PM Mottley: Sir Henry exemplified unwavering integrity

Prime Minister Mia Mottley says Barbadians should remember the former politician and legal luminary, Sir Henry Forde, not only for his outstanding contributions to the nation but also for his selflessness throughout his political career. 

As a former leader of the Barbados Labour Party (BLP), Sir Henry exemplified unwavering integrity, making him a figure of great honour and respect, Mottley said.

Speaking at the BLP’s 85th annual conference at Christ Church Foundation School, Mottley called on citizens to reflect on the legacy of Forde, stating, “Henry Forde was a gentleman and a patriot. He was Barbados Labour Party to the bone, but he was first and foremost and always a proud and loyal Barbadian.”

The PM noted that when Forde stepped aside in 1993 to let Owen Aruthur lead the party, there was no infighting that led up to the change, unlike the recent actions of the Democratic Labour Party, as Forde remained focused on the task at hand of keeping the country’s best interests at heart.

“He saw to it that there was a smooth and civil transition of leadership. There were no fights, there were no cuss outs, there were no lockouts, there was no taking of the stalwarts of the labour party and leaving them outside with a padlock and calling police for people. There was no vilification of the old guard, and there was equally no denigrating to the young hopefuls who we need to build this country and who we have a duty to pass on knowledge, values, norms, and behaviours too while mentoring them day in and day out,” she said.

“Henry and the labour party that he led made their priority the service of the country,” she explained.

Mottley further added,“We would have been doomed to annihilation — not just as a party, but this country’s future would have been different, and not propelled by 14 years of stellar Barbados Labour Party leadership between 1994 and 2008.

“I am not joking therefore when I say that this party owes Henry Forde a debt of gratitude. From his beginning to his end, this quintessential Barbadian who gave his best to his country, never once pausing to take the low road. He was a man of integrity and a politician in the finest tradition.” (SB)