KINGSTON, Jamaica, CMC – Vice-Chancellor of The College of the West Indies (UWI), Professor Sir Hilary Beckles, has described as “the quintessential West Indian,” the Jamaican-born Professor Emeritus Sir Geoff Palmer, who died final week in England. He was 85 years outdated.
“The College of the West Indies is profoundly saddened by the lack of our expensive buddy, colleague, and mentor, Sir Geoff Palmer, a famend Caribbean-origin scientist and a champion of human rights,” Beckles mentioned in a press release.
He mentioned Sir Geoff, ”the quintessential West Indian,” traveled to England in his teenagers, the place he blossomed into an icon of the Windrush technology, turning into Scotland’s first black professor in 1989.
“He held a distinguished educational profession at Heriot-Watt College, inventing the barley abrasion course of and establishing the Worldwide Centre for Brewing and Distilling.”
Beckles mentioned that Sir Geoff, synonymous with grain science know-how, made important contributions all through his educational journey.
“His work on sorghum as a brewing materials and meals in Africa is especially notable. Nonetheless, we’re notably grateful for his function as a distinguished advocate for human rights and fairness.
“Talking boldly on the facet of reality and justice, he wrote extensively on the historical past of Scotland’s connection to the enslavement of individuals of African origin within the Caribbean. He was awarded a Physician of Science honoris causa in 2015 by The College of the West Indies, which lauded his stellar contributions.”
Beckles mentioned that after being knighted in 2014 for his providers to human rights, science, and charity, Sir Geoff distinguished himself because the Chancellor of Heriot-Watt College from 2021 till his passing.
“This son of Jamaican soil has a legacy that extends past his educational achievements, as he has impressed numerous college students and colleagues along with his ardour for schooling and human rights. His work continues to have a long-lasting impression on the scientific group and past,” Beckles mentioned.
