Ahead of the Official Funeral Service for former parliamentarian Hilson “Brother B” Baptiste at the St John’s Cathedral today, a public viewing of his body and a tribute ceremony was held during which family, friends, former constituents and well-wishers reflected on his life.
The event, held at the Bolans Basketball Court on Monday evening, saw scores of people of all ages showing up to pay their final respects to a man being described as “the people’s warrior”.
They reminisced about his contributions and service to the nation of Antigua and Barbuda and to the St Mary’s South Constituency which he represented for several years.
Songs, poems and tributes told stories about a giant of a man who touched the lives and hearts of many, through his cooking, his influence and his office.
Bolans villagers said Baptiste would do everything in his power to empower people and has left a legacy that no one else can easily fill.
Former Prime Minister Dr Winston Baldwin Spencer, who disclosed that he was not in the best of health, noted that the viewing and tribute ceremony could not have missed him since Baptiste always had the interest of the people at heart and was a hard worker.
In memorializing his former colleague, whom he described as a “patriotic son of this country and one who has made a significant contribution to the development of Antigua and Barbuda”, Spencer said his endeavours in entrepreneurship, among other things, have been very impactful.
“And so, we are saddened by his passing and let us all hope that the lessons that he would have given, that we would want to capture those and to make those very important parts of our ongoing approach to development in Antigua and Barbuda.
“What he was able to accomplish in the field of agriculture is legendary. What he was able to accomplish in the field of social services, legendary again. He did an excellent job in these areas,” Spencer lauded.
Former parliamentarian Kenneth “Nat Moses” Francis described Baptiste as revolutionary, a hero, and a stalwart, while highlighting his interest in the black power movement
“Brother B was a man who stood for people. He did everything to educate those around him. He sponsored everybody in sports, in Carnival. He taught many ladies and men how to cook.
“He was a man for all seasons. He was a man who was sound in his belief of fitness,” Francis said.
In paying tribute to his fallen brother, Hon Jamale Pringle — the Political Leader of the United Progressive Party (UPP) of which Baptiste was a member — said the former parliamentarian has done “exceptional work in the political arena, in community building, and in service to country”.
He described Baptiste as a true man of the people.
Kelvin Simon, the current St Mary’s South MP, attributed his attraction to politics to Baptiste whom he said impacted the lives of many people.
“Tonight, we mourn the loss of a great soldier, a son of the soil, a very proud Saint Mary’s South person. It’s really a tough time for us in St Mary’s South at this time, and I’ll go as far as to say we’re not okay. We’re not okay because we lost a true leader, a humanitarian, a genuine lover of people, one who would have paved the way significantly and set the bar for every MP that represents St Mary’s South, including myself,” MP Simon said.
Many other individuals paid tribute to Baptiste, including the St Joseph’s Altar Guild; General Secretary of the Antigua and Barbuda Workers’ Union Senator David Massiah; Justin Henry who spoke on behalf of the SAP Football Club; Rudolph Davis; and Pastor Dr Christopher Weekes.
Many people highlighted Baptiste’s involvement in supporting village sporting teams including the football club, domino, and netball teams and his passion for cooking.
One woman fondly remembered Baptiste saying, “You always said a woman that cannot cook fungi doesn’t have a right with a man.”
Following Official Funeral St John’s Cathedral, Baptiste will be laid to rest at the Valley Church Cemetery, which is located in the St Mary’s South Constituency.
