President Dame Sandra Mason headed a number of dignitaries attending the official funeral for former Member of Parliament for St Michael East Joseph “Johnny” Tudor at the Coral Ridge Memorial Gardens, on Tuesday.
Acting Prime Minister Santia Bradshaw was also present to hear Tudor described as a great man who dedicated his life to helping others and an advocate and champion for the disabled and the vulnerable.
In a video presentation during the two-hour long service, Tudor’s four children Sharri, Dominique, Jason and Simone spoke glowingly about their loving father who gave selflessly of himself to others.
Friend Wendell Callender said that in many ways his friend was a chip off the block, who seemed to possess a love for community work just like his well-known dad, Joe Tudor, who traversed the island as a popular radio personality to bring joy to many persons.
Callender said that in 1988 Johnny joined with members of the disabled community in “awareness marches” in Bridgetown and at specific locations to publicly highlight issues facing the disadvantaged members of the Barbadian society.
“Once Johnny became a Member of Parliament he continued his support in a more tangible way. On becoming Cabinet minister, he was very instrumental in establishing the National Disabilities Unit. The first accessible bus for the disabled was spearheaded by Mr Tudor using his contacts in the automotive industry.
“For nearly three decades children with disabilities as well as other members of the disabled community have been provided with accessible transport through the assistance of a grant from the Ministry of Finance,” he said.
In his tribute, Callender said that for over 30 years, Tudor has been closely involved with the cultural arts particularly in his capacity as Manager and record producer for a calypso monarch. He noted that he was elected Member of Parliament for St Michael East in 1991 and served until 1999. Callender said he served as Tudor’s communication strategist during the campaign.
“Johnny’s capacity to defy challenges would once more assert itself when his government was forced to implement economic measures which included an eight per cent reduction in public servant’s salaries and lay off of 4 000, many of whom lived in his consistency.
“He faced a frightening situation. Engaging his massive conceptual skills and resourcefulness, he found me at my office late Friday evening to help him address this dire situation. He was to meet his branch on Sunday and faced the spectre of an angry crowd and others who may have wanted to seize that opportunity to humiliate a man just known as Johnny,” Callender said.
“We worked on a presentation which was designed to address the concerns of all the relevant publics. It engaged 16 of our weekend hours to churn out a detailed response and to document it. His commitment to hard work and his focus was evident. I have never witnessed such commitment and sense of purpose from any human being.
“Happily, the meeting was a success. Instead of slaughtering Johnny the audience understood and even stood in his defence when an eager pretender to the throne tried to stir emotions against him. Johnny had won that day,” Callender shared.
Members of the disabled community were present to pay their last respects at today’s service which was also attended by Attorney General Dale Marshall, other Cabinet ministers, parliamentarians and members of the Democratic Labour Party (DLP), led by President Dr Ronnie Yearwood.
Dr The Most Honourable Anthony Gabby Carter delivered a moving rendition of Emmerton and My Way.
During the sermon, the Very Reverend Dr Jeffrey Gibson, Anglican Dean, urged those in attendance to use he occasion to reflect on the life of giving to others practised by the former parliamentarian and automotive industry executive.
Tudor was laid to rest at the Coral Ridge Memorial Gardens. (AH)
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