The Caribbean Community is saddened by the passing on Sunday, 9 April, of Mr Bernie Grant, Member of Parliament for Tottenham, North London since 1987. Mr Grant, who died at the age of 56, was born in Guyana, and was one of the first three Black MPs in the House of Commons.
He has been characterised as dedicated and diligent, tireless in his duties, committed to social justice, a powerful contributor to development issues, an inspiration to blacks, a firebrand, a listener, an MP who brought his special style to British politics, and a respected Member of the House of Commons. We in the Caribbean share those sentiments and would wish to add: ” a charismatic leader, seemingly fearless in his approach to the various issues he espoused.”
Bernie Grant’s victory at the polls in 1987 which permitted him a voice in the halls of the British Parliament brought hope to many and fostered greater political participation by Caribbean nationals in British political life. Bernie Grant was able to maintain the Caribbean on the agenda of British political discussions. Almost singlehandedly, he fought to ensure that the Caribbean was recognised as an area worth fighting for.
The Caribbean diaspora in the United Kingdom has therefore lost a valuable leader; Caribbean representatives in London, a trusted friend; and the Region, an outspoken spokesman on issues of concern to the Region and its people.
Caribbean Foreign Ministers are shortly to meet with their British counterpart in London. Among those with whom Foreign Ministers are expected to be engaged, are leading members of the Caribbean Community in the UK. Bernie Grant would no doubt have been so recognised. The meeting in London will therefore be depleted by his absence.
It is the Region’s hope that the spirit of Bernie Grant will live on and that the discussions will reflect the level of respect and interaction which he fostered and will go a long way to establish that new paradigm in British-Caribbean relations which the leaders of the UK and the Caribbean are seeking to develop.
The Caribbean Community extends its deepest condolences to his wife, other relatives and cherished friends.
