Dame Maizie Barker-Welch dies at 96; remembered for pioneering legacy

Figures from across the political spectrum on Wednesday led tributes to the distinguished educator, politician, advocate for women’s rights, and influential public servant Dame Maizie Barker-Welch. 

Barker-Welch, who died earlier Wednesday at the age of 96, is being remembered for her profound contributions to Barbadian society and on the international stage, particularly on women’s rights and ageing.

Prime Minister Mia Mottley and the acting President of the Democratic Labour Party, Andre Worrell, have both paid tribute to the former DLP Cabinet member, highlighting her pioneering spirit and dedication to public service.

Mottley reflected on Barker-Welch’s unique qualities, describing her as a figure whose compassionate leadership left a lasting mark on the nation. 

“It was her personality – her gentle spirit, her compassion for others, her soft voice, and her inclination in every encounter to be a teacher and guide of those with whom she came into contact – that caused her to stand out,” she said. 

“Her words were always calm and deliberate and delivered in a manner that left no doubt about what she was saying. Indeed, she was a teacher by profession and a teacher by nature.”

Barker-Welch’s parliamentary career, Mottley noted, was characterised by grace and elegance, even in the face of intense political debates. 

“I recall a Dame Maizie who on the floor of Parliament always reflected grace and elegance, buttressed by a gentle and caring but firm spirit – despite having to debate some of the most robust speakers ever elected to the Chamber up to that time,” the prime minister added.

As one of only a handful of women elected to the House of Assembly in 35 years since the first woman MP in 1951, Barker-Welch broke through the male-dominated political landscape of her time, representing the constituency of St Joseph in 1986. 

Her contributions, particularly in the areas of education, social justice, and economic empowerment, made a significant impact on her constituents. Her influence extended beyond her role as an MP, serving in various capacities within the DLP, including as a Senator and Cabinet minister, where she played a key role in shaping policy, particularly on social welfare and women’s rights.

Prime Minister Mottley emphasised the importance of Dame Maizie’s contributions to Barbadian politics, noting that while she operated from the opposing political side, “as a female, she was a trailblazer in building a path for women as political representatives in an arena that continues to this day to be male-dominated”.

Acting DLP President Andre Worrell praised Dame Maizie’s pioneering role in the party and her contributions to women’s rights. He described her as “a tiny but mighty package in the halls of George Street, who transcended the gender barrier and was a pioneer in Parliament.” 

He also highlighted her attention to professionalism and detail: “Dame Maizie understood the importance of presentation. She was well-dressed from hat to heels, grammar and diction always on point – but she was no doll. She was formidable on the floor of the general council and remained an active member until just a few years ago.”

Worrell underscored Dame Maizie’s legislative accomplishments, particularly her work in advancing gender equality. “She was a fierce champion of women’s rights and piloted through Parliament seminal legislation such as the Domestic Violence (Protection Order) Act.” 

He also noted her dedication to her constituents in St Joseph, where she focused on empowering women through education and skills development, earning their trust and confidence during her two terms in Parliament.

She served as president of the National Organisation of Women and led the Inter-American Commission of Women. Worrell remarked that “her influence spread beyond these shores,” and for her efforts, she was honoured as a Dame of the British Empire in 2014 and received an Honorary Doctor of Laws from the University of the West Indies.

Barker-Welch served in the Errol Barrow and Lloyd Erskine Sandiford administrations as parliamentary secretary in labour, education and culture and as Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office in 1990. She was also made a senator in 1985-1986.

Born in 1927 the eldest of 12 children of a schoolmaster in rural St Thomas, she began her career in public life as a school teacher and community leader, including serving as president and vice president of the National Organisation of Women (NOW), which she helped establish in 1970.

She also chaired the national branch of the Royal Commonwealth Society and the National Committee on Ageing which in 2014 produced and enjoyed a long amateur career as an actress, appearing on stage, radio and television, most notably with the defunct Green Room Players. 

The widow of DLP stalwart Pedro Welch, she is survived by sons Dr Pedro Welch, a UWI emeritus professor of history, and Peter, a banker in Europe, daughters Ambassador Sonja Welch, retired Head of the Civil Service, and Yolande, a fitness instructor, and 11 grandchildren. 

(RG)