BASSETERRE, St. Kitts - THE St. Peter’s and wider community was thrust into a state of mourning when news of the untimely passing of Veronica ‘Pam’ Liburd began circulating last week.
The unfortunate event reportedly took place sometime during Friday morning (Oct. 2) at the Joseph N. France General Hospital.
Since then, an outpouring of love and support as well as the extending of condolences have taken place on the airwaves and via social media.
Liburd is the wife of former Parliamentary Representative for Constituency Number Eight and Member of the St. Kitts and Nevis Labour Party, Cedric Liburd.
The current SKNLP candidate for that Constituency, Dr. Terrance Drew expressed sadness at the loss via his Facebook page. In his post, Dr. Drew said he was stunned upon hearing of Liburd’s demise.
“When I heard the news, to say that I was stunned and saddened is really an understatement. I immediately got to the hospital very early that morning. I had to see her and give my support.
When I approached the bedside, she looked so peaceful and calm that even in death she projected the best of human quality. It brought a sense of calmness all over me as the tears fell from my eyes.”
Expressing that he knew Liburd practically all of his life, Dr. Drew said he remembers her caring nature.
“I have known Mrs. Veronica Liburd ever since I have known myself. She was my immediate next door neighbor for many years. Her kindness and caring spirit were her highlights. She was always concerned about the youths of the community of St. Peter's. She would always enquire about how we were behaving and how we were performing in school.”
Dr. Drew recalled that Liburd was one of his teachers and had unwavering commitment to her family.
“She taught me in Grade One. To this day, the wonderful moments are fresh in my mind. I cannot remember a time when she ever shouted. Such a calm spirit. Her dedication to her family was extraordinary. An example not only for St. Peter’s but the nation on a whole. She never wavered in her commitment as a wife or mother.”
Dr. Drew expressed appreciation for the investments Liburd made in his life and also in those of others.
“Mrs.Liburd, thank you for all that you gave as a teacher, neighbor and comrade. May her soul rest in eternal peace and may God keep her family close in his arms.”
Chairman of the SKNLP the Hon. Marcella Liburd also expressed condolences via Facebook on Liburd’s passing.
“Thank you for being a role model, Mother, a COMRADE, a Leader, a woman of courage, Visionary, Community champion. Rest in Peace. Although it is hard to ever deal with death we must. Protect the good Lord. May your memory be as AMAZING as you were. GOD bless you. Prayers for the family.”
In a subsequent post, Hon. Liburd said emotions of shock and deep sadness were experienced upon hearing of Liburd’s death. She however informed that Liburd’s family is in her prayers.
“We were shocked and deeply saddened to learn of the sudden passing of Mrs. Veronica (Pam) Liburd, wife of Comrade Cedric Liburd of St Peters. We want Comrade Liburd and his family to know that they are in our thoughts and prayers and that we pray that God will give them the strength to bear up in these very difficult times in their lives. May the soul of our fallen Comrade Veronica (Pam) Liburd rest in eternal peace.”
