Final respects paid to St Kitts-Nevis’ ‘Washie’ Archibald

Family, friends and members of the public have gathered in central Basseterre to bid farewell to public figure George Washington Archibald.

The federation stalwart died on 20 June aged 83.

Better known as Washie, his career crossed over from pioneering educator to social and political commentator, author and historian.

He was also an editor and regular contributor to several newspapers in the country.

He was afforded an official funeral last Friday, with Prime Minister Timothy Harris among the mourners.

The death of Archibald is “a colossal loss for the people of our country”, said Harris, who spoke at the Zion Moravian church service.

[caption id="attachment_3290" align="aligncenter" width="500"] Prime Minister Timothy Harris, left, with George Washington Archibald.[/caption]

The prime minister told the large crowd that the leadership spirit exhibited by the late George Washington Archibald is one that should be celebrated and emulated.

“The path he chose should be viewed as an inspiration for others who are yet to tread in his footsteps. His was a life well-lived: a life of service, selflessness, and enlightenment,” Harris added.

Life dedicated to St Kitts and Nevis

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.

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.

Speaking after the news of his death was announced, 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.

[caption id="attachment_1002" align="aligncenter" width="500"] Former prime minister and opposition leader Denzil Douglas.[/caption]

“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.

And at his funeral, Harris commented on the many roles Archibald held through his life.

“To his family, Washie was inter alia daddy, husband, brother, grandfather and uncle,” the prime minister said.

“To the countless individuals whom he offered a second chance through education at St Kitts Business College and later Project Strong, he was a mentor, a saviour, and a morale booster who taught them to value learning as a means of enlightenment, opportunity, mobility, self-improvement and success.

“To the students whom he taught at our various high schools he was a man who demystified subjects such as accounting and commerce, among other subject areas on which he lectured.

“To the persons who faithfully looked forward to his editorials and articles in our local newspapers – such as The Democrat, The Opron Star, the Labour Spokesman and The Observer – he was a social commentator who provided a fresh, different, thought-provoking, and often controversial perspective on the matters that were confronting our nation and citizens at that particular time in our history.”

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.