By KEILE CAMPBELL

Tribune Staff Reporter

kcampbell@tribunemedia.net

Former ambassador to CARICOM Leonard Archer has died at the age of 83.

Mr Archer, who died on Friday, was affectionately known as “Bro Archer” to those who worked closely with him, and also served two non-consecutive terms as the sixth president of the Bahamas Union of Teachers (BUT).

His first term, from 1973 to 1974, saw him become the first BUT president in an independent Bahamas, before later returning to lead the union from 1981 to 1984.

Under his leadership, the BUT’s membership grew significantly, including the establishment of the union’s first Family Island branch in Cat Island.

During his tenure, there was the 1981 teachers’ strike, which lasted for three weeks. The strike brought national attention to the plight of Bahamian educators and their demands for higher salaries, better working conditions, improved school facilities, and a greater say in decisions about education.

In a statement released yesterday, current BUT president Belinda Wilson expressed her sorrow at the passing of a “militant voice” for teachers. “With a heavy heart and a spirit of gratitude, I extend sympathy to his children and his entire family,” Mrs Wilson said. “May he rest in peace. Solidarity forever.”

She said Mr Archer said during the height of the strike: “Teachers demanded better for the children, and they want more say in education decisions.”

From 1992 to 2007, Mr Archer served as The Bahamas’ ambassador to CARICOM, where he played a key role in Haiti’s integration into the regional bloc and contributed to the development of the 1997 Charter of Civil Society for the Caribbean.

In a statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, officials praised Archer for his “dedication and honour” in his role as ambassador.

“His work with unions and civil society was crucial in shaping critical frameworks for the Caribbean,” the ministry said.

Former Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham, who had known Mr Archer since childhood, also paid tribute.

Mr Ingraham recounted their early days in Abaco and how Mr Archer, always vocal and fearless, had faced challenges within the education system that led to his forced “retirement in the public interest”.

Mr Archer remained a stalwart of the labour movement, going on to serve as director of Labour under an Ingraham administration before his appointment as CARICOM ambassador.

“I was honoured to name him director of Labour in my first government,” the former prime minister said. “Len was among my strongest supporters when I faced my own political challenges. He was a fierce advocate for Bahamians.”

Mr Archer was born on October 14, 1940, in Marsh Harbour, Abaco. The son of respected headmaster Norman Archer, he followed in his father’s footsteps into education, eventually becoming principal of CC Sweeting High School in Nassau. He was educated abroad, earning his credentials at Redland College in Bristol, England, and at the University of the West Indies, Mona Campus.

Mr Archer was predeceased by his wife, Stella, earlier this year. He is survived by his children, Corey, Nicole, and Julian, as well as his grandchildren and siblings, Paula, Genevieve, Shirley, Bridgette, Jocelyn, Trevor, and Rochelle.