Two patriots on opposite sides of Barbados’ longstanding political divide completed their earthly sojourn during the week. Though their party loyalties might have been different, they shared common ground in their love of people and their passion to make Barbados a better place. This has been the testimony of those who knew them in life. It will remain their legacy in death.
Joe Edghill served the Barbados Labour Party as the Member of Parliament for the constituency of Christ Church West Central from 1994 until 2008. He also served Christ Church and other communities as a pharmacist of excellent repute. Though never fortunate to be bestowed a government ministry, Mr Edghill represented his constituents with a commitment and passion that belied his seemingly quiet nature. For those who follow parliamentary debates in the Lower House or pay attention to the utterances of politicians in media publications, they will hardly forget Mr Edghill taking to task former Prime Minister Owen Arthur and former Minister of Housing and Lands Liz Thompson for what he considered broken promises or sloth in getting certain things done in his constituency. They were his political colleagues but he always put his constituents above party allegiances.
He took an interest in all aspects of life in Christ Church West Central, whether issues related to sports and other social activities, health, housing and land acquisitions and infrastructural rehabilitation in the various communities. And he was trusted. Party colleague Rudy Grant noted in a very personal tribute that irrespective of what the problem might have been, there was always one refrain among these constituents: “Guh tuh Edghill”.
Often politicians view members of the media with suspicion whenever they seek them out for information related to national issues or community matters. Mr Edghill was most welcoming and never afraid to give his opinion. If something needed to be praised, he was lavish, if criticism was required he was direct but always calmly respectful. At a time when several politicians across the globe often conduct themselves in a manner that casts doubt on their integrity, Mr Edghill remained a pillar of propriety. In her tribute to him, Prime Minister Mia Mottley perhaps summed up Mr Edghill’s tenure best when she said: “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 . . .”
Astor B Watts of the indomitable spirit was, as Democratic Labour Party (DLP) president Verla DePeiza described him, the epitome of loyalty to that organization. At the age of 98 and trustworthy to the core, Mr Watts would have seen it all and done it all in the service of the DLP. He would have rubbed shoulders frequently with the likes of late prime minister and father of Barbados’ independence Errol Barrow, Sir James Cameron Tudor, Sir Frederick Smith and other noted DLP stalwarts from the party’s inception.
Though not on the frontline of the party’s parliamentary service, his was a strong supportive and advisory voice in the trenches and behind the scenes. The Astor B Watts Lecture Series, named in his honour, commenced at the party’s George Street, St Michael headquarters in 2000 and he was the great facilitator. Mr Watts liaised with the media, coordinated the speakers, directed the serving of meals and refreshments, and if on the infrequent occasion the scheduled speaker did not appear, Mr Watts filled the void admirably.
A stickler for good grammar and a delightful conversationalist, Mr Watts was a frequent contributor to the radio call-in programmes where his opinions showed the depth of his knowledge of all things Barbadian. In her tribute to him, DePeiza noted: “When I joined that associate body he was introduced to me as the go-to person for party history and for a clear-eyed perspective on, well, everything. You did not have to agree with him; in fact, you could outright displease him. So long as it was in the best interest of the party, Astor was getting involved.”
Following the DLP’s annihilation at the 2018 general election, and faced with an atmosphere of gloom, doom and suggestions from many of leaving politics, Mr Watts was decisive in his dismissal of the despondency at George Street.
“I need all of you who are present here this afternoon not to throw down your arms and say you can’t try again, never say that!” he urged.
While advancing years might see the retirement of some politicians or their associates, Mr Watts’ death marked his retirement. Perhaps only the grim reaper could have achieved that. It is unlikely the DLP will see the likes of him again.
Deepest condolences to the families, friends and former colleagues of Mr Edghill and Mr Watts. May they rest in eternal peace.