UNANG PINAY NA MAYOR SA ENGLAND. PUMANAW NA

PUMANAW na si Cynthia Alcantara-Barker, ang unang Filipina na naging mayor sa England.

Nahalal si Alcantara-Barker bilang mayor ng Hertsmere District sa Hertfordshire, England noong Hunyo 2020.

Kinimpirma ng kanyang pamilya ang pagpanaw nito sa Facebook post noong Setyembre 14.

“It is with extreme sadness that we announce the passing of The Worshipful Hertsmere Mayor Councillor Cynthia Barker following a bout of serious illness,” ayon sa pamilya.

“We will be issuing further information in due course, but may we ask please to respect the family’s privacy at this very difficult time. Your prayers for the repose of her soul would however be welcome,” dagdag pa nito.

Bilang alkalde ng Hertsmere, inilarawan si Alcantara-Barker bilang labis na maipagmamalaki at isang politiko na kampeon sa equality at diversity sa lahat ng komunidad sa bayan.

Sabi naman ni Hertsmere Borough Council leader, Councillor Morris Bright MBE: “I knew Cynthia as both a colleague and friend. Nothing was ever too much for her. She thrived at being a local councillor, always wanting to help residents with their issues. She left a lasting impression on the council and Borehamwood.”

“We are all struggling to take in the sad news at the moment but I am sure we will all remember Cynthia as a kind, wonderful person who was a hardworking community representative,” dagdag pa niya.

Nagpaabot na rin ng simpatya ang managing director ng konseho na si Sajida Bijle sa pamilya at kaibigan ng yumaong Pinay.

“I know how honored she was to be appointed to Deputy Mayor last year and then as Mayor, and how much she enjoyed undertaking a whole host of duties across our communities. She will be greatly missed by us all,” ani ni Bijle.

Samantala, inalala naman ni Councilor Jeremy Newmark, lider ng Labour group, si Alcantara-Barker bilang isang “trailblazer” at isang magandang modelo para sa kababaihan at minorya ng lokal na pamahalaan.

“Cynthia was kind and supportive to me personally when I was first elected as a councillor, despite being on opposite sides of the political divide,” saad niya.


“She brought grace and dignity to the office of Mayor but was always approachable and down to earth, particularly when engaging with children and young people,” dagdag pa niya.

Bago maluklok ngayong taon bilang alkalde, una nang nagsilbi si Alcantara-Barker councilor ng Borehamwood’s Kenilworth noong 2015 at naging deputy mayor noong 2019.