The Rt. Hon. Owen Arthur - 'One of the greatest statesmen'

Former Prime Minister of Barbados, the Rt. Hon. Owen Arthur, passed away on July 27, 2020.

He was hailed by Professor Sir Hilary Beckles as "one of the greatest statesmen of the 20th century Caribbean. Emerging from the second generation of nation builders, he was a successful champion of the most important discourses of his time."

He was a vibrant part of university life, having served as a Professor of Practice in Economics of Development at the Cave Hill Campus from 2016 until the time of his passing. He was an alumnus of both The UWI's Cave Hill and Mona campuses.

His career in politics was long and distinguished, and he remained connected to his alma mater, delivering several lectures and serving as a patron of the annual UWI Global Giving programme.

In the words of Vice-Chancellor Beckles, "The UWI he empowered in his role as Prime Minister, and from which he was proud to be a graduate, researcher, and lecturer, Professor of Practice, and Honorary Distinguished Fellow, celebrates his legacy."

A number of Jamaican officials and representatives of the diplomatic corps visited the Regional Headquarters of The University of the West Indies (The UWI) to sign the condolence book mounted in honour of the late Owen Arthur. Some of the signatories: