est. 2007

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Former Prime Minister Owen Arthur is Dead

On behalf of the blogmaster and BU household our heartfelt sympathy is extended to the family and friends of the late former prime minister Owen Seymour Arthur.

Barbados Government Information Service
16 m
Former Prime Minister of Barbados, The Right Honourable Owen Arthur, passed away earlier today at 12.26 a.m.
Starting today, Monday, July 27, due to the passing of the former Prime Minister, there will be a period of national mourning for three days. In addition, all flags will be flown at half mast.
Minister of Labour and Social Partnership Relations, Colin Jordan, will be the coordinating Minister for the funeral arrangements.
The Government of Barbados extends sincerest condolences to his wife, Julie, his daughters, Leah and Sabrina and his extended family.
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182 responses to “Former Prime Minister Owen Arthur is Dead”

  1. Artax Avatar
    Artax

    I offer my condolences to Hon. Prof. Owen Arthur’s widow, daughters, relatives and friends.

    May he rest in peace.

  2. Piece the Prophet Avatar
    Piece the Prophet

    Condolences to the Nation, his wife, and family

    May he rest in peace

  3. Greene Avatar
    Greene

    Owen Seymour Arthur, longest serving PM, 1994-2008. May he rest in peace. Condolences to his family

  4. Mariposa Avatar
    Mariposa

    My thoughts
    Oh death where is thy sting
    Oh grave where is thy victory
    A true patriot till the end
    He will be missed

  5. john2 Avatar
    john2

    My condolences to the Arthur family, friends and all of Barbados

  6. Pachamama Avatar
    Pachamama

    It’s amazing how death becomes the eternal equalizer.

    Up to a few days ago some of us, including this writer, were bemoaning the malicious influence of the likes of OSA on Caribbean popular culture.

    Now today, the Caribbean space will be consumed by mourning.

    Death can only so capture us when we fail to constantly remember that life is about learning to die.

  7. Crusoe Avatar
    Crusoe

    Sincere condolences to his family and friends.

  8. David Avatar
    David

    A poignant reminder.

  9. WURA-War-on-U Avatar
    WURA-War-on-U

    Worth repeating:

    “It’s amazing how death becomes the eternal equalizer.”

  10. Dame Bajans Avatar
    Dame Bajans

    Sincere condolences to the entire Arthur family. When I was a youngster I spent time with his family at the invitation of Valmay. He will be missed.

  11. MoneyBrain Avatar
    MoneyBrain

    RIP In deo fides.

  12. Tron Avatar
    Tron

    OSA has created an economic boom in Barbados not through local industry, but through foreign capital. For a time he transformed the plantation called Barbados into an emerging economy. Neither Barrow nor Stuart succeeded here. Under these two prime ministers, Barbados remained a miserable developing country with a population rich in native beggars.

    In economic terms, OSA was therefore by far the best Prime Minister for Barbados.

  13. David Avatar
    David

    The government owned radio and TV station has come in for criticism because normal programming was not interrupted at start of day to give consideration he died at 12.26 AM.

  14. David Avatar
    David

    The Late Prime Minister Owen Arthur will be remembered as a BLP member although he resigned from the BLP. It is a credit to the incumbent Prime Minister she restrained herself from a back and forth with Arthur.

    What can the living learn is the kind of introspection political supporters should ask.

  15. Pachamama Avatar
    Pachamama

    David
    Must you seek to lionize the incumbent even in matters of life and death.

    We seem to remember that the circumstances where OSA left the BLP were far more sinister than you selectively recalled.

  16. David Avatar
    David

    @Pacha

    The comment was deliberately cloaked with context.

    >

  17. David Avatar
    David

    https://youtu.be/ahbxbh-wwPI

  18. TheOgazerts Avatar
    TheOgazerts

    RIP. May your family be strong and support of each other

  19. William Skinner Avatar
    William Skinner

    On behalf of the Mahogany Coconut Group , I join in expressing profound condolences, on the passing of former Prime Minister Owen Arthur.
    The MCG acknowledges his contribution not only to Barbados but also to the Caribbean Integration Movement.
    May he Rest In Peace

  20. Sargeant Avatar
    Sargeant

    Condolences to the Arthur family and to all Barbadians near and far who mourn his passing.

  21. Hopi Avatar
    Hopi

    My Condolences to the Honourable OS Arthur’s family and to the Nation as a whole. He was definitely one of the greatest leaders the nation has known in its short years of ‘INDEPENDENCE.’ Clearly a man who comprehended Economics and was able to apply such practical knowledge to the business of that nation. While at the helm he ‘SERVED’ his nation well. and had that nation on the “UP and UP” May His Spirit Travel Safely.
    https://youtu.be/FrkEDe6Ljqs

  22. Crusoe Avatar
    Crusoe

    @Waru,

    Indeed, but better to leave this blogpost for respects and write a new one to discuss that, if others wish to expand on your comment.

