One of the leaders of Barbuda who was always agitating for greater autonomy for Barbuda, Sir Thomas Hilbourne Frank, has died at age 88.
Sir Thomas, who was widely known by his middle name, Hilbourne, is reported to have died peacefully at his home in Codrington on Sunday.
He lived for many years in the United Kingdom and he returned to Barbuda to be one of the most popular political figures there becoming a firebrand of sorts for greater control of the island’s affairs by Barbudans.
He served as the political leader of the Barbuda People’s Movement, a party he helped to form, which favours greater independence of Barbuda from Antigua and supports the United Progressive Party. He also served as Chairman of the Barbuda Council on two occasions – from 1979 to 1985 and from 1989 to 1997.
He also served as Barbuda’s sole member of the House of Representatives of Antigua and Barbuda between 1989 and 2004. In 2004, he retired as a legislator; he was knighted later that year by the UPP Administration.
Hilbourne graduated from Antigua Grammar School in 1950 and taught at the Grammar School, the Boys’ School, and the Holy Trinity School in Barbuda from 1950 to 1960. He also worked at Coco Point Lodge and as a legal secretary for Claude Earle Francis until his departure for England in 1963.
In the early 1960s Sir Hilbourne established the Barbuda Workers Union and whilst living in En-gland founded the Barbu-da Association. In 1974 he organized the first international convention of Barbudans.
On returning to the island in 1979 Sir Hilbourne was elected to the Barbuda Council and became the Chairman, He attended the important Independence talks at Lancaster House in London as part of the Barbuda delegation.
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“…favours greater independence of Barbuda from Antigua and supports the United Progressive Party.”
No wonder Trevor Walker and the BPM behave so. Fortunately, I think Asha Frank is starting to see through the smoke and mirrors. She actually works for PLH – the same project that the BPM actively seek to block. She is “woke” so maybe there is hope for the others to detox from the koolaid that their Jim Jones has mixed in the lagoon.
R.I.P. Mr. Frank. If, it’s one thing I can remember him for, was his speeches in Parliament, and that ‘accent,’ that Barbuda ‘accent!’
I hope, Barbudans try their best to hold on to it. Very unique!
R.I.P. – Rest In Power!
Very sorry to hear about the passing of Mr. Frank. My condolences to his family and the people of beautiful Barbuda.
Barbuda have lost a legend. …A giant of a man, fearless, patriotic, caring and determine for justice for Barbudans…..Rip Sir Frank
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