The Tribune

A TRIBUTE was paid last night to Errington “Bumpy” Watkins after his death at the age of 90.

Long Island MP Loretta Butler-Turner, the Leader of the Opposition, said of Mr Watkins that he “was a colorful and larger than life figure who contributed to our national life over the course of many decades”.

She said: “Mr Watkins was a dedicated police officer who was committed to law and order, rising to a senior level in the Royal Bahamas Police Force.

“He was very much involved in public life and politics, serving a term in the House of Assembly representing the good people of Abaco.

“He often boasted of his Long Island heritage and enjoyed deep ties to the people of Long Island.

“He also had an activist spirit, advocating for the causes he believed in, including just recently at a demonstration in Rawson Square. Mr Watkins wrote many letters to the newspapers on the views and causes he espoused with passion.

“He was a Bahamian storyteller with a zest for life. Mr Watkins was a farmer for many years and an avid believer in bush medicine.

“On behalf of my colleagues and my family, I offer sincere condolences to his family on his passing at 90. May he rest in peace.”