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