A Shining Legacy

State Funeral Held for Sir Randol Fawkes

By Anastasia Stubbs, Journal Staff Writer
The Bahama Journal, June 23-25th, 2000

The shining legacy of Sir Randol Fawkes was further honoured as hundreds of persons from all walks of life heaped praises upon the “Father of the Labour Movement” during a state funeral held at Christ Church Cathedral on Thursday.

Family members, Government Ministers, Members of Parliament, Opposition members, leaders of the Labour Movement, and religious officials filled the pews of the Cathedral.

Outside, hundreds of Bahamian workers braved the sweltering heat to pay homage to Sir Randol. Inside the church lay the burgundy casket of Sir Randol, draped with the Bahamian flag.

The President of the Trade Union Congress, Mr. Obie Ferguson, called for Labour Day to be renamed in honour of Sir Randol.

Mr. Ferguson said, “We who are left with the legacy of his work and philosophy must not allow the winds of history to pass over, for the place hereof to know is here no more.”

He continued, “We must perpetuate his memory. It is certainly the position of the labour movement and the working people of The Bahamas that Labour Day be changed to Sir Randol Fawkes Labour Day.”

The Trade Union Congress Leader stated that Sir Randol held the view that regardless of the size, state, or nature of the economy, labour unions had to be viewed as much more than mere vehicles for participating in the determination of terms and conditions of employment.

“His view of trade unions was of a force for social justice, for human dignity, for progress, and for making the voice of the working people heard in society,” he said.

The President of the National Congress of Trade Unions, Mr. Leroy ‘Duke’ Hanna, added, “When Sir Randol was called upon—when he was needed to make possible majority rule—he came. He answered the call on behalf of the masses of Bahamian people.”

“It was through his efforts in Parliament that the mechanism and the legal machinery were established. The Fair Labour Standards Act guarantees the rights and benefits that we now enjoy,” explained Mr. Hanna.

“Through the theology of Sir Randol’s work, and through his many trials and tribulations, Sir Randol showed by example the true meaning of concern, dedication, commitment, responsibility, and sacrifice. He showed what it meant to be truly your brother’s keeper.”

Sir Randol’s daughter, Miss Rosalie Fawkes, recalled fond memories of her father. Miss Fawkes described him as a compassionate man who would always let the downtrodden know that collectively they could move mountains.

She stated that his favourite quotation was: “Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach.”

One of Sir Randol’s three sons, Mr. Francis Fawkes, played a special piano selection in honour of his father.

The service was officiated by The Very Reverend Patrick Adderley, assisted by The Reverend Father John Taylor.