Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley has paid a heartfelt tribute to Chessel Rock, a long-standing member of the Barbados Labour Party (BLP), who passed away recently. In a statement issued on behalf of the Government, the Cabinet and the BLP, Mottley remembered Rock as a loyal party servant and beloved figure whose influence stretched across generations and constituencies.
Describing Rock as a foundational pillar of the BLP for more than 50 years, Mottley reflected on her personal and political connection to the late stalwart. She also highlighted Rock’s devotion to service, not just to the party, but to the wider Barbadian community, including her roles at the Bethel Methodist Church and The St. Michael School.
Below is the full statement by Prime Minister Mottley on the passing of Chessel Rock:
May the soul of Chessel Rock rest in peace and rise in glory.
I have long held the view, and operated on the premise, that the strength of any political party rests on the support of the ordinary men and women who make up its rank and file. Chessel Rock will go down in the history of the Barbados Labour Party as one of the pillars on which it stood for well over half a century.
Personally, she was like an aunt to me — but at the party level she was a true guardian, a fierce defender of its actions and record with all the vigour she could muster, right up until her last breath.
Chessel’s involvement with the Labour Party dates back to when my dad was Member of Parliament for the City of Bridgetown, and remained unshakeable through the years when Billie Miller, now Dame Billie, was MP. Her political activism, also as a faithful worker in Christ Church West, first with Sir Henry Forde, and later with the current representative, Dr William Duguid, spanned generations.
A devoted servant whether we were in Government or Opposition, Chessel, a stalwart of the Women’s League, was up front and centre when the Labour Party returned to Parliament in 2018. So revered was she within the party that each year since 2021 it has honoured a faithful female member with the Chessel Rock Award. The length and strength of her service to the party and country are further demonstrated by the fact that almost three decades ago, in 1996, she was awarded the Barbados Service Medal in that year’s Independence Honours.
But let’s be clear, as much as Chessel loved politics and the BLP, neither defined who she was. She was a kind, loving and caring Barbadian whose warmth of personality did not easily fade from your thoughts once you came into contact with her. She boasted that she was the first person, outside of medical personnel, to hold me after my birth and her relationship with me and my family has remained unblemished all these years.
And I am 100 per cent certain I am not alone in my recognition of her endearing character, not if social media can be believed. That warmth extended to her cooking. I have been overwhelmed by the outpouring of love for Chessel since the news of her passing. The communities of the Bethel Methodist Church, The St. Michael School where she operated the canteen for many years, and, of course, the BLP family, have hailed Chessel as the lady who will be remembered as much for her friendliness as for her turnovers, fish cakes and spaghetti and meat sauce.
She was a woman without letters, except perhaps for JP (Justice of the Peace), possessed no academic accolades and never graced the chambers of our Parliament other than as a guest or visitor, but without doubt her contribution to the island’s political life cannot be matched by many who are known for their titles.
On behalf of the Government, the Cabinet and the BLP family, I extend sincere thanks to her family for lending her in service of the party and country for all these years. We share your grief and honour her memory.
