UWI mourns human rights activist Sir Geoff Palmer

THE University of the West Indies has expressed sadness over the death of Jamaican-British academic and human rights activist Sir Geoff Palmer.
In a statement on June 20, UWI Vice-Chancellor Prof Hilary Beckles said Palmer died on June 12.
He described him as "a renowned Caribbean-origin scientist and a champion of human rights."
Beckles said, "Sir Geoff, the quintessential West Indian, was born in rural Jamaica and, in his teens, travelled to England, where he blossomed into an icon of the Windrush generation, becoming Scotland's first black professor in 1989."
Palmer, he continued, held a distinguished academic career at Heriot-Watt University, inventing the barley abrasion process and establishing the International Centre for Brewing and Distilling.
"Sir Geoff, synonymous with grain science technology, made significant contributions throughout his academic journey. His work on sorghum as a brewing material and food in Africa is particularly notable."
Beckles said, "However, we are particularly grateful for his role as a prominent advocate for human rights and equity."
He recalled Palmer speaking boldly on the side of truth and justice as he wrote extensively on the history of Scotland's connection to the enslavement of people of African origin in the Caribbean.
Beckles said Palmer "was awarded a Doctor of Science honoris causa in 2015 by the UWI, which lauded his stellar contributions."
He added after being knighted in 2014 for his services to human rights, science, and charity, "Sir Geoff distinguished himself as the chancellor of Heriot-Watt University from 2021 until his passing."
Beckles said Palmer's has a legacy that extends beyond his academic achievements.
"He has inspired countless students and colleagues with his passion for education and human rights. His work continues to have a lasting impact on the scientific community and beyond."
Comments
"UWI mourns human rights activist Sir Geoff Palmer"