Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley has expressed condolences following the passing of Clyde “Cannon” Holder, describing him as a loyal Barbados Labour Party stalwart who served his party, community and country.
Mottley reflected on Holder’s contribution to the BLP, including his decision to contest the St Philip South seat for the party during the 1991 General Election.
Below is the full statement from Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley:
The Barbados Labour Party has endured for nearly ninety years because, in every generation, men and women have been prepared to stand when victory was far from certain, to keep faith when the road was hard, to carry the message from community to community, and to serve without first asking what reward would come.
Clyde “Cannon” Holder was one such man. His passing touches me with a particular sense of gratitude.
In the 1991 General Election, Clyde offered himself as our candidate for St Philip South, while I first offered myself to the people of St Michael North East. We both carried the standard of the Barbados Labour Party at a time when our Party was still rebuilding.
Neither of us entered Parliament as a result of that contest. The ballot on a single day can never contain the full measure of a life, or the full value of service freely given.
As I have grown in public life, I have come to understand ever more deeply what we owe to our stalwarts. They are the custodians of memory and standards, the bridge between generations, and the steady hands that keep a movement anchored.
Leadership teaches you that no one begins at the beginning. We inherit ground cleared by others. We stand on foundations laid by people who may never themselves receive title, office or applause.
That was Cannon’s place in our story.
Rooted in St Philip, he brought conviction and presence to the political platform. Those who knew him best also remember a life invested in community, culture, professional endeavour and the encouragement of younger Barbadians.
His contribution was therefore larger than a candidacy. It formed part of the work of rebuilding confidence, sustaining a cause and preparing others to carry it forward.
At a time when our society is searching for firmer moral anchors, we should remember that faith is made credible through service. Barbados needs a faith that is lived, one made visible in duty, decency, compassion and care for neighbour.
We need people who understand that some are called to plant, others to water, and generations to come may gather the harvest.
I am grateful that Cannon and I shared that moment in 1991. I am grateful for his loyalty to the Barbados Labour Party, for his service to St Philip, and for the contribution he made to our country.
On behalf of the Government and people of Barbados, the entire Barbados Labour Party family, and on my own behalf, I extend heartfelt condolences to his family, his loved ones, and all whose lives were touched by him.
As we mourn, let us also give thanks.
Clyde “Cannon” Holder stood when his Party and country needed citizens willing to stand. The record of that service remains, and our gratitude must remain with it.
May his soul find eternal rest, and may light perpetual shine upon him.