It was by no means surprising on Tuesday, September 4, 2018. how quickly the word resounded worldwide that former Chief Minister, the Honourable Bertrand Osborne, OBE had died at his home, after a lengthy illness, which he endured mostly at his home. In 2014 he was honoured with the National Order of Distinction award
Not surprising, as the condolences and tributes kept pouring in over the internet and as announced on ZJB Radio, since the news.
Premier Donaldson Romeo
The Hon. Premier in a statement of condolences on behalf of the Government and people of Montserrat, “Premier the Honourable Donaldson Romeo expresses heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of former Chief Minister Honourable Bertrand Osborne.”
The statement reads, “It is with deep regret and profound sadness that the Government and people of Montserrat, express sincere condolences, on the passing of a former Chief Minister of Montserrat, Honourable Bertrand Osborne…”
The statement provides the information that Mr. Osborne, served as the Chief Minister of Montserrat from November 1996 to August 1997, but was a member of the Legislative Assembly continuously from 1987 until 2001 serving as the leader of the National Development Party (NDP).
Osborne at St Patrick’s Church Plymouth
As the Premier ends his condolences: “We all pray that God will bring comfort to his wife Lystra Osborne, his children and the entire Osborne family during this time of bereavement.
As we honour his legacy, may his soul rest in eternal peace.”
At the same time Leader of the Opposition Easton Taylor Farrell, while on behalf of the parliamentary opposition extending condolences to the Osbornes family assuring them that “our thoughts and prayers are with them at this time,” said: “On reflecting on the life of Mr. Osborne it is safe to say that he was a man of integrity, a role model, an individual who has helped to shape the lives of so many who knew him. He was truly a man who was dedicated to service to his people. His business and political contribution has helped to shape the future of this island.”
Ag. Governor and Deputy Governor the Hon. Mrs. Lyndell Simpson
Ag. Governor and Deputy Governor the Hon. Mrs. Lyndell Simpson was also quick and in a press statement described Mr. Osborne as “a great man who maintained a deep sense of humility, integrity and dedication to the public service and the people of Montserrat.
She said “the many facets of his extraordinary life and legacy to include managing MS Osborne Limited for 46 years (1967 – 2013) will live on in the hearts and minds of all who had the privilege to know him, learn from him, and work alongside him.
“Montserrat has lost a leader,” she says, adding “an exemplary man of deep principles and patriotism.”
She, on behalf of the Montserrat Public Service “most respectfully conveys its sincerest condolences to Mr Osborne’s bereaved wife, children, family and loved ones.”
Osborne at Tree planting at Germans Bay with St Patrick’s club
TMR will memorialise in a next issue, the Hon. Mr. Osborne following a memorial service to be held in his honour on Friday, September 14, at the Montserrat Cultural Centre at 10.30 a.m. following which his funeral service will begin at 2.30 p.m. at the R. C. Church in Lookout.
Staff of The Montserrat Reporter derived from Montserrat Reporter founded by Mr. Osborne’s National Development party in 1985, offers their sincerest condolences.
