Former deputy president of the Senate, veteran educator, and lawyer Rudolph Cappy Greenidge, was laid to rest on Friday following a funeral service at Coral Ridge Memorial Gardens.
The long-serving Member of Parliament for St Philip North, who died on August 2 aged 79, was remembered by family, friends, and colleagues for his unwavering commitment to his community and country.
Greenidge’s brother, Henderson Clarke, paid tribute to the man he described as a “true St Catherine’s man” and “son of the soil”. Clarke highlighted that despite Greenidge’s numerous professional achievements, his deepest passion lay in his love for the St Philip community, where he played an instrumental role in fostering unity.
“Cappy has left our community with fond memories of the St Philip Night Cricket and the St Philip Dominoes competitions; the St Philip Primary School Independence Quiz; the St Philip Independence Fun Walk; the St Philip Annual Awards, and the St Philip Carnival,” Clarke said.
“These annual events became the envy of other constituencies across Barbados and continue to this day to be responsible for the fostering and development of camaraderie, closeness, and friendships. It was these kinds of activities that brought Cappy the most joy.”
Greenidge’s contributions extended beyond community initiatives, leaving a lasting mark in his teaching career, both in Barbados and the wider Caribbean.
Clarke shared words from the principal of the Cayman Islands Community College, who reflected on Greenidge’s impact: “All of us who came into contact with Mr Greenidge stood in the presence of a giant. A great man; a scholar; a burden-bearing friend who stood for truth, justice, goodness, and service, while remaining his gentle smiling self with a full-rounded personality.”
Clarke emphasised that his brother’s achievements never compromised his humility.
“He was the friend of man, he was the friend of truth, he was the friend of age, and he was a guide of youth,” he said, adding that Greenidge’s legacy would live on despite the shock of his death.
Prime Minister Mia Mottley described the former lawmaker as a man of firm conviction and kindness. She remarked on his dignified yet humble nature.
“He was tall, his hugs were comforting, his voice however soft was reassuring. Indeed, I cannot recall any time in the last 37 or so years that I knew Cappy, that he raised his voice in anger,” she said. “Even when he wanted to be cutting and incisive, he found words to do so without resorting to expletives or volume.”
Mottley expressed her hope that Greenidge would be recognised by the National Honours Committee for his contributions to Barbados. “I have every confidence that the community of Marley Vale, St Catherine’s, and East Point will recommend to that honours committee a suitable tribute for one who truly was of you, for you, and raised by you.”
She concluded: “May God bless his soul, and may all of you, his family and friends, be comforted with the knowledge that we give thanks now for the life of a gentle giant who epitomises the best of Barbadian country values.”
