Tribute on the Passing of Sir Fitzroy “Roy” Augier
On behalf of The University of the West Indies (The UWI) community, Vice-Chancellor Professor Sir Hilary Beckles shares the following tribute to Caribbean Renaissance Man and Professor Emeritus of History, Sir Fitzroy ‘Roy’ Augier on his passing.
The University of the West Indies extends sincere condolences to Lady Augier and their family on the passing of iconic Caribbean educator, administrator and historian Sir Fitzroy “Roy” Augier on Sunday, January 26, 2025.
Just a few weeks ago, we celebrated his centenary, and the occasion afforded us a moment to reflect on his stellar contributions to how we, as a Caribbean people, began the process of nation-building and regional integration. He was a stalwart of both processes.
I reflect also on the African proverb that says “until the lion tells the story, the hunter will always be glorified”, and this is the narrative that Sir Roy and his colleagues changed forever with seminal historical works such as The Making of the West Indies; Report on the Rastafarian Movement; Sources of West Indian History and the UNESCO-sponsored project General History of the Caribbean.
At The UWI, his former students and colleagues stretch back to the 1950s when his teaching, writing and administration assisted the decolonisation of the academy and facilitated the rise of the Caribbean Examinations Council. Slight in frame, with a soft but resonant voice, his intellectual expositions about a region he loved made regionalists of many.
We shall remember the passion in his voice as he challenged the status quo on scholarly or administrative issues, his steadfastness on the importance of academic quality, and his inter-disciplinary knowledge, which constitutes the infrastructure on which The UWI and regional education delivery now rest.
Walk good Sir Roy, innings well played.
To Leila – Lady Augier, Richard, Simone and Kenneth, and the entire family, our hearts reach out in solidarity with you.
Hilary Beckles
Vice-Chancellor
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