The government is mulling over an appropriate way in which to honour the
memory and contributions of the late, James Tanny Rose.
This is as senior executives and members of the Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party
gathered at the Party’s headquarters on Friday evening for a candlelight vigil for
Rose, who died over a week ago.
Prime Minister Gaston Browne told the gathering that Rose was unparalleled in his
advocacy and social activism and that he did so with a strong sense of commitment
to the ordinary men and women of the society.
He said Rose was very well informed and had a unique ability to analyse even the
most complex issues and to effectively communicate these to members of the
society in a way that everyone was able to understand. He added that Rose did this
without the benefit of tertiary-level education which made his contributions even
more remarkable.
“We have lost a great talent in Comrade Tanny Rose; he has left a void, and I am
calling on the younger members of the party to ‘step up to the plate,’ as this void
needs to be filled. We need comrades who will examine the landscape for issues of
interest; analyse the issues and communicate with members of the society,” he
urged.
Health Minister Sir Molwyn Joseph described Rose as ‘perhaps the best social
commentator’ the country has ever seen. “Tanny was no ordinary person; in my
lifetime, I have never met a single individual with a greater memory and an ability
to dissect any argument presented to him,” he stated.
In a tribute to Rose, Samantha Marshall, who spoke on behalf of the ‘Women of
Labour’ recalled that when Rose was arrested by the UPP government, it was the
‘Women of Labour’ who stood outside the Police Headquarters on American Road
in an all-night vigil until he was released the following day. She recalled too that
his release triggered an impromptu motorcade through St. John’s. This she noted
was the high esteem in which Rose was regarded by the membership of the ABLP.
Former Junior Finance Minister Lennox Weston with whom Rose worked on
several radio programmes, explained that in 2004 the ABLP had lost the support of
many, including those who would help to finance the political campaigns. “It was
in that context when there was no hope of benefits, that Tanny Rose was
transformed from the normal community worker, from the normal guru for VC
Bird into an anointed soldier of Labour,” Weston declared.
Following the reflections from several others including Party Chairman, E.P. Chet
Greene, who chaired the event, and the senior leaders, a Book of Condolences in
honour of James Tanny Rose was signed. The signing was led by Prime Minister
Browne.
Among those in attendance were members of his family and Dame Bridget Harris,
an ardent listener, whenever Rose appeared on the various radio broadcast
programmes.
