As Barbados says goodbye to Sir Henry de Boulay Forde K.A., B.C.H. S.C. in an Official Funeral on Friday, 1 November 2024, Commissioners and staff of the Law Reform Commission (the Commission) are especially saddened.
When the Law Revision and Law Reform Act 2019 was proclaimed on 31 March 2019 for the purpose of promoting the reform of the law, Sir Henry was named as one of the Commissioners.
Sir Henry’s appointment was entirely appropriate since he was undoubtedly the greatest law reformer in the history of Barbados. It was he who gave vision, meaning and impetus to law reform when he served as Attorney-General of Barbados (1976-1981). Elsewhere, Sir Henry’s vast and extraordinary contributions in many spheres, to the development of Barbados, have been chronicled. The Commission does not repeat that distinguished record here.
However, the Commission wishes to place on public record the outstanding contributions that Sir Henry made to the work of the Commission until 1 September 2023 when ill health forced his resignation from the Commission. Throughout his tenure, Sir Henry brought to bear on the deliberations of the Commission, quiet, dignified and thoughtful insights.
Always, those insights were the product of a sharp intellect buttressed by unmatched expertise and experience, essential attributes to the work of the Commission. Always, those insights were offered with obvious humility. His service on the Commission will be sadly missed but the Commission is content that it was the beneficiary for four years of the talents of one of Barbados’ greatest sons.
The Commission, although saddened by Sir Henry’s passing, is nevertheless comforted to note that, during his lifetime and in his presence, the former Supreme Court Complex at Coleridge Street was fittingly renamed in his honour in November 2022.
To Lady Cheryl Forde and Sir Henry’s sorrowing and surviving relatives, the Commission tenders its sincerest condolences. May he Rest in Peace!
Sir David A.C. Simmons K.A., B.C.H.
Chairman, Law Reform Commission