City MP lauded as worthy representative by constituents

Lieutenant Colonel Jeffrey Bostic’s imminent departure from representative politics will leave a gaping hole in the hearts of many residents in the nation’s capital who are disappointed to see him go but understand and respect his decision.

Though residents acknowledge his absence from the constituency over the last 18 months as he tackled the pandemic as Minister of Health, it appears his successor will still have a pair of massive shoes to fill. In fact, it was his leadership of the country’s COVID-19 response that garnered most praise and acknowledgment that the former military officer turned politician had earned his rest.

Bostic entered the Lower House of Parliament in February 2013 to represent The City, five years after losing to Democratic Labour Party (DLP) candidate Patrick Todd.

In 2018, he easily staved off a challenge from Henderson Williams and four other candidates when the Barbados Labour Party stormed to Government, sweeping all 30 seats.

Shortly after, he was named to Prime Minister Mia Mottley’s Cabinet to serve as Minister of Health and Wellness.

However, on Thursday evening, more than 18 months before the next election is constitutionally due, Bostic announced to his branch that the current term would be his last rodeo.

According to residents, when Bostic retires from elective politics, he will be remembered as a man who was firm, fair, and quietly generous.

“He did a fantastic job, I must say and if he decides right now that he no longer wants to run for The City and he wants to spend some time with his family, I am so blessed to have had him and I am so thankful for him for representing the country,” Antoinette Holder, a resident of Wellington Street told Barbados TODAY.

She revealed that the social and economic fallout of the pandemic has been particularly difficult for constituents of all ages and from all walks of life.

“Whoever decides to run, please make sure that you speak with Mr Bostic. Whoever comes must come strong and must be willing to help the community. That is something that we need and we really don’t need people who are just about politics. We need some help in the communities, whether it be in Nelson Street, Beckwith Street, Queen’s Street. We have a lot of places that need some help,” she added.

Antoinette’s sister, Sophia Holder, who lives in King William Street admits that Bostic’s decision to bow out of politics has had an emotional impact on her.

“I got sad. He didn’t only serve our constituency, he served our country. He needs a rest and if he has asked the public to understand, I think that the public should understand,” she said.

Sophia revealed that as a child, her perception of politicians from both sides of the divide was that they would invariably place City residents on the backburner.

“When he [Bostic] came, it never dawned on me that he forgot. You could have gone to him, you could ask him anything. All the guys out here are working and with the COVID, he did a very good job with that as well,” the resident added.

Another resident, Adam Mohammed described Bostic’s departure as “a great loss”, but given the extent of his services over the last few years, the decision was not surprising.

“I think he has done well. He has given people work.

People might say that they don’t see him, but he is so busy with this COVID thing right now, and being the Minister of Health is a difficult task. It has not been easy on him and he really needs some rest,” Mohammed added.

An emotional Phillipa Joseph-Benn, who described her representative as “the boss”, said Bostic loved his constituents and trusts that his decision to leave the seat was not taken lightly.

“He was a man who would help other people, but would never seek recognition or praises for it. He will be missed dearly. He was a very good representative and a gem of a man and I know that we will miss him,” she said.

Though not often publicised, Lieutenant Colonel Bostic is said to have rendered tremendous assistance to struggling families and sponsored youth pursuing education or furthering their skills.

He was also remembered for his back-to-school initiatives, sponsorship of sports teams and awards to young constituents who were excelling in school.
(kareemsmith@barbadostoday.bb)