Rex Nettleford O.M. Vice Chancellor Emeritus of the University of the West Indies passed in the George Washington Hospital in Washington on February 3, 2010.  Born in humble circumstances in Trelawny in 1933, Rex’s brilliance as a scholar was his passport to social upward mobility.  He climbed the ladder well but unlike some, throughout his entire career he was helping to set the stage for others to do likewise.

His contributions to culture and academia are legendary and have earned him the highest and most prestigious awards that are given both locally and regionally.  In all this an area in which he has been extremely influential and not easily recognized is his contribution to the Trade Union movement.  He more than any other should be credited for the transformation of the trade unions from what was widely regarded as rabble rousing, confrontational and disruptive group, to being serious and informed representatives of the working class that can solve industrial relations problems using the machinery of negotiation.

Rex personified excellence in all he did throughout his life.  He was never short of words and in his unique ways delivered them with lasting impact, yet on careful examination it will be seen that he was a man who did things.  Rex was a doer.

Jamaica and the region and people of colour throughout the world have lost one of their most illustrious sons.

His exemplary intellect and analytical skills will be surely missed.  We take this medium to express our condolences to his family, friends and colleague.  As curtains fall the shouts of Bravo! Bravo! can be heard acclaiming the performance of this son of Jamaica.  He will not be returning to this stage but his performance will never be forgotten.