The following statement is issued by Professor Sir Hilary Beckles on the passing of Professor Emeritus David Barker on February 19. Professor Barker worked at The UWI Mona Campus from 1980, advancing to the position of Professor of Geography in 2005, then Emeritus Professor in 2015. He was Head of Department from 1994-1996 and from 2005 until his retirement in 2012.

“It was sad news indeed when I heard of the recent passing of Professor David Barker. He was a splendid Mona man who made excellent contributions to the Department, and discipline of Geography. In this capacity, he served as an academic revivalist on entering Mona in the early 1980s. I recall the passion with which he undertook to develop and sustain the scholarly journal, Caribbean Geography. He led the recruitment of regional students and brought research alive.

Dave, as he was affectionately called, was my neighbour for many years at Taylor Hall Flats and we soon became good friends. We spent wonderful times together on our balconies, at the Senior Common Room Club, at Sabina Park, and many other places of cultural performances. I had arrived from the UK shortly before he did, and it was my honour to welcome him into the community. I dined with his family when members came out to visit and discovered that his obvious gentility, humility, and overriding humanity were bred into his upbringing. He fell in love with Jamaica and admired its culture and people. It became his home for life. I offer condolences to his family, friends, and colleagues. He was a much admired and adored brother. May his soul rest in peace.”