LEROY BRATHWAITE: dead at age 73.

FORMER St Michael North East MP, Leroy Brathwaite, is dead at the age of 73.

The Democratic Labour Party (DLP) stalwart died suddenly at his West Terrace, St James, home on Tuesday evening.

Brathwaite's entry into elective politics began in the 1981 general election when he came up against then incumbent Leroy Sisnett of the Barbados Labour Party (BLP) and lost by 322 votes.

However, in the 1986 poll he tallied 2 533 votes to Sisnett's 1 549.

He successfully defended the seat in 1991 when he polled 1 767 votes to Mia Mottley's 1 580 of the BLP.

Brathwaite, who grew up in urban districts, became active in the DLP in 1958 while the party was still in its infancy.

In an interview during the 1950s, he said that among his reasons for joining the party was its commitment to the ideals of working class people.

The former Methodist lay preacher was educated at Wesley Hall Boys' School and privately.

Apart from his religious and party affiliations, Brathwaite was also keen on sports, especially cricket.

He once served as assistant secretary of Empire Cricket Club and as a member of the board of directors of the YMCA.

During his parliamentary career, Brathwaite served as Chairman of Committees from February 7, 1989 to June 7, 1994.

He later retired from elective politics when the September 6, 1994 general election was called.

From 1971 to 1973 Brathwaite served as assistant general secretary of the DLP, and general secretary from 1973 to 1978.

The late MP is survived by siblings: Jewel Bushell-Belmar, Elva Arthur, Harriette Arthur, Herbie Arthur, Tony Arthur, Junior Arthur, Algie Arthur of Canada, Michael Arthur and female companion, Marcia Austin.

He had three daughters: Cheryl Norville, Alison Carter and Kischelle Brathwaite. (NC)