    David, Indeed. We must all learn, but for any further comment other than respects, a separate blog.

  23. Tony Avatar
    Tony

    My sincere condolences to the Arthur Family, friends and many fans around the world. His legacy won’t be forgotten. BDS economy peaked during his rich reign.

  24. Cuhdear Bajan Avatar
    Cuhdear Bajan

    I my parents and grandparents are all from the north. In my parents declining years 1992-2006, I visited them every 3rd day, often after work, or at anytime of the day during weekends. Owen’s father was also declining, and often as I was walking home at nights I saw Owen driving through my neighborhood on his way to visit his dad. The fact that he was a dutiful son enormously impressed me.

    My condolences to his family, and to his beloved BLP.

    “For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God.”

  25. Vincent Codrington Avatar
    Vincent Codrington

    May OSA rest in Peace and rise in Glory.
    He has lived a life of service to this country to the very end. Let us hope there are others who will walk in his foot steps.

  26. Antonio Pilgrim Avatar
    Antonio Pilgrim

    May the soul of Owen Seymour Arthur rest peacefully! Condolences to his family and other loved ones.

  27. Lorenzo Avatar
    Lorenzo

    Rest in piece Owen Seymour Arthur and condelences to your entire family.You will be sorely missed by many including me for your excellent leadership between 1994 and 2008.

  28. fortyacresandamule Avatar
    fortyacresandamule

    Worth repeating: Life is about learning to die. That’s why I don’t get bogged down with distractions like power, politics, and material accumulation.

  29. Mariposa Avatar
    Mariposa

    Is it ok to say the word Legacy

  30. Donna Avatar
    Donna

    I am one who does not change my opinion of a person just because that person is dead. I could never understand why one should not speak ill of the dead if one spoke ill of the living person. One does not change one’s character after one dies.

    I guess I find it illogical. I guess I won’t be giving any eulogies.

    I have asked my son to speak the whole truth or insist on the whole truth for mine- the good, the bad and the ugly.

    It will, after all, be my funeral and should be done in accordance with my style.

  31. Pachamama Avatar
    Pachamama

    Donna

    It had to take a courageous person to say what you said in plain words.

    And we agree.

  32. David Avatar
    David

    https://www.facebook.com/1627005945/posts/10220422757312128/

  33. fortyacresandamule Avatar
    fortyacresandamule

    I want no funeral when I die. No grave, no headstone. In other words, I WASN’T HERE. Creamation will suffice. And if I could afford it, scatter my ashes in deep space.

  34. John Avatar
    John

    RIP O$A.

    Condolences to the family and friends,

  35. John Avatar
    John

    fortyacresandamuleJuly 27, 2020 7:33 PM

    I want no funeral when I die. No grave, no headstone. In other words, I WASN’T HERE. Creamation will suffice. And if I could afford it, scatter my ashes in deep space.

    +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

    Quakers are buried all over Barbados in unmarked graves.

    This was the norm in the 17th century.

    Their simple basic beliefs.

  36. fortyacresandamule Avatar
    fortyacresandamule

    The unexamined life ain’t worth living according to a famous philosopher.

  37. fortyacresandamule Avatar
    fortyacresandamule

    @John. That’s very true about the quakers. Simplicity.

  38. Jonny B Good. Avatar
    Jonny B Good.

    RIP former PM Owen Arthur.
    Condolences to family & friends.

  39. Tony Avatar
    Tony

    Mr. Williams your reflection/emotions speak volumes. Very touching.

  40. Cuhdear Bajan Avatar
    Cuhdear Bajan

    @Donna July 27, 2020 6:50 PM “It will, after all, be my funeral and should be done in accordance with my style.”

    Nope.

    Once you are dead, you don’t get to have a say.

    Once you are dead nobody has to obey your wishes or desires or authority, the living can do with your dead body, exactly as the living people please.

  41. Cuhdear Bajan Avatar
    Cuhdear Bajan

    I’ve said many times before on this blog while he was alive and could read it if he chose that i loved the little short guy. I loved his acerbic wit.

    My truth still stands.

    i am sorry, but not surprised that he is gone.

  42. Cuhdear Bajan Avatar
    Cuhdear Bajan

    @fortyacresandamule July 27, 2020 6:37 PM “Worth repeating: Life is about learning to die.”

    I disagree.

    I believe that life is about living and loving.

    Death will come when it will come. One doesn’t have to study for death as one studies for an exam.

    Ready or not death will come to get you.

  43. Pachamama Avatar
    Pachamama

    Fortyacresandamule

    Well, the same philosophical current which brought us the man who said ” an unexamined life is not worth living” as quoted here by fortyacresandamule brought us “life is about learning to die”.

