Official Funeral For Sir Keithlyn Smith

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Prime Minister Gaston Browne has written to David Massiah General Secretary Antigua and Barbuda Workers’ Union on the passing of Sir Keithlyn Smith.

Here is the letter of condolence:

 

Dear General Secretary:

On behalf of the Government and people of Antigua and Barbuda, I extend sincerest condolences to the ABWU, its executive, its membership, and to the family of Sir Keithlyn Smith, having been informed of his passing.

The ABWU has played a significant role in the advancement of workers’ rights in our country, thanks to the enormous contribution by leaders such as Sir Keithlyn. He was an indomitable figure who fought for the rights of workers and advanced the cause of justice during his lifetime as a trade unionist.

After the historic purchase of the sugar estates in 1967, when still a very young man, the oldest trade union appointed him to a Board that had responsibility to guide the major decisions of the dominant sugar industry. His work was not in vain.

Sir Keithlyn was clearly talented and driven. He served in the Senate of Antigua and Barbuda and was always a significant contributor to legislation which transformed our nation’s economy from agrarian to modern services. He was formidable in the defense of workers’ rights.

Sir Keithlyn knew the important role of history in capturing a people’s efforts to elevate themselves from the ashes of colonial rule. He therefore wrote several treatises that have helped to shape our nation’s outlook on the past. No Easy Pushover is the story of the founding of the ABWU and of the leaders of the period who fought valiantly to advance development and, by so doing, secured their role in Antigua and Barbuda’s history.

Sir Keithlyn Smith left evidence of his footsteps in the sands of modern Antigua and Barbuda labour history. He will thus be remembered for his special role in helping to shape the new Antigua and Barbuda. My Government considers it just that his memory be honoured with an official funeral. May he be ever remembered by a grateful nation.

Sincerely,

Honourable Gaston Browne M.P.
Prime Minister

@ Office of The Prime Minister Antigua and Barbuda

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4 COMMENTS

  1. May he rest in peace. He fought for the workers and stood for justice. He will be remembered as a man of the common people.

  2. Sincere condolences to the family of the late, highly esteemed, Sir. K. Smith. Just wish he’d had some time before his transition to correct the many questionable and inaccurate “facts” contained in novels ‘To Shoot Hard Labour’ and :No Easy Pushover’ respectively. Urgently Wanted: Non-partisan, fiercely loyal citizens to work as serious researchers to correctly record the true history of Antigua and Barbuda. In this day and age and given the advancements in technology, we no longer has to await the paddy wagon for our information about ourselves.

  3. Sincere condolences to the family of the late, Sir. Keithlyn Smith.
    Although I have never met the deceased, I have heard great things about him and his accomplishments through his brother, Holmes Smith.
    My family wishes your family peace. When my family have experienced bereavements, we have found strength through the Scriptures: Psalm 91, Psalm 23 and others. It is our hope that you seek comfort as we have.
    We also remind you all to Stay safe. Stay healthy. Wear masks as recommended by your health professionals and continue to practise Social Distancing and hand washing techniques ….as we are doing in our Canadian neighbourhoods.
    Thank you for giving me this opportunity to pay Tribute to Sir Keithlyn Smith, as he rests in the loving arms of Jesus.

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