Following the passing of prominent Liberta resident Pasqual ‘Purple’ Peters, Antigua and Barbuda’s St. Paul Member of Parliament E.P. Chet Greene has shared a heartfelt public tribute celebrating the life, legacy and unique character of the well-loved community member.
Greene’s tribute weaves together decades of personal memory and community respect, tracing Peters’ life from his school days through his later years as a dedicated village advocate. The pair first crossed paths as students at Ball Beef School, where Greene recalled a lighthearted, recurring ritual that stuck with him for decades. Peters and his classmate Denver Osborne drew consistent gentle correction from school leader Mr. Hampson during morning assemblies, with Greene remembering that ‘almost every morning, without fail, Mr. Hampson’s voice would ring out: ‘Pasqual Peters and Denver Osborne please pay attention!”
After completing his schooling, Peters spent a number of years living and working in the United States, primarily in New York, before choosing to return to his home country of Antigua and Barbuda to resettle in his native Liberta. Back home, he built a reputation as a skilled tradesman, working as a professional painter, varnisher and finisher at the local dockyard. He took immense pride in the quality of his craft, earning the respect of colleagues and community members alike for his attention to detail and work ethic.
Beyond his professional work, Peters was a deeply engaged member of the Liberta community. He was a consistent and enthusiastic supporter of local sports leagues and neighborhood events, showing up regularly to lift up his neighbors and contribute to village life. Greene remembered that Peters had a bold, unapologetic personality that never came off as unkind: he was no pushover when he stood his ground, and his sharp, quick wit was enough to defuse any confrontation without coming to blows. Greene described Peters as a man of many layers, noting that he could shift from his colorful, outspoken self to one of the kindest, most thoughtful people in the whole community when called on.
‘ That was Purple; complex, real and utterly himself,’ Greene said of his long-time friend.
Peters also maintained a deep interest in local politics, and he shared a close, loyal relationship with Greene throughout the MP’s career. He repeatedly told Greene, ‘Missa Greene, me hab you back,’ offering unwavering support through every political cycle. When Peters’ health began to decline in his later years, Greene stepped in to return that support, making it his personal mission to check on and care for his long-time friend and supporter. He extended particular gratitude to his own parliamentary staff and members of the Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party’s St. Paul’s Branch, who stepped up to assist with Peters’ care as his health worsened, calling their consistent, compassionate efforts a true ‘labor of love.’
In closing his tribute, Greene offered official condolences to Peters’ immediate and extended family on behalf of the entire Liberta community, saying a final farewell: ‘Sleep in peace, brother. Sleep in peace, comrade.’
