A steady flow of Barbadians filed past the casket of The Honourable Dr Jean Holder earlier today, as the body of the late Barbadian and Caribbean tourism and hospitality expert lay in repose at the Jean and Norma Holder Hospitality Institute and Hotel PomMarine.
The facility was renamed in June last year after Holder and his late wife Norma Holder who both worked extensively in the fields of culture, education, hospitality and tourism.
Scores of people representing that wide range of fields attended to say their final goodbyes.
The public viewing was organised and hosted by the Barbados Community College (BCC) and throughout the day graduates and students of the BCC’s Performing Arts Department rendered tributes in song and instrumental performances, under the supervision of the head of the department, Roger Gittens.
Interim chairman of the board of the BCC Professor Velma Newton gave brief remarks at the end of the public viewing, before the final prayers were said by Canon Noel Burke.
Newton told Nation News she was honoured that the BCC could have hosted the viewing “because of his enormous contribution to the development of tourism in Barbados and the region”. She also noted that Holder was a patron of the arts.
Newton’s remarks were echoed by principal of the Barbados Community College Annette Alleyne who also said it was fitting that the BCC’s staff, administration and board of management had come together and paid tribute to “an esteemed son of the soil who has made a great contribution to the tourism sector”. (GC)
Dr. Jean Holder was true leader, a fine example for our children and an ambassador of great repute for Barbados. His ease of dealing with people at all levels, kings or everyday folk, was noteworthy. He made everyone feel welcome. May he rest in peace.
I extend deepest condolences to his children and other family members.