CASTRIES, St. Lucia - The St. Lucia government Tuesday paid tribute to Sir Roy Augier, saying that “his impact on our nation and the Caribbean will endure for generations”.
Sir Ry Augier (File Photo)The St. Lucian-born Sir Roy, Professor Emeritus of The University of the West Indies (UWI) and a founding member of the Barbados-based Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC) , who only last month celebrated his 100th birthday, died at his home in Jamaica last Sunday.
In a statement extending condolences to his “family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing him,” Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre, described him as “a son of our soil, a distinguished historian, and an extraordinary academician”.
He said hat for nearly six decades, Sir Roy dedicated his life to unearthing and chronicling the history of the Caribbean, inspiring countless students at the University of the West Indies (UWI) and beyond.
“His pioneering works, including The Making of the West Indies and The Rastafarian Movement in Kingston, both written in 1960 remain essential texts in Caribbean historiography.”
Pierre said that Sir Roy was instrumental in promoting the adoption of authentic Caribbean history in secondary schools, and as part of the syllabus for Cambridge University’s Ordinary and Advanced level examinations.
“These efforts made him a natural choice to serve as first Chairman of the Board of the Caribbean Examination Council (CXC) upon its establishment in 1986. In this role, he successfully indigenized the teaching and learning of Caribbean history and revolutionized the region’s examinations system.”
Pierre said that Sir Roy’s legacy extends far beyond his academic accolades, adding “he was a visionary who elevated the discourse on Caribbean identity and development, and his life’s work continues to inspire generations”.
Last month, Sir Hilary Beckles, the UWI Vice-Chancellor, in a statement marking Professor Augier’s 100th birthday, described him as a “Caribbean Renaissance Man and Professor Emeritus of History”.