Former MP Joseph Edghill passes, PM pays tribute

Former Member of Parliament and Deputy Speaker of the House of Assembly Joseph Joe Edghill has passed away.

Edghill, a pharmacist by profession, represented the Barbados Labour Party in the Christ Church West Central Constituency from 1994-2008.

Prime Minister Mia Mottley has paid tribute to Edghill, describing him as a gentleman who served the people of Christ Church and beyond.

Below is the full text of the statement:

I am indeed saddened to learn of the passing of former Member of Parliament for Christ Church West Central, Mr. Joseph Edghill.

Joe, as he was familiarly known to most, whether constituent or fellow parliamentarian, demonstrated for the 14 years he was a member of the House of Assembly that being a gentleman and a politician did not have to be mutually exclusive.

He maintained the highest standard of decency and decorum at all times, whether canvassing, on the political platform, on the floor of the House, or behind the counter as the consummate community pharmacist that he was. Joe was a stalwart in Oistins, serving the people of Christ Church and farther afield.

Joe and I entered politics together and ran for the first time in 1991. We both came close to winning seats. Undeterred by defeat but motivated by a desire to represent people, we were both elected to the House of Assembly in 1994.

Joe served for 14 straight years as a Member of Parliament and as Deputy Speaker of the House of Assembly. His commitment to people was his hallmark, both as a pharmacist and a community man. We especially remember his passion and strong connections to football in Christ Church.

On his retirement from public life in 2008, Joe was highly regarded as someone who came and left without a blemish to this character — personally or politically. His truly was a life of service and humility worthy of emulation before, during and after his service as a Member of Parliament. Indeed, long before it was popular to talk about people-centred politics Joe cared and embodied the committment to people in all that he did.

To his wife Angela and family, I extend sincere condolences on behalf of the entire Barbados Labour Party family and wish you all well in this time of sadness.