Tribute to Pamella
Pamella was a consummate professional, a dedicated and consistent worker, a nationalist and a friend. Pam was dedicated to the advancement of farmers in the Caribbean region and a proponent for food and nutrition security. She spent most of her life helping others. Antigua & Barbuda should be justly proud and her and all that she has accomplished. May she Rest in Peace.
It is an honour and a privilege to pay tribute to a very special person, and a dear friend who was remarkable in so many ways……..Pamella Thomas.
I met Pam about 10 years ago, after attending a Ministry of Agriculture event for backyard farmers. After speaking with her, she encouraged me to become a member of the local agricultural cooperative, Team Fresh Produce Cooperative. From that fateful day, I have been at her side and would assist with various administrative matters. She also brought me in on the work of CaFAN – now AACARI.
Pam lived her life to the fullest and touched many lives in the process. In addition to being the President of Team Fresh Produce Cooperative Inc., Pam was also the Executive Director of the Alliance for Agriculture for the Caribbean Inc. (AACARI).
A Friend of Farmers:
Members, more than anything else, Pam wanted to see agriculture occupy its rightful place in our national economy. She dedicated her life to the improvement of the lot of farmers and was a fierce advocate.
Pam constantly encouraged me to work hard for the advancement of agriculture, and to be even handed in my dealings with farmers. I am certain that many of you here today, have a similar testimony.
Mentor for Many:
Pam as mentioned was the President of TFPC, and Executive Director of AACARI. She didn’t want to remain in either of these positions forever. Instead, she wanted to prepare others to take up the mantle and take both organizations forward to bigger and greater things. Pam’s vision for both TFPC and AACARI was bold and far-reaching.
To further illustrate her passion and commitment, while Pam was in Jamaica for medical attention, she would be sending me WhatsApp messages about what tasks that remained outstanding. I would often tell her not to worry about those matters, but instead focus on getting better.
Pam wanted to see the establishment of AACARI’s Secretariat in Antigua, the setting up of a regional agro-processing hub, investment by persons in the Diaspora. So, it is easy to understand how shocked I was upon hearing of her demise. We had so much more work to do. We owe it to her memory, that those aims are achieved.
I remember calling Elijah James, who was also close with Pam, on the morning of Monday, 25th February. When I told him that Pam had not made it following the procedure, we spent the next five minutes on the phone crying. As I reflect, there we were: two grown men crying for our mutual friend. That is testament of how profound Pam’s touch was on others.
Lasting Legacy:
As part of the lasting legacy that we, the surviving colleagues of Pam could continue is the professionalization of the agriculture sector. She was pleased to see the government’s positive posture towards this most important driver of economic activity.
As you we would have heard, Pam’s reach went far beyond the shores of Antigua and Barbuda. The fact that so many of you are here from abroad – including AACARI’s President, and Treasurer is testimony of this. Her absence has left a gaping void to fill. Pam did a lot of good, but did not wish for any public accolade. In fact, she would be a bit surprised by all the fuss we are making about her today. Many persons present today can attest to her kindness and generosity.
To her son, siblings and grandchildren I would like to leave this Eskimo legend with you: “Say not in grief: She is no more, but live in thankfulness that she was”. Long live the memory of my beloved friend, Pamella Thomas. Thank you for the interest you showed not only in me, but also the agricultural community – locally, regionally and internationally.
I have come to pay tribute to my dear friend, Pamella Thomas.
I first met Pamella very briefly in 2012 at the Caribbean Week of Agriculture here in Antigua. I realized even then that there was something special about her. We never spoke again until June, 2017 when she contacted me to explain what was happening in CaFAN.
As I learned more I realized that it was incumbent upon me to join forces with her which a number of others from CaFAN did. We embarked on a tumultuous journey that has resulted in what we now know as the Agriculture Alliance of the Caribbean (AACARI) – a name she submitted for approval and one which we accepted readily.
Pam and I spoke everyday except Sabbath time. We planned, we strategized, we designed, we discussed, we agreed and we disagreed but in the end we found consensus.
