PM Pays Tribute To Last Remaining 39er

7
Carter

Earlier this week Prime Minister Gaston Browne welcomed the last living 39er, Mr. Harold Carter to the Office of the Prime Minister.

“You represent the struggle and sacrifices made for the progress and development Antigua and Barbuda enjoys today,” PM Browne said as he greeted the living legend. “Whatever you need, please know you have the support of my government,” the Prime Minister continued as he seated the now 90-year-old citizen.

Mr. Carter was one of the thirteen (13) protestors who were arrested in 1951 after they led a protest against the plantocracy in Antigua and Barbuda.

Excerpts from Vere Cornwall Bird Biography highlights the prosecution faced by these 13 men.

Thirteen brave comrades, whose names have been etched into the annals of the history of the Trade Union and the transformative movement, were to demonstrate the meaning of courage and overcoming. They were poor but fearless, understood the pivotal moment in Antigua and Barbuda’s history conveyed by Labour Day 1951, and were determined to end minority rule in “island in the sun, given to them by their father’s hand.” The thirteen were arrested, charged with trespassing and using threatening language to other workers.

They all pleaded ‘not guilty’ to the trumped-up. Twelve were sentenced to one month in jail, and one received a three (3)- month sentence. The arrested comrades were: Kelso Federick, Clovell Williams, James Drew, Wills Emanuel, Renford Payne, Steven Payne, Kervin Samuel, Jesse Silcott, Joseph Samuel Simon, Alvin Tanner, Alfred Thomas, Charles Williams, and Harold Carter.

 

After Mr. Carter gave a recount of the events leading up to their incarceration, PM Browne responded, “You are an example of what it means to fight for your rights and to defy injustices against our people, we thank you for your sacrifice.”

Mr. Harold Carter, now 90 years of age, is the only living hero from the famous thirteen, 39ers.
Minister of Sports, Culture, National Festivals and the Arts, The Hon Daryll Matthew also got the opportunity to meet the living legend.

 

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7 COMMENTS

  1. SOCIAL INJUSTICES – STRUGGLED TO SURVIVE – HEROIC FEATS

    Described as a ‘…living legend’ [last paragraph] and the ‘…last or lone survivor of the 39’rs.

    ‘…Struggled and Survived’ the social injustices perpetrated by the plantocrats against the indigenous workers of that era, then it is only fitting that he so nationally recognized for his ‘…Heroic Feats.’

  2. 90 years old and memory still in tact. What a blessing. Can he be interviewed on radio and ABS so that we have an audiovisual account of this 1951 experience?

  4. A great tribute, and recognition to Mr. Harold Carter for his acts of bravery, as he along with the others, stood up to the Oligarchs, of society.
    Now, Mr. PM Gaston Browne, several months ago, I visited the Monument erected, at the Tamarind Tree in Honor of these brave warriors, and the WOMEN who stood with, and supported them. Yes, there were WOMEN who were involved with the struggle as well, as the support network. One such woman was Mrs. Myrtle Broodie-Barthley of Freetown, who became the General Secretary for the A.T.& L.U. for the Eastern District; again, I visited the Monument, at the Tamarind Tree to pay my respects, and I was appalled, I repeat, I was appalled, at the upkeep of this Historical Site, so much so, that I took photos, and videos of the dilapidated site, and posted them on Social Media, tagging such individuals, as TENMAN.
    Immediately, I was given the assurance, that a Committee would be formed, to look into the reasons why, and to rectify them.
    I am hopeful, that this has being the case, because not only should sites/Monuments, such as this be unkept in a PRISTINE manner, it MUST be a STOP, on every tour guide route, as they give visitors a Tour of Our Island, and its rich history, and stories.
    The site should be manned, by a Guard be they from the Defence Force or the RPFAB, on a TWENTY-FOUR hour basis, similar, to what happens at the queen representative house, on Independence Avenue.

    Nuff said…time fu walk thru bush, and ketch sum mo reasoning wid, de old Jumbee an dem, dat lub r we so…Jumbee Picknee, dey Yah!

      • I and I, still dey yah, loving and appreciating what Dadli gave me, and respecting Dadli same way!
        Thanks for the sentiments, and likewise is returned to you and your family.
        As, one of Our fellow bloggers from Caribarena would say,
        “Fix the LITTLE things, before R We fix the big things!”

        They go hand in glove…

        RASpect….

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