbean.
“Owen Arthur and I had been talking almost every day over the last few weeks until he was admitted to hospital. He was deeply troubled by events in Guyana and about matters concerning LIAT.”