Barbadians reflect on life of pioneering women’s rights advocate

amily, friends, and former colleagues gathered on Thursday to pay respects to trailblazing politician and women’s rights advocate Dame Maizie Barker-Welch who died on August 28 at the age of 96.

 

Described by many as a “remarkable woman”, her life was celebrated as her body lay in repose at Lyndhurst Funeral Home.

 

Attorney-at-law Hal Gollop remembered Dame Maizie for her “gracious” demeanour.

 

“She’s always been a very gracious individual who one always took delight in having a conversation with,” he added. “She always gave the impression that she was happy to be in your presence, and I think that was one of her endearing qualities.”

 

Solar water heating pioneer James Husbands emphasised Dame Maizie’s broader contributions. “She was a pillar of strength in the Barbadian community and a world citizen,” he said. “There are very few organisations that have not benefited from her wisdom, her persistence, her diligence, and overall, her humanity. She’s certainly one of the most outstanding daughters of the soil and she will be missed. She’s made a very huge contribution in the context of Barbados, the Caribbean, and the wider world. She’s had an impact not just on Barbados and the region, but on the world. She’s a world citizen.”

 

Dame Maizie’s son, historian Dr Pedro Welch, reflecting on her multifaceted life, said she was “simply mom” to her family, whilst acknowledging her far-reaching influence beyond the household.

 

Known for her many talents, she excelled as a dressmaker and a cook, he said: “When she baked cakes, people only wanted hers.” She also opened a business, Clothes and Things, where she designed and sold clothing.

 

Dame Maizie’s legacy in education and language was also profound. Although illness cut short her university studies, she became a sought-after Spanish teacher, working in seven schools across the island. In a memorable episode showcasing her resourcefulness and brilliance, she taught English to an Italian businessman using Spanish as a bridge, leading him to start a successful business.

 

Dame Maizie’s political career was marked by historic achievements. She won a seat in Parliament for St Joseph, and although she lost the subsequent election, she remained a beloved representative to her constituents. Her advocacy for women’s rights was particularly noteworthy, as she was a founding member of the National Organisation of Women (NOW), leading the fight for gender equality in Barbados.

 

Her influence extended beyond national borders when she became the first non-Hispanic president of the Inter-American Commission of Women, a body of the Organisation of American States (OAS).

 

A service of thanksgiving for Dame Maizie’s life will be held at the Abundant Life Assembly on Friday at 1 p.m., preceded by tributes starting at 12:15 p.m. She will be laid to rest at Clifton Hill Moravian Church in St Thomas.

(LG)