Dear Editor,
A few days ago I was greeted with the sad and devastating news that former GYSM and PNCR stalwart, Peter Livingstone had passed away. For a few minutes I remained speechless as I immediately began to reflect on the Peter Livingstone I knew. We know the one thing death means is that you are now mute, you are silent, and I could not imagine Peter being silent. I last saw Peter on January 3, 2020 at the D’Urban Park coalition campaign launch. Of course he was there with his one of his buddies Dennis Glasgow. Little did I know that this was the last time I would see him alive. How did I come to know Peter Livingstone?
I met Comrade Livingstone more than two and a half decades ago. We were both serving in the executive of the GYSM, during Comrade Dennis Glasgow’s chairmanship. When I assumed the role of chairperson Peter served as the National Treasurer of the organization. He was also in the leadership of the Region Three GYSM.
If I were to describe Peter Livingstone I would be compelled to use these words; provocative, committed, controversial, friendly, dedicated, proud, ambitious, tantalizing and jovial.
As I write this message to reflect on him, I can almost see and hear him making fun of the late Bevon Currie or tantalizing his buddy Dennis Glasglow, whom he at times called “the task force chairman.” Peter had the ability to make a joke or fun of any situation. He would be serious at one point and the next minute he is talking and laughing at the same time. He was funny and liked to as we would say “dig kicks off of folks”, I don’t doubt that I was also his target in that arena. Livingstone appeared to have had a mentally preserved character trait of certain comrades whom he often made fun of, Bevon Currie was target number one, they went at each other.
Peter also seemed to have had a list of people who he believed should be prime contributors to GYSM fund raising events or leadership programmes and those who should be bypassed, for any contributions. I recall that at one administrative meeting of the GYSM executive, while we were planning to host a three-day leadership and educational camp, he cautioned me that I should not send a donation letter to a comrade.
His specific words were, “Lurlene, how you gon ask dah man fuh money you ain’t know he bruks, dah man ain’t get no money, ask Dennis!” His usual hearty chuckle followed his announcement. He was tantalizingly funny!
Comrade Livingstone and I never saw things eye to eye at all times. We had our disagreements and we, at times, campaigned internally for different candidates. However, as comrades of the GYSM, what we had in common were our love, commitment, dedication and passion for the GYSM and PNCR. We believed in the mission of the party and its arms, and we invested in that belief.
Peter Livingstone was a proud member of the GYSM and PNCR. He was never hesitant to let you know of his position in the organization. I remember watching him introduce himself to a young member of the GYSM and saying to the young man “you know who I am, I’m Peter Livingstone, the National Executive Member of the organization!” Then his chuckle came after.
Peter Livingstone was a dedicated party comrade and was part of that dedicated group of comrades who would regularly use their own resources to embark on outreach activities to support the work of the GYSM and party.
His commitment and dedication to the organization were unwavering, regardless of the season. GYSM or party work took priority. He also sang his heart out for the party.
In our decades of activism in the party, Peter and I attended many party events such as congresses and general councils. At these events, he demonstrated his singing talent as he lustily sang the party’s battle song, which he knew by heart. He would sing that song with such reverence, passion and respect, it was like he had spent years practicing how and where he should place his emphasis. It is in watching him in these simple moments that you understand his love for the organization. He was a proud and loyal member! The PNCR meant something to him, it was commitment and not mere compliance. This kind of commitment was contagious and could have been seen in quite a many comrades.
Peter Livingstone has made his contribution to the GYSM and PNCR, he was a loyal member who served in many capacities. He has spent all of his young life in a party he has great respect for. He will undoubtedly, be missed. Sleep on comrade, sleep on! Your earthly appointment has ended you’ve played your part.
Sincerely,
Lurlene Nestor
