Regional Leaders Offer Condolences and Tributes to Queen Elizabeth II
by Karen Rollins Sep 9, 2022
Leaders throughout the Caribbean have issued statements paying tribute to Queen Elizabeth II and offering condolences to the British Royal Family.
Her Majesty died on Thursday 8 September 2022 at the age of 96.
Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit said the people of Dominica were saddened at the news of the Queen’s death.
He added: “Our prayers are with the Royal Family during this period of grief. Her passing ends an iconic 70-year reign and is a profound loss for the Commonwealth of Nations and the world. May she rest in peace.”
Bermuda’s Premier David Burt described the British Monarch as “a shining example of strength and devotion to country”.
Trinidad and Tobago’s Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley also remembered the Queen for her dedication and service to the people of the UK and the wider Commonwealth of Nations.
CARICOM chairman President Chandrikapersad Santokhi of Suriname expressed condolences on behalf of the regional bloc to the British Royal Family.
#CARICOM expresses its deep regrets at the passing of Her Majesty, #QueenElizabethII of the United Kingdom and Northern Ireland and Head of the Commonwealth which includes nine of our Member States, and all five of our Associate Members
— CARICOM Secretariat (@CARICOMorg) September 8, 2022
https://t.co/GAQye35CBn pic.twitter.com/0ifJeZe0Yn
In a statement issued on behalf of CARICOM, he said she will be remembered for her “love of and dedication to the Commonwealth, of which she was a passionate supporter and leader”.
President of Barbados, Dame Sandra Mason, said Queen Elizabeth II’s death was the end of an era but she will “always hold a special place in our hearts.”
Guyana’s President, Dr Mohammed Irfaan Ali, said his people will never forget the Queen’s visits to the country. “Queen Elizabeth’s place in history is assured and her legacy is intact,” he said.
“Her long and impactful reign has helped to shape the post-World War II world. Her Majesty has been a source of stability for her country. She will be long remembered for her sterling leadership of the Commonwealth of Nations.”
Jamaica’s Prime Minister Andrew Holness sent condolences to the Royal Family and said his country will observe eight days of national mourning.
He stated: “The world has lost a global matriarch, who was a steadying and constant force throughout many crises and periods of difficulty. Over the course of her 70-year reign, Queen Elizabeth II made an immense contribution to the world in public life and was a close friend of Jamaica.”
Antigua and Barbuda’s Prime Minister, Gaston Browne, said the Queen personified “tolerance and decency”.
“Her ability to inspire and unite has been one of the many remarkable features of her life which we all admire,” he added.
St Lucia’s acting Governor General, Errol Charles, said the Queen epitomised “grace and elegance”. He added: “For many leaders within the Commonwealth, Queen Elizabeth II was the quintessential pillar upon which the Commonwealth stood. Britain, and indeed the world has lost an exemplary Monarch, a dutiful stateswoman and an outstanding diplomat.”
Premier of the Cayman Islands, Wayne Panton, said: “I, on behalf of the Cayman Islands, join others from around the world in offering our condolences to the Royal Family. It is our prayer that God grants them the grace and peace to get through this difficult time. May God be with and comfort us all.”
