Tribute to a Fallen Comrade

As we mature and get ripe, someday we can expect to fall off the tree; but even with the passing of others it is hard to accept that as a philosophy. - Anon

Gordon Ricky Parris served as a member of the Management Committee of BANGO representing the interests of the Pan African Movement of Barbados. But quite apart from that, his presence also represented the interests of several other organisations including the Barbados Peace Council.

I remember when Ricky assigned me to the Barbados Peace Council and that took me all the way to Cuba and maybe without that experience I would probably never have seen Cuba because I have not seen it since.

Ricky brought all his experiences with him. He came as a package, a total life experience, never deviating from his path. You take him or you leave him and believe me, the latter was harder.

As a matter of fact his general demeanour was very peaceful. This was another side of Ricky as he matured with wisdom and we would want remember him as you would remember the taste of the ripe fruit and not the green one.

It was as if he was unable to get angry and even when he tried, his words did not come across that way. Excessively calm by nature, he was always the referee in the match. He always took a civil approach to problem solving, settling disputes and putting anger and animosity between parties to rest.

With all this he was also very deliberate. He was an avid listener. He played the balls as they were bowled. He always knew the answer he wanted to achieve and even when the odds were against him, he had a way of agreeing with an opposing point of view and yet winning the argument.

By the same token he knew when he lost but even then it was less of a matter of beating a hasty retreat than it was a matter of salvaging whatever he could, for whomever he was representing at the time.

As an advocate he fought for the rights of ordinary people; the "fellas" on the block and the people in the villages. He had that kind of attachment to them and they sought him out wherever he was. He was a very generous man, most-times giving to his last and when you saw him do that you wondered, "What about his children?"

He understood what poverty meant and always had an ear for his brother-man, especially those who were struggling. He did what he could without complaint in health and in sickness. He was always there when summoned.

Essentially he possessed the qualities that epitomize a Civil Society leader and we can say that he will be sorely missed for these strengths. Even though over the past few years he had little time because of the demands of his new job at the BWU, he still made a quality contribution to Civil Society.

It is said that 98% of the people are followers and so with this finality, that 2% of Civil Society leadership is that much poorer. On behalf of all those whom he comforted and counseled, his family and the network of the Barbados Association of Non Governmental Organisations; I would say that we have lost a kindred spirit, a partner, a brother, a comrade and a veritable colleague.

May he rest in peace.

Roosevelt O. King
Secretary General - BANGO
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