Dear Godpa,

I was thinking about what to write to you. Do I say all the same things everyone else has been saying for the past week? Do I go over the countless numbers of things that you did for the labour movement of Bermuda and the Caribbean? Or do I follow what you told me to do?

So I am going to talk about the man many did not have a privilege to know.

Proud pond dog

Coming from Government Gate, you knew first-hand how society looked at us as less than others, or as they said, “Nothing but a bunch of pond sogs”.

Time and again, you used to come to speak to us up Friswells Hill and drill these words into us: “We may not have silver spoons, yet we will never starve. We may not have much money, yet we will never be poor. They may look down upon us, yet we lift each other up!”

Officially, you were our area MP but emotionally you were our uncle, big brother and when needed — OK, often needed — our rod of correction. You lived long enough to see us all become men moulded somewhat in your own image.

“You bies go learn a trade and you will always have work!” And that we did, Uncle.

With my trade in hand, in 1993 I walked through the gates of Belco as an employee. Yes, the very same gates that Barbara Ball, Kenny Paul, Morris Peniston, my Uncle Jimmy and yourself had to shed blood for. For the past six decades, hundreds if not thousands of young Bermudians have been able to walk through those very same gates and have a lifetime of employment with great benefits.

All because you and countless others literally put your lives and liberty on the line in 1965.

Great Papa

Uncle, most did not get to see you as the doting father and grandfather that you were. I can never forget when you asked me if you should let Emma get married to, as you said, “that young man”. I kinda think you were more worried about his long-term mental health than anything else.

Well, almost 30 years later, they are still together. I think Judson knows he had you to answer to, so failure wasn’t an option

As for the grands, Uncle, you put them in my hands. As godfather to all of them, I get to give them some of your teachings. They are all walking that straight and narrow line. In retrospect, I see you got me to play the “bad cop” so you could play the “good cop”.

Now, as for Emma.

No father could ask for more from a daughter than what she has done over the past few years. In all your medical trials and tribulations, she was right there by your side. When they wanted to amputate your leg, she let the “pond dog” side out on those doctors and flew you to New York.

Every day that we saw you walking proudly around Bermuda was a day we had to praise Emma for not letting them take the short cut with your health. On this last run, she spent three months by your side in New York. Making arrangements for your family to come up and see you. She followed your last order and ensured that you flew back home to the island that owed you everything.

Whether it be at the hospital or Agape House, she had an eagle eye on who was going to visit you. I think she made up for all the stress she gave when she was young.

All the way

“Politics is a vehicle, it is not the final destination.”

“Stay with the people and they will always stay with you.”

Just two of the political lessons you drilled into us. I have tried my best to follow what you taught me. Many times I wonder how you all made out in opposition for all those years. As you said, you all knew what you had to do and just got on with it, no matter what. I still recall the sound of your voice when we were able to make you proud in 2017.

Got to go now as Emma is planning a big 90th birthday party on Sunday for you. As usual, she gives me a long list at the last minute. I will keep a close eye on her because you know she likes to act “Ottieish” at times.

I have a short request list for you. Please give regards to my Papa Charlie Famous, Aunt Lois, Nelson, Uncle Lionel Pearman, Uncle “Boo” Brown, Comrade “Doc” Lynch and Ira Phillips, if he isn’t too busy writing. Tell them we slip at times, but we won’t slide.

Love always,

Your godson and student,

Christopher

#UnitedWeStand

• Christopher Famous is the government MP for Devonshire East (Constituency 11). You can reach him on WhatsApp at 599-0901 or e-mail at carib_pro@yahoo.com