The End of an Era! Former Prime Minister of Barbados Owen Seymor Arthur laid to rest

BY LA SHAWNA GRIFFITH

August 14^th, 2020 was an historic day in Barbados. Professor Owen Seymor Arthur, who was one of the longest Prime Ministers in Barbadian history from 1994-2008, was laid to rest.

The state funeral streamed on all news stations in Barbados beginning around 1:00 pm. Some Barbadians took to the streets to pay their final respects to this brother of the soil.

Described by many as a “good man” Arthur’s casket was draped in the Barbados National Flag and carried by Members of the Royal Barbados Police Force. He was transferred to a green and gold horse and carriage for his final ride through his hometown of St. Peter.

Dignitaries rubbed shoulders with ordinary Barbadians as they lined the streets in St Peter to pay their final respects not just to a former Prime Minister, but to their friend and confidant whom: they played dominoes with, shared jokes with and enjoyed his company.

His cousin Dr. Elliot Douglin eulogized Arthur. A lighthearted eulogy was given about the late Prime Minister’s love for cricket and animals. At certain parts of his eulogy, the audience erupted in laughter.

But it was the impassioned eulogy from Prime Minister of Barbados Mia Amor Mottley that shocked the nation. She spoke of her journey working with the late Prime Minister, as she was one of the young parliamentarians to be given a portfolio when he first became Prime Minister in 1994. She elaborated on how it was for her back then working for him, and the many lessons she learned.

“He was fiercely competitive whether in politics or dominoes or cricket. This should be no surprise to us for his initial defeat by one vote was quickly transformed into victory, and the start of a distinguished parliamentary sojourn in the House of Assembly.”

Mottley told the audience how much “Owen” loved his family and lived his life vicariously through them.

“Owen loved and believed in his daughters Sabrina and Leah. He always spoke of them with great fondness and tremendous pride. I believe Leah; he lived vicariously through you. It was his desire, after so many years of diligent practice, to be finally in a position to be called to the bar. And to you Isabella, you are too young to know how your grandfather influenced and transformed the lives of many. This is why I want to show you where your grandfather sat, both in times of victory and defeat.  These are lessons from which you will draw your strength in years to come.” 

Prime Minister Mottley became emotional and began to cry as she noted how much she would miss “Owen” as he was affectionately called, and told those gathered that she would ensure he is tangibly remembered after she has discussions with his family.

On his move from The St Peter Parish Church to Mount Pleasant Memorial Gardens, he passed his childhood home for a brief minute. This moment was symbolic as it signified the end of an era.

A military procession, which included members of The Royal Barbados Police Force Band and members of his family, arrived at The Mount Pleasant Memorial Gardens. He received a three-volley gun salute, as the band of The Royal Barbados Police Force played the Last Post ending with The Reveille as his body was lowered into its final resting place. It happens to be a stone throw away from where he grew up in Benn Hill, St Peter.

As Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley, members of cabinet, family members, friends, and ordinary Barbadians laid wreaths on his interred body, it was the act of his granddaughter Isabella who waved at her grandfather as she laid the wreath that signified the final goodbye.

Arthur leaves his wife, Julie, daughter Sabrina and Leah and his granddaughter Leah, as well as many Barbadians who will not forget the good deeds, he has done for them over the four decades he served his country Barbados.