Published 16 August 2017
Buckie Got It, St. Kitts and Nevis News Source
Douglas: “Oliver Thomas, truly a man of strong convictions and loyalty, a true stalwart and friend”
Political Leader of the St. Kitts-Nevis Labour Party (SKNLP), The Right Hon. Dr. Denzil L. Douglas has described the late Oliver Thomas “a man of strong convictions and loyalty, a true stalwart and friend (and) steadfast in his support to the Labour movement.
Paying tribute to Dieppe Bay resident, the former Prime Minister and sitting Parliamentarian noted Mr. Thomas lived a relatively long life.
“I am sure there are many moments of joy and pleasant memories, despite the struggles and challenges, that flood your minds as he pursued his many fatherly roles as parent and head of your household in your earlier years.
And as the memories flood back, you would have realised that he was a hard and dedicated worker, giving his labour as service to one and all and to his country to make a living,” said Dr. Douglas.
He recalled Mr. Thomas’ “public service as a long time and reliable employee of the Cleansing crew of the Public Health Department and the Solid Waste Management Agency, as he made his contribution with a special pride in maintaining a clean and healthy environment as part of his national service in the development of his country. And he did so even to the point where he suffered severe injuries that affected him for the rest of his life. But that did not deter him as he came to terms with his situation and quickly adjusted and kept going.”
“He was truly a man of strong convictions and loyalty, a true stalwart and friend, steadfast in his support to the Labour movement, a commitment he expressed personally to me just a few weeks before his passing when I visited him in the final days of his life,” said the seven-term parliamentarian.
He said he was fortified in knowing that Oliver’s life has not been in vain as he lived a purposeful life and has gone home to be with his Maker. He is at permanent rest from the pain and difficulties he experienced especially in the closing days of his life. Now he is in peace as he awaits the final sounds of that trumpet that will signal his rise in Glory to be with our Lord and Saviour.”
Dr. Douglas expressed condolences to the family on behalf of the Labour Movement and the residents of Constituency #6 and on his own behalf.
“Please accept our condolences and be fortified with the knowledge that we are committed to hold you all as Oliver’s survivors in our prayers as you come to terms with the passing of Comrade Oliver. May his Soul Rest in Peace Eternal,” said the former prime minister.
