The
UWI Regional Headquarters, Jamaica. Tuesday, September 22, 2020. —
The passing of Sir Selvyn Walter represents a monumental loss of
intellectual forte, cultural pride and patriotism for the nation of
Antigua and Barbuda and The University of the West Indies (The UWI)
community.

Sir
Selvyn attended The UWI Mona Campus in the 60s and played a leading
role in what at the time was an extremely successful debate team. He
would regale his listeners with stories and lessons from the regional
university, eternally proud to be a Pelican. Throughout his career
and retirement, people continuously sought Sir Selvyn’s perspective
on matters pertinent to local and regional issues.

Sir
Selvyn was a renaissance man. His significant contributions to his
country were immense and varied, spanning culture, commerce, history,
music, the literary arts and politics. He was a prolific writer,
chronicling culture, folklore, history and sports in books and
series. His rivalled literary collections with his collection of
artefacts, making his home a veritable museum. Sir Selvyn also built
a solid reputation, starting early in life and continuing through his
later years, as a newspaperman, lending his knowledge and expertise
to nation building via the fourth estate. He was a teacher and
motivator, generously sharing what he knew with anyone with whom he
came in contact. In addition, he was an orator extraordinaire,
whether he was speaking with politicians, captains of industry or
keeping court with the customers to his bakery. He loved his country,
he loved people and he loved to laugh.

On
the political field, Sir Selvyn secured his place in history when as
a young, first-time challenger he defeated a four-time and senior
incumbent, Sir Vere C. Bird in the 1971 elections. He served as
Minister of Economic Development and Tourism in the Progressive
Labour Movement (PLM) administration.

Although
he stopped journeying to the media company where he last worked circa
2014, Sir Selvyn continued to write and give guidance from home for a
long time afterward. In 2013, on the Nation’s 32nd
Anniversary of Independence, a knighthood was conferred upon him for
his contributions to the country.

The
UWI community extends heartfelt condolences to Sir Selvyn’s family,
friends and colleagues.