This afternoon, as I learnt of the passing of Dame Maizie Barker-Welch, I could not help but reflect on the life and contribution of a true Barbadian gem — a lady who contributed so much to our country, and who did so at a time when women in politics were indeed fewer than a dime a dozen.
Yes, Dame Maizie operated from the other side of the political divide, but that can be no excuse for not recognising that 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.
It would not surprise me to learn that a significant number of younger Barbadians see the current line-up in the House of Assembly with seven female representatives and take it for granted that this has been the norm. That would be far from the truth.
The fact is that between 1951 and 1994 there was never more than one woman in the House of Assembly at any time, whether it was Dame Ermie Bourne, Gertrude Eastmond, Dame Billie Miller, or Dame Maizie Barker-Welch. Indeed, it was not until the 1994 general election that Dame Billie was eventually joined by Elizabeth Thompson and myself, breaking the single female presence that lasted on and off for 43 years.
That is the background against which I pay tribute to Dame Maizie, a former representative of St. Joseph, Senator, Cabinet minister, President of the National Organisation of Women and Barbados’ representative on key international bodies, including the Inter-American Commission of Women.
But truth be told though, 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. 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.
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.
On behalf of the Cabinet, family of the Barbados Labour Party, and the people of Barbados, I extend sincere condolence to her children Pedro, Sonja, Yolanda and Peter, and other members of the family. We are grateful to you for having shared with the country this remarkable daughter of the soil for so many years.
May her soul rest in peace and rise in glory.
