The Caribbean Community has learned with great sadness of the recent death of former Secretary-General of CARICOM, Dr. Kurleigh King of Barbados.
Dr. King was Secretary-General of CARICOM from 1979-1983. He assumed the position of Secretary-General at a particularly difficult period in the life of the integration movement including a two-year hiatus in the filling of that post. His tenure was notable for the great managerial and organisational skills he brought to the Community. Indeed his work in developing the administrative structures of the Secretariat is still evident, forming as it does the base upon which subsequent refinements have been built. Dr. King will also be remembered for his achievement in placing greater emphasis on issues relating to human and social development – the so-called quality of life issues.
Prior to his assuming duty as Secretary-General of the Community, Dr. King was a senior official of the Caribbean Development Bank serving as Director of the Industry Division, a position for which his earlier experience as General Manager of the Barbados Industrial Development Corporation had obviously prepared him. On completing his tenure at the Secretariat, Dr. King returned to Barbados and served as Governor of the Central Bank of Barbados.
Upon his departure from public life in the Caribbean, Dr. King – who had in his earlier professional life taught at Colombia University – returned to University life and devoted his time to spreading the message of Transcendental Meditation.
Dr. King has thus made an invaluable all-round contribution to the development of his country and Region.
The Community mourns his passing and conveys its deep condolences to his family.
