Hundreds of mourners gathered at the Abundant Life Assembly on Friday to pay their final respects to Dame Maizie Barker-Welch, the prominent political figure and women’s rights advocate who died on August 28 at the age of 96.
Family, friends, political leaders, and notable figures from across the island reflected on the veteran public figure’s impact on the nation throughout her lifetime. She was later laid to rest at Clifton Hill Moravian Church in St Thomas.
Dame Maizie’s children—Pedro, Peter, Sonja, and Yolande—delivered a moving eulogy that encapsulated her nearly century-long journey of public service, leadership, and advocacy. Leading the reflections, Dr Pedro Welch, emeritus professor of history at the University of the West Indies, highlighted his mother’s ability to form deep connections across societal divides.
“A notable feature of her political life is her close friendships with persons of all sizes,” he said. “Her reflection offered the decision to never let politics be a divisive feature in her life. She has transferred [this] to all of us, her children. In addition, she never let race, or colour, or religion, or ethnicity, or economic status affect her capacity to extend love.”
The broad reach of Dame Maizie’s influence was evidenced by the attendance of political representatives from both major parties, including Attorney General Dale Marshall and former Chief Justice Sir Patterson Cheltenham.
Dr Welch also emphasised his mother’s exceptional contributions as a community leader, particularly through her involvement with the National Organisation of Women (NOW) and the Business and Professional Women’s Club.
He recounted her multiple national honours, including the Barbados Centennial Honour in 2000, the Companion of Honour (CHB) designation in 2008, and her elevation to Dame of St Andrew, then the nation’s highest honour, in 2014.
“I want to let you know that before they made her a Dame, we had already made her a Dame. She was our Dame,” he said, drawing a heartfelt response from the congregation.
Tributes were also paid by the organisations to which Dame Maizie devoted much of her life, including NOW, the Barbados Horticultural Society, and the Commonwealth Society of Barbados.
President of NOW, Melissa Savoury-Gittens, praised Dame Maizie for her tireless work to advance women’s rights in Barbados.
“Dame Maizie understood her assignment from the start,” she said. “She worked tirelessly to give women a voice. Her efforts during her presidency led to the passage of key legislation, including the Domestic Violence Protection Order Act in 1993, which continues to change lives, offering protection and hope to women and families across Barbados.”
Savoury-Gittens also acknowledged Dame Maizie’s crucial role in founding NOW and her continued advocacy through the Inter-American Commission of Women, stating that her legacy in the fight for gender equality will be long remembered. “We may never fully grasp the depth of her contribution, but history will never forget her name,” she said.
