Hilson “Brother B” Baptist, the former Member of Parliament for St Mary’s South and beloved community figure, was laid to rest today following an emotional and celebratory funeral service marked by tributes to his unwavering loyalty, grassroots activism, and unmatched love for people.
The official service took place before a large congregation of mourners, including family, friends, political colleagues, and constituents, all gathered to honour the life of a man described as “remarkable,” “unique,” and “larger than life.”
Delivering the sermon, Venerable Isaiah Phillip urged mourners not to be overtaken by sorrow but to “celebrate a life that was well lived.”
Quoting from Wisdom 3:1 — _“But the souls of the righteous are in the hand of God, and no torment will ever touch them”_ — Phillip reflected on Baptist’s enduring legacy of public service and deep personal loyalty.
“He was loyal to his constituents, to his family, to his political organisation, and to his country,” Phillip said. “But today, we are challenged to move that loyalty to a higher level — loyalty to Christ and the church.”
The preacher recalled his own encounters with Baptist, particularly after Hurricane Luis devastated the parish church in All Saints in 1998. He credited Baptist’s quiet yet effective mobilisation of support as instrumental in restoring the building and uniting the community. “He inspired me at a time when I was weary, and I never forgot it,” he said.
Baptist, who passed away on 16 May at the Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre at the age of 77, served as MP for St Mary’s South from 1994 to 2014. First elected under the United National Democratic Party, he later became a prominent figure in the United Progressive Party, winning four consecutive terms.
His wife, Ithlane Baptiste, painted a vivid portrait of a man rooted in his community, who was as comfortable serving meals at his Long Street restaurant as he was in Parliament.
“He was equally joyful cradling a toddler or hugging an elderly woman,” she said. “He ruled the situations — situations never ruled him.”
Friend and cultural activist Dobrene Omarde echoed that sentiment, remembering Baptist as a force of nature in Antigua’s political, culinary, and cultural spheres. “He gave of his time, his skills, and his money,” she said. “Brother B created a space of love and laughter that stretched across communities and generations.”
Tributes also recalled Baptist’s work as a chef, martial artist, football supporter, and mentor. Stories of him rescuing young people from the streets, quietly paying school fees, or lending a hand to carnival troupes and theatre groups, filled the air with admiration and gratitude.
His political service, though formidable, was just one part of a multifaceted life. His restaurant, affectionately called “Brother B’s,” became a cultural institution in St John’s, known for its warm welcomes, hearty food, and vibrant debates.
As the service came to a close, the congregation was reminded of Baptist’s signature greeting — a booming “Anybody knock you?” — which, as his wife explained, was more than a phrase. “It was his way of checking in. A signal that he cared, that he would protect, support, and help — if he could.”
Baptist is survived by his wife, children, grandchildren, nieces, and a wide circle of extended family and friends. His legacy, mourners agreed, is etched not only in legislation and development projects, but in the countless lives he uplifted.
As his coffin was lowered into the earth, the refrain from Wisdom 3 lingered in many hearts: _“The souls of the righteous are in the hand of God.”_
Hilson Brother B Baptist — loyal servant, beloved friend, and community champion — now rests in peace.