St Kitts and Nevis: Official funeral for Washie this Friday

An official funeral will be held for George Washington Archibald this Friday.

Better known as Washie, the man of many talents – educator, social and political commentator, author, historian, and an editor and regular contributor to several newspapers in the federation – died on 20 June.

He was 83.

The funeral will be held at the Zion Moravian Church in Basseterre at 2pm.

It is anticipated that a large crowd will gather to pay their final respects.

Prime Minister Timothy Harris and his cabinet extended condolences to the family and friends of Archibald, noting that he "will best be remembered for his passion for helping adult learners and persons with learning disabilities."

Last week Denzil Douglas, leader of the opposition and a former prime minister of St Kitts and Nevis, said Archibad’s legacy in the field of education is testimony to all Kittitians and Nevisians who he tutored not only as a civil servant and principal but also as a private instructor.

“Thousands of persons with various skills, diplomas, degrees and professions are indebted to him,” said Douglas during his weekly radio programme on KYSS 102.5 FM.

Outstanding national

Born on 18 May 1934, Archibald served as a teacher and principal at various institutions before establishing The St Kitts Business College.

He later founded and ran Project Strong.

According to the St Kitts and Nevis Information Service, Washie played an integral role in the political tapestry of the country and often took to the airwaves in an effort to educate the nation on his social, economic and political views for the development of the federation.

In 2015, Archibald was one of seven outstanding nationals of St Kitts and Nevis who was conferred with the Independence Awards for his contribution to the development of the federation.

He was bestowed with the Companion Star of Merit award for his contribution to Education.

In 1998, the Basseterre Junior High School was upgraded to a high school and renamed Washington Archibald High School in his honour.