By Robert Andre Emmanuel
Family, friends and members of the United Progressive Party (UPP) paid tribute to the dedication and advocacy work of the late Cortwright Marshall yesterday.
The long-serving UPP member died earlier this month after battling cancer.
Marshall’s funeral was held at the Ebenezer Methodist Church in St John’s, where he was described as intrinsically linked with pivotal moments in Caribbean history and the struggle for workers’ rights.
Speaking on behalf of the UPP, the party’s former Political Leader Harold Lovell paid tribute to Marshall’s lifelong commitment to the empowerment of workers and his dream of a united Caribbean.
“He was a man who believed that life was not a matter to be trifled with, but rather that we all were born here with a purpose, and he was committed not merely to use his knowledge for personal aggrandisement, the acquisition of wealth or for show,” Lovell said.
He recalled Marshall’s service as the first Assistant General Secretary of the UPP in 1993 and, later, in managing the party’s 2014 election campaign.
In his professional life, Marshall made significant contributions to Antigua and Barbuda’s tourism sector, Lovell recalled.
“In 2004 when we had to restructure, one of the first persons that I sought out then as Minister of Tourism was Cortwright, and he came into the ministry as a planner,” he added.
According to Lovell, one of Marshall’s key achievements was the implementation of the Tourism Development Incentives Act.
“Under his guidance, 41 small hotels, guest houses and apartments were constructed in less than 18 months with 95 percent local ownership,” he said.
Delivering the eulogy, Ambassador George Goodwin highlighted Marshall’s early life and educational achievements.
Ambassador Goodwin said Marshall’s passion for politics and social justice had been evident from a young age, influenced by the Black Power movement of the 1970s.
Upon Marshall’s return from studies in Cuba, Ambassador Goodwin noted his work as a teacher to prepare students for Common Entrance and CXC exams.
Ambassador Goodwin recalled Marshall as an active member in the community, working toward remembering its historical icons.
“He organised two very successful reunions, bringing together hundreds from all parts of the globe to give thanks to community members and our ancestors,” he stated.
