Words are inadequate to express the deep sense of personal loss and regret that we feel, at the passing of Elinor Felix, former ambassador to Cuba, consummate public servant and a devout servant of humanity.
Our hearts are deeply saddened, as although we were very aware of her courageous battle against the dreaded disease, the finality of not having her around to use a cricket analogy, ‘hit us for six’.
Her commitment to the struggle for a better life, especially for the down-trodden peoples of this world and zest for life, were two of the main factors that defined the life of this Jamaican patriot. Our experience of Elinor being the first person on the dance floor whether salsa or reggae is being played and among the last to leave, is legendary.
Equally, being among the first to ‘hold up her hand’, whenever the issue of assistance to anyone in need is raised, will be a difficult void to fill, in a society where the biblical tenets of being ‘your brother’s keeper’ is under constant siege, against a neo-liberal doctrine of material accumulation trumping the ‘milk’ of human kindness.
To your family, we say 'stay strong' as we are also trying to do the same, while being comforted by the fact that our dear Elinor would want us to continue where she has left off, in her efforts to make this world a better place.
Fraternal embrace.
Trevor G. Brown, President
11 July 2019