Teddy Sheppard – A pillar of strength and influence
MP Asot Michael’s Tribute to a “Prince of Labour”
“Today, we have gathered to bid farewell to a Prince of Labour. Teddy Sheppard was not an ordinary member of the Antigua Labour Party. His lineage, born as he was to one of the Lion Kings of the Antigua Trades and Labour Union, made Teddy Sheppard one of our Princes.
“Yet, the world into which Teddy Sheppard made his entry, 65 years ago, is clearly not the same world from which he has made his exit in 2010. That transformation of Antigua and Barbuda within the new world, over his six-and-one-half decades, required his contribution. Teddy Sheppard gave of himself.
“Teddy Sheppard did live and he had a good life not simply in terms of material possession only, not in terms of smooth sailing, but in terms of family, loved ones, friend’s, colleague’s, comrades, giving, sharing, living.
“Teddy could have become bitter for his father gave up his safe seat at the request of the Leader in the refashioning of the ALP for that all important 1976 election. Robin Yearwood and Teddy were the same age and Teddy could have justifiably felt he should have been given a shot.
“Teddy moved on, built a beautiful family; his Children were his joy he became fully involved in community life, a pillar of strength and influence in the bustling, lively community of Pares Village; a powerhouse in local football. Teddy ensured all the young fellows were properly mentored, and kept in line. He was a tough mentor you couldn’t be a sissy or wimp around Teddy. He would quickly toughen you up. He had a passion for cricket and at the age of 17 represented Antigua in the Leeward Island Cricket Tournament. He was a fiery fast bowler and arguably the fastest in his time.
“He loved his family and in the early part of his marriage worked at First Federation Insurance during the day, and at the Holiday Inn Casino in the nights. He wanted to ensure that his family was never in need. In 1972, under a PLM government, in a fierce battle he lost his job; and, history would repeat itself in 2004 when he again lost his job under a UPP government.
“An event that was the hallmark of the unity of a group of ten casino workers was their stand for the dignity of their labour rights at Mamora Bay in 1972. The group had grievances for which they sought redress, at the Labour Department. When, however the group decided to picket at the door of their work place, the then PLM government sent their SPs or Special Police to prevent them from picketing.
“The group, after being out of employment for many years, eventually was able to regain employment at the Halcyon Cove.
“Teddy was acknowledged as one of the best casino dealers if not the best. He trained a whole generation of dealers and provided supervision and management and so was instrumental in providing a service that was a major part of the attraction that brought tourist to Antigua an industry that provides all of us with over 70% of our livelihood. Teddy played his part in Building this country a role he continued when he took up taxi service.
“When my late father, Patrick Michael, decided to open ASOT’S ARCADE, IN 1989, it was Teddy’s advice and direction that allowed my father to succeed at a very competitive enterprise.
“When I became a candidate leading up to the 2004 elections, Teddy Sheppard never failed in his enthusiasm for my candidacy. As I travelled the streets of Parham and Pares, he stuck with me, ensuring that those whom he knew would deem his presence as an endorsement of my legitimacy. In life, one can win friends steady as a rock. Teddy Sheppard was very much one of the rocks upon which my success was built.
“He loved the Antigua Labour Party as though it were a member of his family. He paid his party dues regularly, and was a member of the Constituency Branch elected as a voting delegate at each ALP Convention. Under the late Joseph Myers he served as chairman of the St. Peters branch.
“I know Teddy was looking forward to his Political party going back into power. He felt the Antigua he and his Father helped to build, and the tourism industry he helped to build needed to be rescued. Teddy was convinced that only the Party of his father the party that built this country could rescue it.
“One of Teddy’s most endearing characteristics was his patriotism. He was completely devoted to the upliftment of Antigua and Barbuda, and would tolerate no criticism of his country by anyone.
“That’s why he could cross the political divide. That’s why he could love people who reveled in red and basked in blue, and they could love him too.
“His son Wesley ran as an independent candidate against me. Yet, Teddy never changed his attitude towards me. “Everyone is free in a democracy to chart his own course,” he said to me, in explaining the decision of his son. He made no enemies, only friends.
“And, so we salute this worthy son of our soil, this selfless scion of our land, this man with easy style and ready smile.
“We send him in praise and thanksgiving to his maker and redeemer. Farewell, Teddy. Farewell. You have served your time, and you have served it well!
May your soul rest in peace.
