The West India Committee (WIC) is pleased to announce the appointment of His Excellency Sir Rodney Williams, Governor General of Antigua and Barbuda, as its new President, effective October 31, 2024. Sir Rodney succeeds Sir David Rankin-Hunt, taking on the leadership of an organisation that has served the Caribbean for nearly 300 years, a press release said.
Established in 1735, the West India Committee is the oldest representative body of the Commonwealth and has played an enduring role in advocating for the welfare of Caribbean peoples. As the only Royal Charter institution of its kind, the Committee focuses on improving the lives of Caribbean communities through education, training, advocacy, disaster relief, and cultural preservation. Its recognition as a UNESCO Consulting NGO for Caribbean heritage and Small Island Developing Nations underscores its global significance.
His Excellency Sir Rodney Williams brings a wealth of experience to the role, coupled with an unwavering commitment to the Caribbean’s development. As Governor General, he has championed initiatives in education, heritage preservation, and international collaboration.
Reflecting on his new appointment, Sir Rodney stated: “The West India Committee has a rich history of resilience and advocacy. I am honoured to take on this role and continue the vital work of supporting Caribbean communities and addressing the challenges they face today and follow in the footsteps of former presidents, such as prominent Caribbean persons, including the late Sir Shridath Surendranath Ramphal, the longest serving Secretary General of the Commonwealth. I look forward to many years of service to this venerable charity whose work remains as relevant as ever.”
The West India Committee also recognises the extraordinary contributions of its Chief Executive Officer, Blondel Cluff CBE, who has served with distinction for over 14 years. Under her leadership, the organisation has achieved significant milestones, including advocating for interim compensation payments for victims of the UK Windrush Scandal, establishing Anguilla’s only maternity facility following Hurricane Irma, and leading educational and heritage programmes in both the Caribbean and the United Kingdom. Her dedication and vision have been transformative, and the Committee expresses profound gratitude for her outstanding service.
The West India Committee has a storied history of impactful initiatives that have shaped the Caribbean and the Commonwealth. From founding the Thames River Police in 1798, which became a global model for policing, to supporting the establishment of the University of the West Indies in response to regional educational needs, the committee’s legacy is unparalleled. It was also responsible for introducing breadfruit and mangoes to the Caribbean through Captain Bligh’s historic 1787 voyage on the HMS Bounty, addressing critical food security challenges of the time.
As Sir Rodney Williams assumes the presidency, the West India Committee reaffirms its commitment to advancing the welfare of Caribbean peoples, preserving their cultural heritage, and fostering resilience in the face of contemporary challenges. His leadership heralds a new chapter for the organisation, building on its remarkable legacy and ensuring its continued relevance in a rapidly changing world.
