BARBADOS LABOUR PARTY (BLP) stalwart Lionel Seymour Craig passed away this morning at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital. He was 85.
Craig, who in 2010 was the recipient of Barbados’ second highest award – the Companion of Honour for his outstanding contribution to national service during his political career – had a heart condition.
This evening, Leader of the Opposition Mia Mottley described Craig as a giant in the politics of St James and Barbados for more than three decades, and an important and loyal member of the BLP. He was the consummate politician who knew how to connect with people and how to represent them, she added.
Noting that Craig joined the BLP the day after it was defeated in 1961, Mottley said that he represented one of the few remaining links with the party’s founding leader Sir Grantley Adams, as it was Sir Grantley who persuaded him to enter electoral politics in 1966.
“He brought his tremendous people skills as a successful insurance agent to the task of representing people and improving the lives of ordinary Barbadians, especially the aged.
“Most young Barbadians will not know of Lionel’s great service as a prolific and energetic Minister of Housing between 1976 and 1981, being responsible for major housing developments at Haynesville and Bagatelle extensions, Ferniehurst, Rosemont, Wotton and West Terrace and Oxnards just to mention a few. He also served as Leader of Government Business and acted as Prime Minister on numerous occasions,” Mottley said.
“At a personal level, I recall his tremendous support and advice through the years. He was always there for young politicians to share of his experience and knowledge,” she stated.
Craig is survived by Tracy whom he married in 1995, their daughter and a son from his first marriage. (SP)
