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News
Police legend
laid
to rest
Published on: 11/20/2009.
by BARRY ALLEYNE
HE WALKED with the common man, sailed with the Father of Independence, and went fishing with one of this country's most illustrious boat captains.
But what was constant with Frederick William Phillips was that he always sought justice and fairness for all, no matter their perceived place in society.
Phillips, a former Assistant Commissioner of Police and the first Commandant of the Barbados Coast Guard, and considered one of this country's most legendary lawmen, was laid to rest at Coral Ridge Memorial Gardens in Christ Church after an emotional funeral service at St Leonard's Anglican Church yesterday morning.
The 95-year-old Venezuelan-born but Barbadian-raised Phillips was found dead on November 10 under his bed, his hands and feet bound, a mere 30 yards from the church where family, friends and Barbados' armed forces said a tearful farewell.
The Royal Barbados Police Force, led by Commissioner Darwin Dottin, was out in full to honour the man who joined its ranks in the 1930s.
Also in attendance were a large contingent of the Barbados Coast Guard, former Commissioner of Police Orville Durant, and former parliamentary representative, Rev. Joseph Atherley.
Yards from the church door, students of the Westbury Primary School, Phillips' close neighbours, also gathered on their balcony to pay their last respects.
Phillips' granddaughter Lisa Skeete said in a brief tribute that her grandfather's biggest strength of character was that he always touched people positively.
"Any person who came into contact with him always left a more caring, honest, humbled and loyal person. He made us all richer human beings."
Phillips, who was a close friendof Barbados' first Prime Minister Errol Walton Barrow and famous seafarer Captain George Fergusson, was also remembered as a man who loved the sea, wanted to be married on the water, and regularly swam from Holetown, St James, to the Deep Water Harbour (Bridgetown Port), St Michael. In addition, he was known to free-dive to depths of 60 feet or more while spear fishing.
Acting Assistant Commissioner of Police Leonard Brome said Phillips held steadfast to the morals he practised, and would encourage younger lawmen to do the same.
"He had a special eye for talent and belief in young people which he displayed throughout his 40-year career," Brome said. "And policing was not just a job for him. It was a passion."
In eulogising their father, Phillips' sons Frank and Frederick took turns sharing a pair of spectacles, which brought some levity to the sombre mood within the church. They too remembered him as a man of the sea who was always loyal to his family.
Stating their dad's death was "senseless", the two brothers said they still felt a high level of pride in his accomplishments.
"He was a stubborn man, but still always possessed a sense of justice and fairness," Frank told the congregation. "There was never a dull moment being the son of a policeman," Frederick added.
Remembering their dad's police number was 500, the sons said Phillips soon became known around the country simply as "500 Phillips".
11 comment found!
senseless police death : 11/21/2009
I am sickened by this terrible death, but sickened also by Fyah-muma.No matter what this poor man did in his life NO ONE nad I mean NO ONE should have to die in this way. I can only hope the sick people that carried this out will rot in hell, and very soon.
BARBADOS YOU HAVE TO UNDERSTAND OTHER TOURISTS LIKE ME READ THE NATION ON LINE AND VERY SOON THESE TOURISTS WILL THINK BARBADOS IS LIKE JAMAICA - UNSAFE, AND WE WILL FIND ANOTHER BEAUTIFUL ISLAND TO VISIT.
RIP MR PHILIPS
: 11/20/2009
This is a senseless death.. Why don't this generation respect their elders who fort very hard to have this country where it is today.. I am ashamed of the way this man who served his country and die a cruel death in the hands of an ungodly human being. God knows and they will be found and punished for their evil doings.
: 11/20/2009
may mr philips rest in peace he was agood police man always done a wonder full jobgod knows best god be with u till we meet again
diney
new
york
: 11/20/2009
Hearfelt sympathy to the family of this great
man. More importantly and for the family's sake I hope this would not be another Cold Case like the former Immigration Boss Kenrick Hutson.
Bajan Boy
POLICE FUNERAL : 11/20/2009
Why is it that people get so emotional when a police dies at the hands of a criminal....there are souls out there that were lost....taken by police officers and people don't wish the police neck get pop....c'mon...grow up ppl...we all have to die...rest in peace I'Akobi Maloney...died in the presence of police and no one mourned this way!...FYAHHHH!
: 11/20/2009
May he rest in Peace .I hope that the hands that silenced Mr Phillips be found soon .God knows who it is. Mr.Phillips may be asleep now but God never slumbers or sleep. Who may know and are keeping quiet i hope you are alone in this world and you have no children or family to morn for.What goes around comes around .
NO to elderly residing alone : 11/20/2009
"sTUBBORN" - the old English. Modern day language would describe them as independent. That is how the elderly want to be seen to the end, even when they are unable to manage on their own any longer. Independence has it's good side and the ugly side such as which manifested itself in Phillip's death. We need to do something about the elderly residing alone. Rest in peace 500 Phillips.
Retired.
Farewell Uncle Fred : 11/20/2009
Uncle Fred as he was called by us guys our age during the sixties and early seventies.Many a good time at The Dame Nita's brother up in Grazettes Terrace.The older folk enjoyed the food and drink and the young ones enjoyed the music and socialising.We all remember your smile of final approval, rest in peace.
hi : 11/20/2009
I hope they catch the person who did this and ring their neck
PASSION NAD PRIDE : 11/20/2009
Barbados lost a piece of its soul with the killing of Frederick William Phillips. He may be gone but will not be forgotten. Rest In Peace, 500.
police : 11/20/2009
we as children in the gap will all way rembered that number we will here 500 comeing down the gap be have ua self may he rest in peace
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