The Tribune

By JADE RUSSELL

Tribune Staff Reporter

jrussell@tribunemedia.net

LOFTUS Roker was laid to rest on Friday as the nation’s elite celebrated and reflected on the role he played in the country’s history.

Family, friends, Cabinet ministers, and other government officials gathered at Christ Cathedral Church to say goodbye to Mr Roker, 88, who died on May 13. He famously served as Minister of National Security and Immigration under Prime Minister Sir Lynden Pindling and was one of the signatories to the Independence Agreement, which was signed on December 20, 1972, during a Constitutional Conference in London.

Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis described Mr Roker as a truthteller, however uncomfortable it might be. He said he chose integrity over convenience and Mr Roker’s leadership style as having a mix of “toughness and grace”.

Mr Roker, who was born in Delectable Bay, Acklins, was known for his tough approach to illegal immigration and drug trafficking.

Mr Davis said he was honoured to rename Acklins Central the Loftus Roker High School in August last year.

“This act not only commemorated his legacy but also reconnected it with the soil of his birthplace, tying the past to the present in celebration of a life well lived,” Mr Davis said.

“He was not just a part of our history. He helped to write it.”

CEO of Jones Communication and Bahamas Ambassador to the US, Wendell Jones, highlighted Mr Roker’s love for higher education.

Mr Jones said he believes no minister was more “courageous, principled, and honourable” than Mr Roker. “He believed in a Bahamas of equality where the walls of separation and discrimination based on race and colour could be eradicated,” Mr Jones said.

Archdeacon Keith Cartwright said Mr Roker was cut from a different cloth from what is happening in the world today. Mr Cartwright highlighted Mr Roker’s upstanding manner in public service.

“Many people were horrified, as Wendell told us, when they heard the name Roker in the immigration underground,” Mr Cartwright said. “But if we had a Loftus Roker today, all the foolishness and slackness we see going around here today wouldn’t be happening because he wouldn’t stand for it.”

“Loftus made sure that he kept his eye open, and so it was misinterpreted by many people. But Loftus wanted The Bahamas for Bahamians. I agree with him 110 percent. If we’re not careful, we will give our country away.”

Mr Cartwright said the country would be better if more people had Mr Roker’s character.

Mr Roker leaves behind his wife, Ruby Louise Roker, niece, nephews, and other relatives.