Distinguished Caribbean historian and academic Sir Roy Augier died on Sunday just over a month after marking his 100th birthday.

His passing plunged the Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC) into mourning as he was an inspirational figure in the founding of the regional entity which he served as chairman between 1986 and 1996.

“We have lost a visionary and pioneer who recognised the importance of a regional examination system,” CXC Registrar and Chief Executive Officer Dr Wayne Wesley said in a statement on Monday.

“His leadership and governance oversight inspired the work and ingenuity of succeeding leaders and staff to establish the CXC as the pre-eminent standard for secondary certification in the Caribbean, while achieving global relevance and broad international recognition and acceptance of CXC-issued certification,” Dr Wesley added.

The statement noted that Sir Roy represented The University of the West Indies (The UWI) at the inaugural meeting of the CXC in 1973. He also served on various governance committees until 2017.

Born Fitzroy Richard Augier on December 17, 1924, in St Lucia, he was appointed junior research fellow at The UWI’s Institute of Social and Economic Research in 1954.

He was dean of the Faculty of Arts and General Studies from 1967 to 1972, acting principal of The UWI’s Cave Hill campus, in Barbados and pro vice-chancellor from 1972 to 1990.

Over the years, Sir Roy became an influential figure in the administration of the UWI and was named professor emeritus.

He co-authored a number of texts in Caribbean history, including The Making of the West Indies (1960),
The Report on the Rastafarian Movement (1961), and Sources of West Indian History (1962).

Throughout his time at The UWI, many students benefited from his informative lectures on Caribbean history.

Having served on archive committees in Jamaica and initiated the establishment of the Barbados Archives Sir Roy was recognised by the International Council of Archives for his contribution to regional archival development.

He also received awards from the Institute of Jamaica in 1996 and 2003, and was knighted for his contribution to education in St Lucia.

In its tribute on Monday, CXC said it remains eternally grateful for his amazing legacy and extended heartfelt condolence to his “family, loved ones, and… his many students who held him in high regard”.