People all over the globe say goodbye to political “colossus”

The dignified gathering of family, friends, colleagues, and politicians from both sides of the divide in the chapel of the Coral Ridge Memorial Gardens on Tuesday morning was a mere representation of the scores scattered across the globe who celebrated the life of Dr Donald Don George Blackman, described as one of the “greatest Barbadian politicians in the post-war period”.

“Sitting following this service are people in Angola, in Guyana, in Texas, in Trinidad and Tobago, all over the world,” his long-time friend and former senior Guyanese politician Dr Aubrey Armstong told the audience as he set the tone for his 28-minute eulogy at the near three-hour farewell.

Local figures dotted the socially distanced, mask-wearing audience that included Deputy Prime Minister Santia Bradshaw and her Cabinet colleagues, Chief Justice Sir Patterson Cheltenham, former Prime Ministers Sir Lloyd Erskine Sandiford and Freundel Stuart, current President of the Democratic Labour Party Steve Blackett, and former Finance Minister Chris Sinckler.

Blackman, a former Government Minister who served his country in various ministries from 1978 to 1988, died on February 8.

Armstrong recounted the journey of the charismatic politician known for his firebrand speeches and intellect, as having been shaped by six things.

These included his close relationship with mother Elma, the 1935 war and the changing colonial polity at the time, the energy of the nationalist movement, the trade union movement, his education which started at Combermere before he gained a scholarship to Harrison’s College, and his “street politics”.

Armstrong said Blackman was not afraid to take on any battle, recounting how he stood up to university officials to ensure that West Indian academic C.L R. James would receive pay on par with other international lecturers.

“Don was shaped by a number of factors, and that radicalism of wanting to do more for his people was shaped in the crucible in the civil rights movement,” he said.

Blackman, who spent considerable time abroad serving as a diplomat in the United Kingdom and Canada, later emerged as a leading lecturer in Afro-American History and Literature at Long Island University from 1969-1970. He was also an instructor in Philosophy and Social Science at State University of New York at Stony Brook from 1970-1971 and Chair and Associate Professor in the African Studies Department of State University of New York, 1971-1976.

Armstrong related how, on his return Barbados, Blackman put people first as he served as Minister of Labour and Health. He recalled Blackman’s stand with workers of the local telephone company in their dispute with management, his demand for better treatment for elderly and indigent persons who were being mishandled, and his push for the development of the ABC Highway.

He said Blackman, a former beloved MP for St Michael East, left timely lessons for today’s politicians, including service to constituents and the vulnerable and connecting with ordinary people.

“He had this ability to look down the road and see the scene with street sense and social sense, of being with people; and the people – in the kitchen at the Hilton in Barbados . . . the people at IHOP in Florida – they are crying not because he gave them a tip, because he was a real person to all of them; and the people of the Ivy who came on Sunday [to his public viewing], he was real to them.”

Blackman’s long-time friend Abdul Pandor who shared a glimpse into the work of the former politician, described Blackman as the greatest leader Barbados never had.

“Don descended like a colossus on the political scene,” he said, as he recalled Blackman’s oratorical skills which educated and entertained hundreds on the political trail.

He also highlighted Blackman’s service on behalf of senior citizens and the poor and his legacy as one of builders of the Home Help programme.

Pandor further noted that Blackman knew when to leave the political arena and never missed the limelight after politics.

“He loved his life after politics in a most enjoyable and wonderful way,” he said.

A private cremation followed the ceremony.

Blackman leaves to mourn his wife Juenille Transcoso-Blackman and son Chaka Blackman.
sandydeane@barbadostoday.bb