Prominent Historian and Educator Dr Pedro Welch Passes Away, Leaves Legacy in Caribbean Academia

Dr Pedro Welch, a distinguished historian and educator, died late Friday, according to reports. A prominent figure in Caribbean academia, Dr Welch was known for his extensive contributions to the fields of social and medical history.

Details on his death were not immediately available.

A retired professor at the University of the West Indies at Cave Hill, Dr Welch made significant impacts in education and research. He served as the Deputy Principal of the Cave Hill Campus, demonstrating his leadership abilities in higher education. His academic expertise focused on the history of medicine, the history of chattel slavery, and the Jewish diaspora in the New World.

Dr Welch’s scholarly work was widely recognized, with numerous publications to his name. His 2003 book “Slave Society in the City: Bridgetown, Barbados, 1680-1834” stands as one of his most cited works, reflecting his deep understanding of Caribbean history and society. He also contributed significantly to the study of gender in Caribbean history, authoring works such as “‘Red’ and Black over White: Free Coloured Women in Pre-Emancipation Barbados” in 2000.

Beyond academia, Dr Welch was actively involved in public service. He served on several public boards and committees in Barbados and chaired the Task Force on Reparations. He also served as editor of the Journal of the Barbados Museum and Historical Society (BMHS).

Dr Welch’s expertise was sought after internationally. In 2021, he was invited to deliver the Annual Churches Emancipation Lecture, where he spoke on “Tracking the Legacy of Enslavement and Emancipation in the COVID-19 Century,” highlighting his ability to connect historical insights with contemporary issues.