The following tribute was paid to the late Dr Jean Holder by the Democratic Labour Party.
The Democratic Labour Party joins Barbados in mourning the transition of Dr Jean Holder, distinguished former Chairman of LIAT, author, chairman of the Barbados Tourism Authority, scholar and regionalist.
Dr Holder who was an early Barbados Scholar, completed his University studies in England and worked on behalf of the Government of Barbados at the time when the country was pursuing Independence.
He became a fervent supporter, and Chairman of LIAT, the regional airline and penned a book Don’t Burn Our Bridges: The Case for Owning Airlines.
Holder served as Secretary General of the Caribbean Tourism Research and Development Centre and the Caribbean Tourism Organisation.
The Oxford scholar also published a book on the life of the late Rt Honourable Errol Walton Barrow.
Many are unaware of his role as a member of the group which started the National Independence Festival of Creative Arts (NIFCA), or his Chairmanship of the board of The Barbados Dance Theatre Company with which he also performed at the highest level.
In his later years Dr Holder was advisor to the Government of Barbados, and was a much sought after authority by CARICOM in relation to providing expert advice on air services agreements.
Those who had the privilege of knowing this consummate Caribbean public servant, knew of his shining character, engaging personality and his love of his immediate and wider Barbadian family circle.
His late wife, former Principal of the Barbados Community College, and his sister, a stalwart of the Modern High School also made significant contributions to our native land.
His was a life lived in service of the Caribbean.
The Officers and Members of the Democratic Labour party extend deepest sympathy to his daughters Jeanette and Caroline as well as his wider family.
May his soul Rest in Peace. (PR)
