Remembering Sir Henry Forde: A Tribute to a Distinguished Caribbean Jurist and Diplomat

The President of the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) Justice Adrian Saunders said that the region has lost one of its most venerable sons with the passing of Sir Henry Forde and that he was a towering figure in the Caribbean legal landscape and a distinguished jurist of Barbados.

Preeminent Caribbean broadcaster and journalist, Julian Rogers stated that Sir Henry’s legacy is one of diplomatic grace and resolute leadership and that his law, diplomacy and arbitration work has left an indelible mark on the Caribbean.

Sir Henry was a man of all seasons, having distinguished his brilliance as a Barbados scholar and continuing in law, diplomacy, politics, public service, advancement of women’s rights and so on.

I had the good fortune of his friendship and guidance over many years and consider myself to have been blessed as he was like a godfather to me. If I had to pay Sir Henry for his advice, I would be bankrupt and if he billed his clients as he billed me, he would be bankrupt!

However, Sir Henry’s most remarkable characteristic was that he was undisputedly a gentleman par excellence.

I extend my sincere condolences to Sir Henry’s family and friends.

John Beale