We spoke so often and for such long periods, I decided it would make sense to introduce Pamella to my wife, Phyllis. She, too, has come to know Pam by simply speaking to her on the telephone and felt that she, too, must be here today.
When we had our elections in February 2018, Pam was the obvious choice to be the Executive Director – the heart and soul of this organization and it was from that position she felt, she could make the greatest contribution. She immediately embarked on a rapid and sustained path to make AACARI known, relevant and the region’s organization of choice for the Caribbean.
In less than one year, AACARI has been invited to Rome (twice) to Barbados (twice) and to Argentina. AACARI is a member of a number of International Organizations, has formed alliances with many institutions, has signed memorandum of understanding with technology companies and has made application for grants which if they come to fruition will change the lives of farmers here in Antigua & Barbuda and indeed the Caribbean Region.
How does one describe Pamella Thomas?
Pam was smart, intelligent, engaging, selfless, determined, inspiring, caring, energetic, professional, tenacious, witty, friendly, passionate and compassionate and she knew how to laugh.
She loved her son, granddaughter and family. She loved her church and wanted to set up an orphanage in the name of the Seven Day Adventist Church one day.
As you know Pam was an educator. She was constantly teaching and mentoring others. I have been told stories from members of AACARI of how she has touched their lives. In many instances they are members of AACARI because of her.
Pam travelled to many places around the world but foremost in her mind was what could she learn or do to better the lives of farmers in Team Fresh, farmers in Antigua and Barbuda, and of course in the wider Caribbean.
AACARI members are determined that we must continue the work, this movement, Pamella has begun. We are saddened and feel a great sense of loss but at the same time a sense of pride. We love her and will miss her.
There has been an outpouring of condolences for Pam from all over the world. I wish to share a few. From comments like:
“O my God.”
I am in shock. I come to know her for the first time through AACARI, the region has lost one of its finest. My condolences to her family. I pray the Lord’s comfort for them.
I read the email late last night and I was in such shock that I could not respond immediately. This comes as we at CIMH and our partners were building a more meaningful relationship with Pamella and AACARI to support the farming community with relevant climate information to build their resilience to climate variability and change.
CIMH, and the entire CariCOF family, extends its deepest condolences to her family and friends, and her colleagues and fellow farmers from AACARI.
I am shocked beyond belief at this news. We have gotten to know Pamella over the past year and enjoyed working with her. It was her passion for AACARI and farmers in Antigua & Barbuda that attracted us to the project.
Our sincere condolences to her family and AACARI.
I was shocked at this news in the morning.
I extend my sincere condolences to Ms. Thomas’ family and AACARI. May her soul rest in peace.”
“My sons and I are deeply saddened by this very tragic news. We only recently met (Ms) Thomas and we were impacted by the woman that we encountered. She shared her excitement for the advancement of farmers across the region. She informed us of her recent illness but was very optimistic of her recovery. Please know that we share in your grief and recognize what a great loss this is. May her soul rest in peace and may her family and friends be consoled in knowing that she is in a better place.”
“God has received her soul in heaven. A wonderful, God-fearing humanitarian. A warrior for those less fortunate, deprived, poor, and forgotten people.
I had the fortunate opportunity to spend the day with Tracy and Pam last week here in Miami, her spirit was up and we had a great day. We all are blessed to have had the opportunity to know this amazing lady.
Our sincere prayers go to her family. The monument of a woman she is will remain in our hearts and at the breadth of our mission.
We are honored to continue to do the work she has started.
In closing, on behalf of my wife, AACARI’s Treasurer, Mr. Claude Browne who travelled here from Montserrat, the AACARI family in Antigua & Barbuda, the Bahamas, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Montserrat, St Kitts & Nevis, St Lucia, St Vincent & the Grenadines and Suriname, we wish to extend heartfelt sympathies to Richie, her granddaughter, her immediate family and the extended family of Antigua & Barbuda.
Antigua & Barbuda you have lost a giant and when the history of this country for this period is written, she will be remembered as a pioneer whose nationalistic ways were beyond measure. AACARI will do its part as we have discussed establishing a Foundation to provide scholarships to young people and to name a monument in her honour.
May she rest in Peace.