The Tribune

By KHRISNA VIRGIL

Tribune Staff Reporter

kvirgil@tribunemedia.net

PRIME Minister Perry Christie yesterday remembered the late Thomas A Robinson as a world renowned track star whose “larger than life” legacy is expected to linger on throughout Bahamian history.

Reflecting on their personal relationship which spanned about 40 years, Mr Christie said “Tommy” had always stuck around for the highs and lows of his political career.

Despite their differences which were on the opposing ends of the political spectrum, Mr Christie told the crowd of politicians and Tommy’s relatives that they both still maintained a strong friendship. Tommy in 1972 was a candidate for the FNM. Five years later he offered himself to run as a Bahamas Democratic Party (BDP) candidate.

Final respects were paid to Tommy during a state recognised funeral at the Christ Church Cathedral, George Street.

Mr Christie said: “Even though we had divergent partisan allegiances during the greater part of our relationship, it never ever got in the way of our friendship.

“One of the most poignant memories I have of my many years in Bahamian politics is how Tommy stood with me, unflinchingly and unapologetically, during my times of personal trial and tribulation in the political arena. But that was the way Tommy was. He was a friend for all seasons and for all times. I could count on Tommy through thick and thin, in good times and in bad. Tommy was always there.”

Tommy was, Mr Christie added, a mentor and role model during his years as an athlete. He did just the same for many Bahamian athletes over the years.

Delivering a teary tribute, Erika and Cyril Robinson best remembered their father as a man whose mantra in life was to be determined and dedicated to his goals. They said their father insisted that his children and grandchildren all received a good education.

As an athlete, Tommy was the recipient of numerous medals from the international front.

He represented the country in four consecutive summer Olympic Games, starting in 1956.

During the British Empire and Commonwealth Games, Cardiff, Wales, in 1958 he won gold in the 200 yards dash and silver in the 100 yards dash.

Then again in 1962, Tommy won silver in the 100 yards in the 1962 British Empire and Commonwealth Games, and the 1966 British Empire and Commonwealth Games.

He also won a gold medal at the 1962 Central American and Caribbean Games.

Tommy died at aged 74 on November 25 after a long fight with stomach cancer of which he was diagnosed in 2008. The illness did not stand in the way of his influence over the planning of the new state-of-the-art stadium that was named in his honour. The sporting complex, which was a gift to the Bahamas from the People’s Republic of China, was officially opened on February 23, 2012.