Outgoing MP hailed for disability advocacy, ‘compassionate legacy’

Prime Minister Mia Mottley has led parliamentary tributes to Edmund Hinkson, the outgoing St James North MP, praising his three-decade legacy as a “quiet giant” whose advocacy for disability rights and legislative reforms reshaped protections for vulnerable communities across Barbados. 

In a tribute during Thursday’s sitting of the House of Assembly, Mottley said Hinkson’s departure after 12 years in Parliament — and more than 36 years of public and voluntary service — marked the end of an era for both the Barbados Labour Party and the country. She highlighted Hinkson’s “compassionate and unwavering” approach, rooted in personal experience and marked by landmark legal achievements that now serve as a regional benchmark.

“When the history of this young nation is written, the name of the honourable member will stand tall,” she said. “He gave a voice to those who could not speak for themselves, particularly the physically and mentally disabled in this country.”

She credited Hinkson with spearheading landmark legislative reform on behalf of the disabled community, shepherding the report and law that now enshrines protections for persons with disabilities — work she said “stands tall across the Commonwealth Caribbean”.

The prime minister further acknowledged that the outgoing St James North representative’s impact extended far beyond Parliament, noting that from his earlier years, Hinkson was involved in civic organisations including the Lions Club, the Salvation Army, and the St John Ambulance Brigade.

She noted that his tireless volunteerism and quiet persistence defined his approach to politics, which she described as “consistent, compassionate and unwavering.”

Noting his personal role in caring for a disabled family member, Mottley said his advocacy came not just from duty but from deep lived experience. 

“Eddie carried that as his responsibility — and that speaks volumes to his character,” she said.

She also praised his leadership on international legislative matters, noting his representation of Barbados in negotiations with external partners on issues including tax blacklisting and trade frameworks.

Minister of People Empowerment and Elder Affairs Kirk Humphrey, meanwhile, praised the outgoing MP for being the driving force behind two landmark achievements: the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act and a radical transformation of the Immigration Department. 

“I do not think the honourable member receives as much support and as much credit for immigration,” Humphrey recalled. “When we came to office, the Immigration Department was considered not a very well-functioning organisation, and by the time he left that place, it was considered to be perhaps the most efficient and best functioning department in the government.”

“To the point where the call-in programme narrative had shifted so much that persons were calling in on the call-in programme to praise the Immigration Department. I believe that is due to the work of the honourable member.”

Humphrey stressed that Hinkson’s contribution to the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, which was signed into law earlier this year, cannot be underappreciated.

Hinkson served as chairman of the committee responsible for drafting and guiding the disabilities bill through stakeholder consultations, town hall meetings, committee sittings, and last-minute drafting sessions that shaped the final document.

The landmark legislation secures rights and protections for people living with disabilities in Barbados, setting out provisions for equal access to education, employment, public services, transportation, and facilities. It also mandates an independent disabilities commission to oversee compliance.

“We are politicians, we are policymakers, we have to pass legislation… it’s all part of our work,” Humphrey said. “We can do this work and get it done very well, but it is not only hard work for those who will do it well and do it best, but it is heart work. I must say that the honourable member puts his heart in his work.

“I’ve seen it as we were leading on the disabilities legislation; we know the amount of work the honourable member has put in as chairman of that committee. In fact, I’ve said to him privately and publicly, that I do not know that we would have been able to complete such good work, the kind of work that is embraced by a community totally, as being reflective of their needs and their desires in much the way that this bill and this policy has been accepted.”

Other ministers joined the tribute, including Minister of Home Affairs Wilfred Abrahams, who called Hinkson “a father to those who needed a father, a brother to those who needed a brother… a genuine person and an astute politician.”

Minister of Agriculture Indar Weir recalled how Hinkson mentored him during his time in the housing ministry, calling him “gentle, reassuring and respected.”

Mottley also recognised the sacrifices made by Hinkson’s wife and children, and the influence of his late father — a BLP stalwart who mentored Mottley early in her own political career.

The PM further called for lawmakers to reconsider how it honours their retiring colleagues, suggesting that formal tributes should not be reserved only for death or resignation. 

“Let us complete the circle,” she said. “Let us create a tradition that reflects the value of service while our colleagues are still here to hear it.” (SM/SB)