Sir John Stanley Goddard Passes On

RETIRED Barbadian businessman and Senator, Sir John Stanley Goddard is dead. Sir John, 78, died at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital (QEH) Friday night where he had been taken after taking ill.

The death of Sir John has come as a shock to many, since reports suggest it was not known he was ill. His departure will leave a void in the discussions and debates in all aspect of the national life since Sir John always felt he had a contribution to make on important issues facing the country and its people. He leaves to mourn his wife, five children and 16 grands.

Sir John, who was born in St. Vincent, grew up in Barbados. He was well known in business circles not only in Barbados but across the Caribbean where he served in many capacities of business.

He was a member of a number of regional private sector agencies and sat on the board of many businesses. However, some his greatest contributions came in the roles he played in the continuing development and expansion of Goddard Enterprises Limited (GEL), a family owned business, which has extended by leaps and bound. GEL, whose businesses span finance, manufacturing, and a wide range of services, is currently one of the leading conglomerates across the Caribbean with operations also in both South America and Central America.

His support for that company, which is listed on the stock exchange in Barbados has won him many kudos. Sir John was knighted for the contribution to business. Sir John served on the executive of the Caribbean Association of Industry and Commerce (CAIC) the Barbados Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Barbados Private Sector Association, and more than a year ago retired from the Board of the Caribbean Financial Services Corporation. A ceremony marking his contribution to that company was held at the Lion Castle Polo Clubhouse last year, and attended by staff and key principles of the institution.

He was also active in the Centre for Management Development in its formative years when it began offering post graduate training at the University of the West Indies (Cave Hill).

Although he had retired from active involvement in business affairs, Sir John remained a commentator on several economic, business, social and political issues in the country. He has been a Senator in the Barbados Parliament for several years and attended the sitting last week. During his stint in the Upper Chamber Sir John has made significant contributions whether they were related to government finances, the country’s national debt, economic management, the overall economy, and controversial subjects as well.

He also contributed to the development of BICO, this country’s major ice cream manufacturer. Last night Edwin Thirlwell, Chairman of that company, said Sir John had served for many years as a Director of BICO, starting from the 1960s until about 2002 when he (Thirlwell) took over. “He was a gentleman and was a valuable partner,” according to Thirlwell.

Fellow Senator, Frances Chandler was quoted on radio last night as saying that Sir John was a true gentleman. She recalled the many occasions on which Sir John gave her advice. According to Senator Chandler Sir John had a love for agriculture and never ceased a moment discussing the subject.
The Barbados Advocate offers it condolences to his relatives. (JB)

Source: www.barbadosadvocate.com

Sir John Is Dead

INDEPENDENT SENATOR and former business leader Sir John Stanley Goddard is dead.

Sir John, a frank and at times thought-provoking voice in the Senate and a former leader of the Goddard group of companies, passed away at about 2:15 a.m. yesterday. He was 77.

The death followed a brief illness and stunned members of the large Goddard family.

"He went into the hospital yesterday," son Geoffrey Goddard told the SUNDAY SUN.

"We thought he was going to come home this weekend. But things didn't work out that way."

Sir John died surrounded by members of his family at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, where he had been taken after complaining of feeling unwell.

"He was in very high spirits yesterday [Friday]," his son said.

"He was making a lot of fun and joking. We never thought he would have died. Maybe it was just a case of age, something as simple as that."

Sir John was awarded the Gold Crown Of Merit in 1990 and the Knight Of St Andrew was conferred in 1993 for his contribution to commerce and the community.

He spent most of his life working with the group of companies launched by his grandfather Joseph Nathaniel Goddard.

He joined the business as a chartered accountant, after returning to Barbados in 1957 from studies at Queen's University and a five-year stint with Price Waterhouse.

Over the years, he moved up the ranks to serve as managing director and as chairman of the board of Goddard Enterprises Limited (GEL). He also headed the board of directors of several agencies, including the Private Sector Organisation.

Yesterday Prime Minister David Thompson headed the list of people paying tribute to Sir John. Thompson described him as "an outstanding Barbadian".

"Over the years that I have known him, his has always been a voice of reason and a very stabilising influence in the corporate sector, in the area of social policy, even in politics, though he has not been in the traditional sense a Barbadian politician," Thompson said.

"His wise counsel will be missed, particularly in those spheres.

"In the 1991 economic crisis many would not have known of the tireless work that Sir John did in seeking to build consensus across the private sector for the economic programme which was implemented. That programme became known throughout the world as a major triumph for a small developing country."

Opposition Leader, Mia Mottley said: "We shall miss his contributions to debate in the Senate, which were characterized by both frankness and fairness and an ability to zero in on matters, which were of importance to ordinary people."

President of the Senate Branford Taitt is out of the island, but Deputy President of the Senate Kerryann Ifill said of Sir John: "His contributions in the Senate were always filled with wisdom and considerable value as he often took a view of proceedings which others did not. His presence in the chamber will be greatly missed."

Prominent lawyer and former minister Sir Henry Forde described Sir John's contribution in the sphere of business as "exceptional".

"He was a nation-builder in many respects, both in industry and in giving proper non-partisan guidance to how we should run our country," he added.

Sir John is survived by his wife Katherine Lady Goddard and five children - Geoffrey, Susan, Paula, Lynnette and Julie - as well as 16 grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

Sir John is the third Senator to have died in about two weeks. His death follows that of former senators Enid Lynch and Marjorie Blackman. (TY)

Source: www.nationnews.com

Back-N-Time Party - Bump 'N' Wine Cafe

Calling de LODGE SCHOOL MASSIVE this your boarding call to be at the Bump N Wine Cafe, Cavans Lane, Bridgetown on Friday night.

Back-N-Time Party will commence at 10:00 p.m. the Lodge Posse will face off against Harrison College on the dance floor old skool style.

Come on down and represent our school. If you can't dance then just lime and have a good time.

The Admission is $15.00 the bar will be solid like a rock. Wear your school apparel -crest or tie etc.

For further information contact:

Andre Clarke (246) 233-0121 or Ian Clarke (246) 235-0900