Lifestyle #BTTribute – My friend Owen Arthur by Barbados Today 28/07/2020 written by Barbados Today 28/07/2020 2 min read A+A- Reset Share FacebookTwitterLinkedinWhatsappEmail 183 I met Owen Seymour Arthur One Sunday afternoon. I went to Jerusalem (St Peter), To see his cousin June. Suddenly, You Might Be Interested In Pleasure and business in Canada Art, music and pork for Chinese New Year New sponsor, new local products This short, Light-skinned fellow Quietly came up the gap. Immediately My conversation with June… Got interrupt! Without saying a single word She ran right up to him. “Is that your boyfriend?” I asked June. “No idiot, That’s my cousin Owen.” June and I relationship Grew each day, Each hour. She bore me my First beautiful daughter. This girl From Mile and a Quarter. Then, one day she said to me (Without fanfare or fuss), Owen will study Economics At Jamaica’s Mona Campus. I was so elated. Let me state clear and plain, For I knew He exhibited A tremendous brain. He used to walk To CP school, Not because he loved the atmosphere. But his poor family Could not afford to give him bus fare. That meant nothing to Owen (Who never held his tongue). He would simply say “I cannot let my family down” He lived in Jamaica After his studies. This brilliant Bajan student In time to come became an adviser To the Jamaican government. He came home, Joined the BLP. (Although his dad was a DEM), Loved his father unceasingly. To that we say amen! Tom Adams quickly called on him, This man Owen, This rock To run for The St. Peter seat Against popular teacher Sybil Leacock. The race was as close as close could be. A recount did take place. By the narrowest of victories He won the St. Peter race. He grew quickly In the party. And when Tom passed away, He became the leader. What else can I say? He inherited a country Crippled economically. He, (This economic guru) Saved this place fuh we. He won three straight elections. But politics is strange. Despite his marvelous efforts, The people voted for change. He left the treasury in the black When he said goodbye. Unemployment down All over this town, The foreign exchange high. On a personal note, He grew his own food constantly. “Gabby, (He’ll say) Stop eating junk, Come and get real food from me.” Tomatoes, Thyme and seasoning, Tumeric and ginger galore, I would get from Owen. He was my vegetable store. He made me The cultural Ambassador. This is what he said, “Sir Garry, Sir Everton Weekes and you, In this country Must never beg for bread.” A few days ago This giant of a man Had a massive heart attack. I felt in my heart The Owen I knew, The great fighter, Would be coming back. But God Had a different plan. I hurt. I cry. I moan. For one of the greatest human beings I have ever known. Written July 27, 2020 by Dr the most Honourable Anthony Gabby Carter Barbados Today Stay informed and engaged with our digital news platform. The leading online multimedia news resource in Barbados for news you can trust. You may also like Preacher suggests ‘knee-jerk’ reaction to prayer is not the answer 23/07/2024 Hypasounds Teams Up with Hit Producer, Tano for New Single Pressure 28/06/2024 ‘Fashionista’ centenarian celebrated 06/04/2024