BWU’s tribute to Sir Maurice King

The Barbados Workers’ Union (BWU) notes with sorrow the news of the death of Comrade Sir Maurice King, former legal advisor.

The Union recalls that in its early demands for permanent, ongoing counsel, when others were disinclined to join its uphill and unrelenting struggle for justice and fairness, Maurice King undertook to stand with the Executive Council and general membership of the BWU in a struggle where, brother to brother, they joined ranks in a battle which will never be over.  When Maurice no longer took centre stage in that legal advisory role his younger brother Edmund continued to render that yeoman service for which Barbados will be eternally grateful.

Anyone who has had so much as a passing relationship with the development of the BWU will remember, appreciate and reflect on the extraordinary support which the Organisation received, especially in those years when the leadership worked to establish its maturity and independence within the labour movement.  The BWU was blessed by the fact that even though Hugh Springer and Grantley Adams moved on relatively early in its history, the young Organisation was able to benefit from the generous assistance of many resourceful friends and supporters driven by their commitment to a better society based on social justice.

Maurice was such a person.  His relation with the BWU was never centred on the timing of his invoice.  The older members would better recall occasions when he, and later both he and Edmund, would be closeted with Frank and some of his closest advisors as they endeavoured to loose some Gordian Knot or other which threatened to suppress the life flow of the BWU.

As the most recent General Secretary, I can only reflect with gratitude on Mr King’s contribution.  I am of course pleased to note the nuggets of information which have gone out so far in tribute.  He was a big man in many ways and the tributes to come will no doubt reflect this.  I wish to limit my words of appreciation to Maurice as a ‘Comrade,’ because that is how he referred to us and how he wanted us to see him.

He was committed to the foundation principle that the wealth of a community must be exchanged and developed for the community as a whole and not just for a privileged few.  So strong was his conviction that he would leave his office to conduct training sessions for staff and other members of the BWU to bring awareness to these principles.

A mass movement such as a Trade Union needs support and assistance of likeminded members in the community in which it finds itself.  We have been fortunate in that, from formation even until now we have found kindred spirits in Comrades who have laboured with the BWU and in our view, have sacrificed in our cause and sought for no reward except that which derives from the satisfaction of helping our members.

All of those who have assisted us and who continue to do so have our undying gratitude.  We are especially grateful for the contribution of Sir Maurice King.

To his son Adrian, daughter Stephanie and brother Edmund and to the rest of the King family, we extend our condolences.

For us and with us he was a good and faithful Comrade.

May his soul rest in peace.