The UWI Remembers Professor Pedro Welch
25 February 2025
Renowned academic Professor Pedro Welch is being remembered by the leadership of The University of the West Indies and former colleagues as a fine scholar and treasured member of the History family after his sudden passing on Friday, February 21, 2025.
A dedicated educator and historian, Professor Welch served The University of the West Indies (The UWI) with distinction for over three decades. His colleagues and former students alike recall his humility, wisdom, and unwavering dedication to preserving and teaching Caribbean history.
Reflecting on his legacy, Vice-Chancellor of The UWI,
Professor Sir Hilary Beckles, stated:
"The passing of Professor Pedro Welch has left a significant void in the public service culture of Barbados and the region. The community of The University of the West Indies is particularly saddened by its loss of a fine scholar and senior member of the History family. His contributions have been wide-ranging, from Faculty leadership to Deputy Principal of the Cave Hill Campus. Civic society was honored to have his intervention, and the Barbados Museum and Historical Society especially will keenly experience his departure. In all his endeavours, he was committed to serving with dignity. His approach was always collegial. He embraced junior members in particular, and in this fashion, mentored many. I was proud to have been the supervisor of his doctoral studies and closely watched his rise to the rank of professor. We shall always miss his voice and vision. May his soul rest in peace."
Pro Vice-Chancellor and Principal of The UWI Cave Hill Campus, Professor R. Clive Landis, also paid tribute, saying:
"Pedro Welch’s death has come as a shock for the Cave Hill Campus, as a well-loved staff member who remained actively engaged in campus activities following retirement. Professor Welch was a valued member of a group of remarkable historians, past and present, who have bequeathed the vibrant History discipline that we find today. In an era when many universities are closing their History departments, the discipline at Cave Hill is thriving, thanks to outstanding academics like Pedro and a hunger from within society to learn our history.
"On a personal note, I wish to acknowledge the mentoring role Pedro played when I took over from him as Deputy Principal of the Cave Hill Campus in 2015. As Deputy Principal, with delegated responsibilities on student matters, I was able to witness first-hand the ethical and caring side of Professor Welch as a person deeply concerned with the health and welfare of students as a launching pad for their academic success.
"On behalf of the Cave Hill Campus community, I offer sincerest condolences to Professor Welch’s family and friends on their loss."
Dr. Henderson Carter, Senior Lecturer in the Department of History and Philosophy and former colleague, described Professor Welch’s contribution to Caribbean historiography as profound:
"Professor Emeritus Pedro Welch has made an indelible contribution to Barbadian historiography. His book
Slave Society in the City: Bridgetown, Barbados 1680 to 1834 is a ground-breaking study on slavery in Bridgetown and the commercial activities of free coloured men and women. Even after retirement from the university, he continued researching and writing, and at the time of his death, was the editor of the
Journal of the Barbados Museum and Historical Society, having succeeded Dr. Karl Watson in that role. He was always willing to deliver lectures and seminars and was on the cards to deliver the Department’s
Standpipe Stories lecture in St. Joseph in April 2025. The country has lost a scholar and a gentleman whose deep faith in God never wavered."
Professor Welch’s immense contribution to education and historical scholarship was also recognized by
Prime Minister of Barbados, The Honourable Mia Amor Mottley, S.C., M.P., who issued a statement reflecting on his impact:
"Professor Welch was genuinely a gentleman and scholar, a man with a passion for history, culture, and ensuring that as many Barbadians as possible cultivated a healthy understanding of, and respect for, our African heritage. … The former Deputy Principal of the Cave Hill Campus has departed this world at 74 years of age when many of us expected that he still had so much to contribute. His passing is certainly a reminder to me, and ought to be to all of us, that we should use every moment life affords in the pursuit of endeavours that make this world a better place for all we leave behind. Professor Welch certainly did, and the body of work he has left us, even for generations yet unborn, will cement his legacy as one to admire and emulate."
Professor Welch began his career at The UWI in 1982, serving in various academic and administrative roles throughout his tenure, including as Dean of the Faculty of Humanities and Education and Deputy Principal. He retired from the institution on August 1, 2015. He died at the age of 74 years.
The UWI extends heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and the entire academic community as we mourn the passing of a distinguished scholar, educator, and mentor.
May his soul rest in peace.
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