Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley has paid tribute to businessman Larry Tatem following his death, describing him as a “quiet builder” whose impact on Barbados was felt through years of dedicated service and business leadership.
In a statement issued today, Mottley said Barbados had lost a man whose contribution to national life was marked by “discipline, service and the steady creation of something lasting”.
Below is the full statement:
Barbados has lost one of those quiet builders whose contribution to national life was never measured by noise, profile or public attention, but by discipline, service and the steady creation of something lasting.
Mr Larry Tatem, who passed away this morning, was best known in the business community as the man behind Hotel Food Supplies Ltd., part of Lach Ltd., which has grown to become one of this country’s most important food importers.
Yet, for all that he built, Larry was never a man who sought the spotlight. Many Barbadians may not have known his face, but many would have felt the impact of his work through the hotels, restaurants, institutions and businesses that depended on the standards he helped to set.
Almost 40 years ago, Larry began Hotel Food Supplies with just a small warehouse in Paradise and about half a dozen employees. Through hard work, consistency and a deep understanding of service, he built that modest beginning into a major operation now based in Warrens Industrial Park.
That kind of growth does not happen by accident. It comes from knowing your business, respecting your customers, treating your word as your bond and doing the work day after day, without fanfare.
Larry also gave distinguished service to Barbados as Chairman of the Bridgetown Port from 1994 to 2008. During those 15 years, the Port grew, modernised and earned recognition, and once again, Larry served in the way he lived: quietly, seriously and effectively.
I also remember him as a proud old scholar of Christ Church Foundation School, and as a man with a deep and abiding love for cricket.
On behalf of the Government and people of Barbados, I extend sincere condolences to his family, his colleagues, his friends, the management and staff of Hotel Food Supplies Ltd., and all who mourn his passing.
May his soul rest in peace and rise in glory
