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Hugh Sealy remembered as an International Icon

01 April 2022

 
Colleague scientists and co-workers among many others are remembering late lecturer in climate change Dr. Hugh Sealy as an international icon in climate change matters, a consummate and tireless advocate, a cherished associate and a remarkable scholar who epitomized the academic refrain of local action, global impact. He died on Friday, March 18 at age 59. Tributes have already been led by Prime Minister of Barbados, Mia Amor Mottley and The University of the West Indies leadership.
 
Dr. Sealy lectured in the Centre for Resource Management and Environmental Studies (CERMES) at The UWI, Cave Hill campus where he held responsibility for four climate change streams: climate dynamics and modelling; climate change impacts: mitigation and adaptation; policy response to climate change; and disaster and resilience in       Caribbean tourism.
 
Though he formally joined The UWI staff on February 1, 2019, he had enjoyed a much longer association with the institution, having lectured at Cave Hill as early as 1994. He also taught and coordinated courses in the water resources management specialisation in addition to supervising both climate change and water resources student research projects, including MSc and PhD students. His contribution to a proposed MSc in Sustainable Energy Management was significant.
 
Acknowledging Dr. Sealy’s outstanding local and international contribution and profile, Principal of Cave Hill Professor Clive Landis said: “The Campus community is deeply saddened at Hugh’s sudden passing. Hugh was in his prime as an academic, coordinating a teaching programme in CERMES, publishing and obtaining grants at international level, while sharing his vast store of research and technical knowledge for the good of Barbados and small island developing states worldwide. Hugh was the epitome of a good UWI scholar, using his research and expertise to solve problems and add value to society.”
 
CERMES, in a statement, described Dr. Sealy’s passing as “an inestimable loss” to its staff and students as well as its many regional and international partner organisations; while noting his governmental designation as Barbados Special Envoy for Climate Change, service as all-round environmental advisor to the Prime Minister and leadership of several significant internationally funded projects,   
 
“[We acknowledge] with deep sorrow and a huge sense of loss the passing of … our colleague and leader of climate change education, research, and advisory services at CERMES. During his many years with CERMES as a guest lecturer, and lately as a full-time staff member, Dr. Sealy made an invaluable contribution to CERMES and The UWI.” 
 
Dr. Patrick McConney, a longtime associate and former Director of CERMES added: “Hugh had a life well-lived and a commitment to the Caribbean that will continue to inspire those who knew him, and the region, to act and not just think with confident creativity. His legacy will not be forgotten.”
 
Deputy Principal Professor Winston Moore noted the “joy and passion for his field” with which Dr. Sealy joined the Cave Hill community.
 
“I always enjoyed interacting with him and speaking about our common interest in the area of climate change,” said Prof Moore, an economist. “He also made valuable contributions to the Campus' Renewable Energy Committee. In moments like these, however, I remember the individual: his laugh and passion were infectious.”
 
Former Campus Principal Professor Emerita Eudine Barriteau while expressing condolences to his family and friends, said Dr. Sealy proved to be a very valuable and generous colleague from the time he joined The UWI.
 
“An expert in his field, he immediately started sharing his expertise in climate adaptation and environmental science with the UWI community, the Barbados Government, Caricom and internationally. He provided the campus’ senior management with solid advice on the deepening of the extensive ongoing work of CERMES.” 
 
Dr. Sealy had a background in chemical engineering but his true interest and immense knowledge lay in climate change, water and sanitation, sustainable energy management, and general environmental and sustainable development, especially in relation to Caribbean and other Small Island Developing States.
 
Dr. Jeanese Badenock, Dean of the Faculty of Science and Technology, CERMES’ parent faculty, sees Dr. Sealy’s passing as “a significant loss” for that department, The UWI, Barbados and the region. “Personally, the presentation of his experiences at the COP26 summit and his contribution to this year’s Faculty Week held at the beginning of this month, stand out as recent interactions with him,” she added.
 
Current Director of CERMES, Dr. David Yawson said his Dr. Sealy was cherished by both his students and colleagues, and will be fondly missed for his vivacious character, his deep passion for Barbados and ever-present sense of humour.
 
“He taught from experience and deeply engaged with his students. He was a tireless worker ever ready to put his expertise to the service of CERMES, The UWI, Government of Barbados, the Caribbean, and Small Island Developing States. This made him an international icon in climate change matters, especially regarding SIDS negotiations for global action. Without doubt, he contributed to the extension of the solid reputation of CERMES and the UWI. The staff, students, alumni, and friends of CERMES are deeply broken by the loss but thankful for his service and collegiality. We extend our collective condolences to the family and friends of Dr. Hugh Sealy. We will always remember him. May his gallant soul rest in peace!”
 
Professor Landis has extended condolences on behalf of the campus to the family and friends of Dr. Sealy. Condolence books are available for signature in the lobby of the Leslie Robinson Building and that of the Hilary McDonald Beckles Administration Complex. Tributes may also be forwarded to cermes@cavehill.uwi.edu or marcomms@cavehill.uwi.edu.
 

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