An unheralded Ambassador
One writer said:: “Blessed is this man named Lloyd “Norris” Thomas, for he was a true Montserratian icon.”
He could have been and I would describe him as an ‘unheralded ambassador’ for Montserrat. Premier the Hon. Donaldson Romeo attested to that on his return to Montserrat after he claimed how pleased he was to have been able to attend the funeral in London.
He said that he was to learn just how much Lloyd Makabius Thomas’ connections meant when he saw the huge number of Montserratians and UK parliamentarians who turned out to his home-going. The result was that he felt privileged to step up when one of the ‘pall bearers’ was late for the duty.
It is enough, not that there isn’t so much more that can be, and to be said about a man I came to know and associate with just a wee bit. Enough to know that what others such as Marse Peale, his name taken from his Facebook page says: “Been through a lot with him, Disrespected, Accused and Abused with him, Suffered much Consequences in place of him, With words he Touched me and I Touched him, Agreed with him, Disagreed with him, Loved him, Hated him, just to re-Love him, Shared great times and also grim, Despite years of struggling now I Miss him…He named me Wallumba and I named him Makabius…
A few months ago I called him, I’m so happy we reconciled all bias.”
For the ten years I knew him, met him, attended a few Montserrat functions, briefly much of the time, anyone such as Marse Peale who claims knowing him intimately and describes their knowledge, I can say, that was the man.
Knowing him, I learned that indeed, he was the face of Montserrat. MP Honourable Andrew Rosindell, founder of FOTBOT (Friends of the British Overseas Territories) said upon knowledge of Makabius’ death: “To me, Lloyd was the face of Montserrat – a human catalyst which brought people together through his warm and welcoming demeanour. He had endless stories and adventures to tell, which not just touched me but touched all those around him and those I introduced him to. He was never afraid to give credit where credit was due and recognised hard work. He will be missed greatly by everyone – but everyone can share a laugh of ‘that time’ they met and knew Lloyd.”
It was through this man and others that much for Montserrat has happened, always quietly, as one person said, taking the high road. Our historian, author and poet, Sir
Howard Fergus writes:
Lloyd Thomas remarkable man
Hobnobbed with lords
And kept the common touch
Happy to elevate others
Walked the high road above black grudge.
I am shocked by such a sudden end
blessed to number amongst his friends.
The circle he made with Parliamentarians and dignitaries around was always with a cause for Montserrat, little as it was known. His connections worked well always for Montserrat, landing me as a guest speaker (to be reported) at an annual gathering for FOTBOT members at Westminster in London.
The date of Makabius’ death is not yet known as he was discovered dead when colleagues and friends missed him for long enough. One person wrote, “It was a sad occasion, but one for celebration as well. He lived a good life and did it in high style every time. We could do nothing less but honor his legacy of fine fashion. We all know that the man knew how to wear some threads!” The family still waits for a toxicology and autopsy report from the police, they having reported they suspect no foul play.
It was “A personal message from: Andrew Rosindell M.P., who announced on behalf of the family, Wednesday, 21st September, for Lloyd’s “Going Home Service”, his burial at the City of London Cemetery and for the reception afterwards in Romford. That invitation was addressed “Dear Friends” and ended, “I very much hope to see you so that we can all say thank you and farewell to Lloyd, a truly wonderful man that touched all our lives.”
Leaving six brothers and sisters Lloyd ‘Norris Makabius’ Thomas formerly of Cork Hill last resided in London. This Lloyd Makabius fathered seven children including Rhoda, who in her tribute said of her father, whom she never knew in her early childhood said: “I was searching for a hero in Maka but over the years I found a father…my father, a King.”
She ends by saying recapturing much of what she learned: “
With that said, Sleep in Peace King, you were indeed Royalty, your spirit lives on through us.”
In another tribute was very much a general tone: “Our final farewell to our Brother The General Lloyd Norris Thomas. It’s so hard to say good bye to yesterday. Your passing has left a void that our broken hearts can’t fill but, in time our broken hearts will heal. We’ll always have our fondest memories. Miss you and love you always. May God Rest your soul in Eternal Peace.”
Another reminding of the Rastafarian society seen as he professed, claiming his love for his fellowmen, “Jah guide my blessed friend I will remember our childhood days and pleasant conversations on FB. Blessed rest bro.”
Yes, there will be more to come as you look at the photos (especially online) which speak to the life of the man who revered his Montserrat and its people.
Much thanks to his friend and colleague Leonard Weekes (Soca Rebel) whom I came to know as he deputised for Makabius, in organising and attending his many engagements, we hope will keep will keep the work and legacy alive.
It is worthy of note now, his ‘close friends’ as mentioned, his friends were indeed many, for any number of reasons: Close friends, Leonard Weekes, William ‘Dr. Lumba’ Lindsey (Marse Peale), Terrena Malone, (Ridley Market), Bennette Roach and MP Honourable Andrew Rosindell.
