Through all the changing scenes of life,
In trouble and in joy,
The praises of my God shall still
My heart and tongue employ.
The constituency of All Saints East and St. Luke regrettably announce the passing of
Comrade Robert “Robbie”Josiah.
Com. Robert Josiah was affectionately known to the constituency, constituents, friends
and family members as Robbie.
He last resided in Old Road Village, where he took his church, community and
Constituency to heart.
Oftentimes, Mr. Josiah would be seen adorned in a red t-shirt or red dress shirt neatly
tucked in place, depending on the occasion. Such attire reflected his political affiliation;
the Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party. HE WAS A PROUD LABOURITE!
Upon our introduction from a mutual friend, who is also deceased (Dede or Bandit);
Robbie would voice to him “although you support the wrong side you’re still my friendly
fisherman and neighbor” they both would share a hearty laugh. He did not mince words
nor relented his opinion.
Late 2019, when I took the position of vying to become the caretaker of the
Constituency of All Saints East and St. Luke, I was summoned to have an audience with
him. I wondered why! The two-member team I had at the moment was no match to
challenge Comrade Robbie. In wisdom, I secured a third person.
Eric “aka Jerry or Bugga” Murraine, David “aka Campaign king Pinny “James and I
became the vying team.
Now, I was prepared for the challenge. Jerry and Pinny had no inclination what I was
doing.
I prepared my recitation that night, knowing I was about to meet Labour Party itself;
Com. Robbie Josiah.
That Sunday afternoon, fostered comradery amongst comrades, advisor to my
campaign, a father to daughter, one constituent to the other and finally a friendship like
no other.
I was dubbed by Comrade Josiah, the saving grace of our constituency. There was no
hesitancy in him expressing those sentiments to constituents and leaders of ABLP. He
devoured my philosophy for the greater constituency and supported the methodology of
execution. He was proud of what I stood for. He would often say, “Ah John Hughes, you
come fram; John Hughes people nuh fraid no baddi.”
I became the saving grace for the constituency and constituents in his view.
During the heightened period of the pandemic, I would check in on his household from a
distance. Mrs. Josiah would answer the telephone; I would often have to explain who I
was, until one astonishing day, all I heard was, “Your representative is on the phone.”At
which point, I was participating in mental backflips.
Learning more about his life, he was A giant of a man. A gentle man. A statesman. A
noble man. A charismatic man. A businessman. A family man. Most importantly, A man
of God.
Many friends and colleagues would recall his pioneering contributions as an employee
at State Insurance. He fought for the less fortunate in our society, no matter the political
affiliation. His teaching also included never to become prejudiced; discriminating
against anyone was a sin. For God made us all equally.
As I watched him deteriorate in memory and body mass, I knew one day the memories
would become the leading remains of a noble man.
He insisted on the retention of The People’s Flag and the Antigua and Barbuda Labour
Party Creed; both should be my driving force in representing the constituency. To date, I
proudly personify both.
That dreadful day came on Easter Monday while socializing within the constituency, a
text message sharing “Hi. I just learned that Comrade Josiah passed.” A few members
of my campaign team and constituents were at the domino table when I broke the news.
A lull ensued!
Amplified in my spirit was “When peace like a river attendeth my way,
when sorrows like sea billows roll;
whatever my lot, thou hast taught me to say,”It is well, it is well with my soul.”
I was comforted!
Such peace cocooned me; I knew Comrade Josiah found eternal peace not only with
man but with God.
To his beloved wife, Mrs. Josiah; thank you for sharing your life partner for over 50
jubilant years with us. To his children, you all were his pride and joy. To his extended
family, continue to epitomize the statesman, the noble man and overall, was the Godly
man. To the community of Old Road, I implore you to continuously live in harmony and
love. For love covers a multitude of sin. To my Campaign Team, we will continuously
visit, care for, and support all persons in our constituency. To the constituency of All
Saints East and St. Luke let us Keep the Charge in Changing lives; finding liberty and
giving hope to “human rights and human gain.”
Constituents, comrades, colleagues, friends and family let us unite by “raising the
scarlet standard high because beneath its folds we choose to live and die. Though
cowards flinch and traitors sneer; We will keep the Red Flag flying high.”
Comrades, family, and friends of Our dearly departed Comrade Robert ‘Robbie’ Josiah :
Cmd. Rufus Lewis, Cdm. Harold Carter, Mr. Hilroy Humphreys, The Executive Branch
of All Saints East and St. Luke to include past representatives, Sen. Osbert Fredrick,
Sen. Mary-Clare Hurst, Amb. Lionell ‘Max’ Hurst, Sir. Hugh Marshall Sr, Sir. Robin
Yearwood Sr, Sir. Molwyn Joseph, Hon. E.P. Chet Greene, Sen. Samantha Marshall,
Melvin ‘Mel’ Greene Sr, Kenry Simon, Joseph “Joe Barrow” Thomas, Juliette “Junie”
Richards, Luther Lee, Denley ‘Kimba’ Payne, Audley ‘Beef’ Joseph, Everton Barnes,
The Josiah, Parker, Joseph, Browne, Philip, Carlisle, Hastings, Francis, Benjamin,
Thomas Families and a host of many others he spent time with.
Solidarity Forever Comrade Robert “Robbie” Josiah. Sleep in Perpetual Peace.
