STATEMENT BY PREMIER AND MINISTER OF FINANCE DURING THE
13TH SITTING OF THE 2ND SESSION OF THE FOURTH HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY 
PREMIER AND MINISTER OF FINANCE
HONOURABLE ANDREW A. FAHIE

STATEMENT ON PASSING OF FORMER PRIME MINISTER OF BARBADOS

27 July, 2020

Mr. Speaker, I would like to bring to this Honourable House's attention, that earlier today the Caribbean lost one of its great former leaders.

This morning I was saddened to learn that just after midnight, the former Prime Minister of Barbados, the Right Honourable Owen Arthur, passed away at the age of 70.

The Caribbean Community has lost a public service giant in our region.

He was the longest serving Prime Minister of Barbados who held office, through three consecutive terms spanning from 1994 to 2008.

He also served as Opposition Leader.

He was indeed a giant of Caribbean politics.

More than any other leader of his era, he was a champion of regional integration and Caribbean unity, which he pushed for vigorously through CARICOM. He was about the welfare of the countries of the Caribbean region.

His legacy lives on as the Caribbean continues to build on the regional integration initiatives began under his leadership.

His wisdom and institutional knowledge were highly respected.

On behalf of my Government, Members of the House of Assembly, and people of the Virgin Islands, I extend sincere condolences to the former Prime Minister's family and the Government and people of Barbados, which will also be communicated via the appropriate diplomatic channels.

Mr. Speaker, I ask that we have a moment of silence for 30 seconds in honour of the late Right Honourable Owen Arthur.

I thank you.