The Official Opposition and the Peoples Democratic Movement together with the people of these islands mourn the passing of a giant of a lady, the Late Dr Rosita Butterfield and we extend our sincerest condolences to Dr Albray Butterfield, her children and the rest of her family.
Though we mourn her passing, we celebrate a life well spent and well lived.
The Late Dr Butterfield was an icon, an institution, a pioneer. She wore many hats in the years that God had loan her to these islands and her family. A former teacher, nurse, a long standing member of parliament as an elected member, appointed member and speaker, a businesswoman, a preacher, a philanthropist sponsoring and supporting many national events among them the National Inter High School Spelling Bee and her very own Foundation in recent years, the ARB Foundation formed to help those in need. She served on many national boards of influence including being a founding member of the TCI Community College.
There were many things that distinguished her in her different walks of life but she will forever be celebrated as the first female ever elected to parliament and then later as the first female Speaker of Parliament. Though she walked with “Kings and Queens” and was widely traveled, if one would ask her or just chat with her for a brief moment, she reflected with a childlike excitement on her nursing career as the noblest thing she ever did, next to serving and caring for her family. This was indeed her pride and joy and no matter how lofty a height she attained, she thought the greatest contribution she made was perhaps what too many might consider as the lowliest of the lot – nursing. This exemplified the type of lady she was. She never forgot her humble birth and beginnings in Kew, North Caicos nor how she began her life of public service – through a humble nursing career.
As a female, her life is an inspiration to me and I will continue to cherish each of our exchanges and her words of encouragement which spanned from my first days on Providenciales as a banker to my current role as Leader of the Opposition.
Indeed the life of the late Dr Rosita Butterfield is a life well spent and history, if recorded truely, will record her as one of the most outstanding Turks and Caicos Islanders ever, having left an indelible mark on all the paths she trod. She undeniably left this world better than she met it and she will certainly continue to be held in the highest esteem by many who knew and loved her.
She ought to be celebrated and honored by the people of this country whose lives she has touched in many ways.
May she rest in peace after a lifetime labour of love.
