SIR FREDERICK GLADSTONE SMITH has passed. He was the only patron of the Barbados Consumers Research Organisation Inc. (BarCRO), dating back from our inception in 1998.
I happened to be by the Cheapside Post Office, where Sir Frederick had stopped to post some letters. I approached him and enquired if he would be willing to be the patron of our newly formed organisation.
Showing what an ordinary human being he was, in spite of the lofty positions he has held in private and public life, he actually seemed delighted that I had asked and simply replied that he would be happy to oblige.
What I shall always remember is how approachable someone of his eminence was and how he was able to put me at so much at ease.
When his memoirs are documented, it is highly possible that little or no mention will be made of what others think of his association with BarCRO. I feel if he were able to have his say on the matter, he would big us up, just to highlight the important work he understood us to be doing for our fellow human beings who were too timid to do for themselves.
On behalf of the members and other directors, I offer deepest condolences to his wife Lois Lady Smith, his children, grandchildren, other family and close friends.
May he rest in perpetual peace.
– REV. H. MALCOLM GIBBS-TAITT