PPP hails Arthur as “champion for equal rights and democracy”

…PSC opens Book of Condolences

The People’s Progressive Party (PPP), following the news of the death of former Barbados Prime Minister Owen Arthur, said the Caribbean region has lost an eminent elder statesman and a “champion for equal rights and democracy.”

The PPP expressed its condolences to the family and friends of Arthur as well as the people of Barbados and noted that Guyanese will forever remember Arthur’s defence of their right to choose their leaders democratically.
Arthur had led the Commonwealth Electoral Observer Mission to observe Guyana’s March 2 General and Regional Elections. Following the conclusion of the National Recount of the March 2 ballots, he noted that the results are incontrovertible and should be used as the basis for the declaration of the results.

The Party’s Presidential Candidate, Dr Irfaan Ali in paying tribute to Arthur said that he stood up for justice, freedom, democracy and fairness in Guyana and will forever be remembered as a selfless, inspiring, fair and exceptional leader who was a proud representative of Barbados. He also noted that the late PM has left his mark and a great legacy for all leaders to follow.
Caretaker President David Granger also expressed his condolences to the family of Arthur. He recognised the late PM for his functions as Head of the Commonwealth Observer Mission.
Meanwhile, respected Guyanese statesman Sir Shridath Ramphal noted that the people of Barbados lost a “great son” and that the Caribbean Community (Caricom) lost a great West Indian.

“His last leadership role was to Chair the Commonwealth’s Observer Mission to the Guyana elections where he distinguished himself for his courage in speaking truth to power. May his memory be honoured in the upholding of his candour. And may Caricom for all time be guided by his credo of regional integration that marked his service to Barbados and the Caribbean Community entire,” Ramphal said.
Caribbean Diplomat Sir Ronald Sanders also paid tribute to Arthur, expressing that he had been in constant contact with the former PM up until his hospitalisation.
“He was deeply troubled by events in Guyana and about matters concerning LIAT. Most of all, he was worried by dangers of fragmentation in the Caribbean Community in whose cause he worked to the very end. He richly deserves to be remembered as an outstanding Caribbean champion,” Sanders noted.

Book of Condolences
The Private Sector Commission (PSC) noted that Arthur’s commitment to democracy was evident right here in Guyana where he led the Commonwealth Observer Group at the March 2 elections. The Commission noted that he executed his duties with courage and integrity.
The PSC also expressed its condolences and informed that a Book of Condolences will be available at the office of the Commission in honour of Arthur.
The book can be signed between the hours of 13:00h and 17:00h today. It also advised persons to observe social distancing and wear a mask when visiting to sign the book.

The Citizenship Initiative (TCI) – a party that contested the March 2 elections – expressed gratitude for Arthur’s commitments to foster peaceful, healthy relations between Guyana and our sister nation, Barbados. They noted that he served his country honourably as Prime Minister, and continued to contribute his diplomacy, statesmanship and class to regional efforts to maintain democracy everywhere.
“Democratic Guyana recognises Mr Arthur’s stand for democracy as an accredited observer in Guyana’s 2020 electoral process and salutes him for being a beacon of solidarity. TCI is grateful for the lessons in politics and leadership left for us by Mr Arthur, and we will honour his legacy by also standing firmly for democratic principles and representing our constituencies with dignity, inclusiveness and honesty. May his soul find eternal peace,” the party noted.
Caricom Secretary General Irwin LaRocque expressed his condolences to the people of Barbados on behalf of the Community. (G2)