Barbados pays tribute to General Colin Powell

Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Senator Dr. Jerome Walcott, has extended condolences to the Government of the United States of America on the passing of General Colin Powell.

In a letter dated October 19, addressed to United States’ Secretary of State, Antony J. Blinken, Minister Walcott, speaking on behalf of the Government of Barbados, stated: “I wish to extend my deepest condolences and those of the Government and people of Barbados on the passing of former US Secretary of State, General Colin Powell.

“A trailblazer on many fronts, we in the Caribbean watched with pride as General Powell rose to become the first African American National Security Adviser, then the first Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and, finally, Secretary of State. This pride was heightened since Powell’s parents were immigrants from Jamaica.”

Mr. Walcott also said: “General Powell was known for his formidable intellect, dignified disposition and intense sense of service to his fellow man, his country and the world at large.  Here was a leader who was revered around the world, yet, despite being a soldier, was of the firm conviction that restraint was one of mankind’s most respected virtues.

“The life of this soldier and statesman will be etched indelibly in our memory for years to come, and we would all do well to learn from the many positive examples which he set.”

He requested that Mr. Blinken convey his deepest sympathy and that of the Government and people of Barbados to General Powell’s family and to the Government of the United States of America.  (MFAFT)