By Latrishka Thomas
The atmosphere was still yesterday as mourners converged on the Holy Family Cathedral to honour one of the nation’s political sons, Asot Michael.
The weight of collective grief filled the sacred space, as the nation gathered to bid farewell to a man who, in less than 48 hours, would have marked his 55th year on earth – a milestone now transformed into a reminder of a life cut short, yet lived to its fullest.
The sombre occasion drew representatives from both government and opposition parties as well as Dominica’s Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit.
The celebration began with a ceremonial procession along Queen Elizabeth Highway, where police officers and family members marched alongside the hearse, accompanied by the solemn rhythms of a marching band. The procession set the tone for what would become a deeply moving celebration of Michael’s legacy.
In an intimate tribute that captured the personal dimension of the late politician, his niece Marissa Martha Michael revealed the profound impact her uncle had on her life. “God blessed us with the same open heart, eager to love all and trust all, sometimes to a fault. “We both believe that our lives are bigger than ourselves, that we were put on earth for a purpose, to serve,” she shared, her voice carrying emotion through the cathedral.
She spoke of his generous spirit, noting that “Uncle Asot’s love language was giving. Few things brought him as much joy as seeing happiness in others.”
Former MP Dr Errol Cort, a family friend, offered insights into Michael’s political acumen, describing him as a “consummate politician who possessed strong interpersonal skills, charisma and keen ability to navigate political landscapes.”
Dr Cort painted a vivid picture of Michael’s love for Antigua and Barbuda’s cultural heritage: “He was a lover of carnival, steel pan, and calypso, and could be seen on Jouvert morning having a whale of a time. Cap turned back to front, short pants and a glass of rum in his hand, gyrating to the pulsating rhythms from the Red Hot Flames, and on the truck with his friend Clarence ‘Ounghku’ Edwards.”
“Or if you happened to attend the Carnival breakfast fete at Fort James, you would be sure to see Asot on stage, attempting to provide backup vocals for the Monarch, Sir Maclean Emanuel, especially during the rendition of ‘Nobody Go Run Me’. It did not matter that Asot may have been singing off-key; what mattered was that he was thoroughly enjoying himself. As we would say, Asot was in his element. And for sure, at some point, there would be some sort of bacchanal, ” he added.
Former Antigua Barbuda Labour Party colleague and teacher Lennox Weston provided a compelling portrait of Michael’s political evolution and unique approach to public service. “Asot was an admixture of Lebanese and Antiguan culture, and the effervescence of the French spontaneity,” Weston explained.
He detailed Michael’s distinctive political style, noting that “Asot focused on living in the hearts of his people.”
Weston’s tribute also revealed the intimate nature of Michael’s political approach: “Asot was the only politician allowed in people’s house at midnight, the only politician who an Adventist would allow in their house on Friday nights. Asot was a hugger, a picture poser, a granny and baby lover.”
In a light moment, Weston said: “Asot always wanted to use the bathroom, and he never left without leaving a tangible gift behind. Of course, toilets don’t talk, do they? At every funeral, Asot had the biggest wreath. He would walk in late for the grand entrance, well decked out, well-dressed, his face pious, well-polished, greeting everyone with a wave like the Pope of the Catholic Church, strode to the front row, sitting with the family, and more times than not, offering to deliver the eulogy, filled with exotic long quotes from poems and scriptures, speaking confidently about the early life of an old man he just met briefly only a few months before.”
Perhaps the most poignant moments came during the eulogy, delivered by his sister, Teresa-Anne Michael, who shared her brother’s prophetic words: “I will not die an old man. I will die as young as my father, having lived my life to the fullest.” Asot’s father died at the age of 53 while he died at 54.
She encapsulated his life’s philosophy saying “If extending a hand of kindness, friendship, love, and concern in times of need is a crime of politics, then I plead guilty. Because that is who I am, a human being of Antigua and Barbuda, born to love, raised to care, and committed to serve.”
Michael’s political journey, spanning nearly three decades, began after his return from studies abroad. His electoral success was unprecedented – winning five consecutive terms in St Peter, culminating in his historic victory as Antigua and Barbuda’s first successful independent candidate in the 2023 general election.
Born in Guadalope on December 21, 1969, Michael was the youngest of three children. His gruesome killing on November 5, 2024 was the end of an era in Antigua and Barbuda’s politics, leaving behind a legacy of direct engagement with constituents and a unique brand of personal politics that transformed the political landscape of the twin island nation.
The service not only marked the passing of a political figure, but also celebrated a man who — in the words of those who knew him best — lived his life in service to others, leaving an indelible mark on the fabric of the Antiguan and Barbudan society.
His legacy, characterised by generosity, personal connection, and unwavering commitment to public service, will live on.
