Remembering Former University of the West Indies Cave Hill Principal Sir Keith Hunte

The University of the West Indies, Cave Hill Campus issued the following statement on the passing of former Principal Sir Keith Hunte.

Colleagues and contemporary staffers are remembering Cave Hill’s longest serving principal as a skilled administrator renowned for his compassion, sound judgment, decency, humility, integrity, and sense of fairness.

Sir Keith Hunte, who passed away on Thursday, October 3 at age 87, joined the staff of the College of Arts and Science, the forerunner to Cave Hill campus, in 1964 – one year after its establishment. His career at Cave Hill spanned nearly 40 years, almost half of which he served in the capacity of Principal from 1983 to 2002.

Over the years he rose through the academic ranks, becoming senior lecturer in 1965, Dean of the Faculty of Arts and General Studies in 1975 and Deputy Principal in 1980. His work in education extended beyond the university, with him serving as chairman of the Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC) from 1996 to 2002.

Vice-Chancellor Professor Sir Hilary Beckles who succeeded Sir Keith as Principal of Cave Hill in 2002, recalled that his predecessor bequeathed to him a campus with a strong sense of family and congeniality.

“Sir Keith was the epitome of scholarly leadership. His passion for education and regional development was matched only by his dedication to the Caribbean people. His work at The UWI and CXC has helped shape the academic lives of thousands across the region. His vision, wisdom and fairness were hallmarks of his tenure, and his legacy will live on through the generations of students and colleagues he inspired. He will be remembered as one of the great nation builders of our time.”

Principal Professor Clive Landis, noted that having touched the lives of countless students and staff, Sir Keith’s legacy will live on in the halls and hearts of the Cave Hill campus which has named a Hall of Residence in his honour. He praised Sir Keith for the strides the campus made in expanding its graduate offerings and pointed out that two faculties were also created under his tenure.

He said: “Sir Keith presided over an important period of transformation of The UWI Cave Hill campus, through the creation of new faculties and the expansion of undergraduate and especially postgraduate education. The Faculty of Humanities and Education and the Faculty of Science and Technology were established under his long tenure as principal, while the campus also transitioned from an undergraduate teaching university to a research university incorporating a range of post graduate offerings at masters and doctoral level. His steadfast commitment to this institution and to the wider Caribbean region is unparalleled. He leaves behind a legacy of excellence, fairness, and service that will endure long after his passing.”

Cave Hill’s immediate past principal, Professor The Most Honourable Eudine Barriteau recalled that Sir Keith made a foundational contribution to consolidating academic growth and the infrastructural expansion of the then embryonic campus.

“Throughout whatever challenge the campus faced, Sir Keith ensured it emerged stronger and committed to its intellectual and educational mission in Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean,” she said.

“I was very fortunate to experience the leadership of Sir Keith first as an undergraduate student and guild councillor and then as head of the Centre for Gender and Development Studies. Sir Keith provided guidance, support and encouragement throughout my early academic career. He helped me to navigate the requirements of academic administration and I am forever grateful for his guidance and counsel. He has made an indelible contribution to the evolution of higher education in Barbados.”

Sir Keith’s former colleague, Sir Woodville Marshall described his fellow historian and longtime friend of over 70 years as a master of strategic leadership with a rare blend of tact, diplomacy and determination.

“Like the great Quintus Fabius Maximus of Roman history, he prepared carefully and struck decisively, shaping The UWI with wisdom and foresight. It has been an honour and privilege to witness the making of such an academic leader,” he stated.

Senior Assistant Registrar and Head of the Student Enrolment and Retention Unit (SERU) Patricia Atherley remembered Sir Keith as “a true gentlemen” and “a caring and encouraging leader” who was “warm and welcoming and not in the least bit intimidating.”

“He appreciated your service to the university and was always fulsome and sincere in giving credit for good work,” she said, adding that Sir Keith was known for being very frugal in the use of the university’s resources even as he presided over a period of physical expansion.

Sir Keith Hunte was knighted on Barbados’ 21st Independence anniversary in recognition of his outstanding service to the nation. He leaves behind his son Dr John Hunte and other family, friends, and the many lives he influenced at The UWI and beyond.

The UWI extends its deepest condolences to the Hunte family. Details of the funeral service will be shared in due course.