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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Barker, first Pinay mayor in England, dies

Barker, first Pinay mayor in England, dies

Published Sep 15, 2020 09:58 am

Cynthia Alcantara Barker, the first Filipina mayor of Hertsmere District in Hertfordshire, England has passed away “following a period of illness." She was 58.

Barker’s brother, Gene Alcantara, confirmed her sister’s passing in a Facebook post on Sept. 14.

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

“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,” Alcantara added.

Members of the Hertsmere Borough Council has also paid tribute to Barker.

Council leader, Cllr Morris Bright MBE, said Barker was a “kind, wonderful person” and “hard-working community representative.”

“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,” Bright said.

The council’s Managing Director, Sajida Bijle, said Barker will be “greatly missed” by the council.

Cllr Jeremy Newmark, Leader of the Labour group, described the Filipina mayor as a “trailblazer and role model for women and minorities in local government.”

According to the Hertsmere Borough Council’s official website, Barker lived in Hertsmere for 29 years.

Before serving as Mayor of Hertsmere, Barker served as town councilor for Elstree and Borehamwood from May 2015 to May 2019.

She also served as representative of the Borehamwood Kenilworth ward in May 2019.

This year in June, Barker, daughter of an overseas Filipino worker (OFW), became the first Filipino elected in the Borough Council.

The council said Barker has always been “extremely proud of her heritage and committed to doing her utmost to champion equality and diversity for all our communities in Hertsmere.”

Flags outside the civil officers of the council meanwhile flies at half-mast in honor of Barker.

In 2017, Barker was also chosen by the Filipina Women’s Network as one of the 100 Most Influential Filipina Women in the World.
 
 

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