    Unfortunately, the lightweight stuff about “life is about loviing” (sic) was never deeply rooted in paideia. The first two are brown sugar the last one is granulated. LOL

  44. John Avatar
    John

  45. David Avatar
    David

    A nice tribute from former minister Jones:
    A BRIEF TRIBUTE TO THE RIGHT HONOURABLE OWEN SEYMOUR ARTHUR
    by Mr. Ronald Jones Former Minister of Education
    The Rt Hon. Owen Seymour Arthur was one of Barbados’ better sons. He was a consummate politician and leader. He loved the cut and thrust of parliamentary and political debate. His aim was always to make his point with deliberate clarity and passion. He was not easy on his opponents.
    My first day in parliament in 2003 was a baptism of fire from him. I remember him passing his index finger underneath his throat seeming to suggest and he did mean it, I am going to mash you all up in here today, as he later said was his intention. At that time it was Michael Lashley, David Estwick, Richard Sealy and yours truly, who were new to the Lower House. It was a baptism of fire for the Newbees. After the session that day, some of us retreated to the lunchroom to quench our throats with the drink of our choice. As we stood at the Bar, he retorted, “Young Jones, you handled the baptism of fire well. It is not personal with me”. He went on to speak of his own treatment by Errol Barrow when he first came to parliament. He said that Barrow treated him roughly, but he realized that it was all meant to prepare him as a first time parliamentarian for the unforgiving harshness of political debate.
    As a member of a different political organization I grew to appreciate his quality of intellect, his indomitable combative style of leading and speaking, his wit and humor, his many conversations over the years, particularly in the last few years. Whenever we met either in a social or formal setting he had something to say. Owen Arthur was someone who taught you much.
    I watched him tire over the years as the crush of the strains of health told its story. Persons who are not exposed to national leadership and governance would never realize the toil the numerous responsibilities take on your life. The damaged family lives, the strain on your health by inconvenient eating,. the pressures to always do right for your constituents and country, and then to realize that you cannot be everything to everyone at the same time.
    Owen Arthur was human, engrained with the foibles, frailties and fragilities of being human, yet he must be celebrated for having ventured forth to public service and to face the long knives of his adversaries. No amount of words can tell us how he felt about his life and his contribution to nationhood. Unfortunately, he has passed without his autobiography being penned. Too many stories of our leaders have not been told either by themselves or others. We now have to reminisce.
    I extend my condolences to his wife, daughters, and his extended family as well as his friends. MAY HIS SOUL REST IN ETERNAL PEACE.
  46. William Skinner Avatar
    William Skinner

    “His decision to end his political life as an Independent is an object lesson in the value of knowing that no one party holds all the answers. His departure is fully embraced in the Barbados that Barrow created. The Constitution of Barbados does not recognise political parties, the tribes. Neither did he, apparently. And this is a good thing. It is a lesson for all who follow him to learn.”

    Barbados Today Editorial Tuesday 28th 2020

  47. Cuhdear Bajan Avatar
    Cuhdear Bajan

    Pacha you and forty acres quote your Greek philosopher, I quote my Middle Eastern philosopher “love God, love your neighbor” short and sweet just like Arthur, lol! and it has worked wonderfully well for me, and I have found it remarkably easy to do. if I live to be a 100, I’m good, and if I die today I am also good.And “no” I do not obsess about using that barbaric European practice of guillotining other human beings.

    “If we live, we live for the Lord; and if we die, we die for the Lord. So, whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord.”

  48. Hal Austin Avatar
    Hal Austin

    @ William

    Now is not the right time to assess Owen Arthur’s yeas as leader of the BLP, or his 14 years as prime minister, his leadership of the CSME or his reputation as an economist.
    Exaggeration is part of mourning, it is one reason why I do not want any eulogies at my funeral or fish cake parties to follow.
    Right now we got an ethical responsibility, as a nation and individuals, to appreciate his contribution to public life. As you are aware, I have been saying for years that Arthur had an opportunity to make an great contribution to Barbados political history by putting down on paper his experiences and knowledge. His executors will fill in the gaps.
    In the meantime, the nation mourns.

  49. Cuhdear Bajan Avatar
    Cuhdear Bajan

    @Hal Austin July 28, 2020 8:57 AM “… it is one reason why I do not want any eulogies at my funeral or fish cake parties to follow.”

    Once you are dead you have no authority, no power, nobody has to obey your wishes. If your family and friends think that eulogies and after parties with fish cakes, and coconut bread too, so will it be.

    Death will deprive Hal Austin of all authority.

  50. John Avatar
    John

    The only regional PM’s who have actually written books are “Son” Mitchell and Eric Williams.

    OK, OK, EWB did write a cook book I believe.

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