Barry Chevannes… Has left a legacy that must be treasured… PM Golding

Prime Minister Bruce Golding has lamented the passing of Professor Barrington Chevannes noting that the work he performed made him an icon who has left a legacy that everyone must treasure and work hard to build on.
Mr. Golding was speaking at this morning’s (Nov 12) special ceremony for the presentation of the Insignia of the Order of Jamaica (posthumous Award) for Professor Barry Chevannes (CD) at King’s House. In a brief and touching ceremony attended by his widow, two daughters and close friends, Mr. Golding recalled the work and achievements of Professor Chevannes who died last Friday (Nov 5).

The Governor-General, His Excellency Sir Patrick Allen (r) handing the Insignia of the Order of Jamaica (Posthumous Award) for Professor Barry Chevannes to his widow Pauletta Chevannes at this morning’s (Nov 12) special ceremony. The ceremony was attended by his widow and daughters Amba (l) and Abena (3rd l) and close friends.

“He had a passion for the preservation and the development of Jamaican culture. He recognized that Jamaica’s economic and social development had a cultural dimension and therefore had to have a cultural focus. He was himself a cultural exponent through his music”, Mr. Golding noted.
The Prime Minister expressed regret at losing the service of Professor Chevannes whom he said was involved for over 40 years with the University of the West Indies and whose name had become a household one. ‘He has left us a vacuum that will be hard to fill”.
Mr. Golding expressed regret that the Order of Jamaica was not presented to Professor Chevannes while he was alive. “Although this presentation would not have mattered to Professor Chevannes, because he was too humble and too modest a person, it matters to us..It is we, not he, who would have been gratified if we were able to present this award to him as a symbolic payment of the debt we owe to him. I regret we have not been able to do that through our fault..no fault of his. But he would approve our asking Pauletta to accept the award’, Mr. Golding said.