THE FOLLOWING IS a statement from Leader of the Opposition Barbados Labour Party Mia Mottley on the passing of educators Matthew Farley and Bishop Vibert Lowe.
It is with deep regret that we learnt of the sudden passing of educators Matthew Farley on Sunday and Bishop Vibert Lowe on Monday.
Barbados has lost two good men who contributed immensely to the betterment of Barbadians with whom they came in contact either as students, or as part of the Christian family. They will be sorely missed.
Farley was a dedicated principal who cared deeply for his charges and demonstrated this in his tenure as a teacher and then principal at both St Mary’s Primary and Graydon Sealy Secondary (Garrison Secondary).Â
For him education and the school experience was more than just about academic achievement. Rather, it involved imparting life skills like respect for authority, the need for proper deportment and discipline. In this quest Farley attracted some controversy, but to his eternal credit many of those who objected to this approach as children recognised later in life the positive contribution of these aspects in their development.Â
Bishop Lowe was a former principal of Erdiston Primary and later, an outspoken preacher who spoke with conviction. He was an inspiration and mentor to his flock at the Power in the Blood Church. He, too, attracted controversy through his fiery sermons, but said what he did based on his beliefs and an abundance of love for what he wanted to see in Barbados.  Â
More than anything else, Farley and Lowe’s lives in many ways represented achievement of the Barbadian dream. That is, they rose from humble origins and through appropriate use of the educational opportunities provided and dint of hard work, were successful and exemplars.Â
My condolences go to their wives Alphine Farley and Edla Lowe and their loved ones. May they rest in peace. (PR)
