Sir Richard Cheltenham: A Lasting Legacy

Many distinguished tributes will be paid to the Barbadian icon, Sir Charles Othniel Williams, Kt. but it is important to remember the man as much as his legacy.

Born on 24th November, 1932 at Ashford Plantation, St. John to Lilian and John Williams, “COW”, as he is known to friend and foe alike, would go on to become one of the greatest Barbadians of his generation. I have had the privilege and pleasure of knowing him at close range, both professionally and personally, for almost 40 years. He has been a valued client and great friend.

Sir Charles’ earliest upbringing proved formative of the man. He was born into humble circumstances and his earliest memories were of financial struggle. He grew up with a single pair of shoes and from time to time would walk to school barefoot. His parents set him the best example of hard and enterprising work and it is one which he followed his entire life. By sheer dint of effort and determination, a boy who went to school barefoot some days, was able to become the single largest private landowner in the country. But his humility never left him. Perpetually dressed in a C.O. Williams shirt, tan slacks and boaters, Sir Charles greeted everyone he came across with the same good manners and charm.

Much of our built environment was constructed by C.O. Williams Construction Limited – the company which Sir Charles founded, was the face of and spearheaded for over 50 years. He built many of our major roads, including the Spring Garden Highway. His road-building was at the core of his business for decades and he is responsible for constructing roads and harbours across the Caribbean, including in St. Lucia, Antigua, Dominica, Bahamas and other places. At home, too, he conceived of and carried out many of our exclusive residential development projects – Port St. Charles, Apes Hill, and Millennium Heights. For good reason, his work is well-known throughout the region.

But as a country boy at heart, Sir Charles loved the land and was also deeply involved in agriculture. In fact, while I was Minister of Agriculture I first knew him as a Director of Barbados Dairies. He did not have small passions. Everything he did, he did with considerable drive, single-minded focus and extraordinary ability. For many years, he made an indelible contribution to our agricultural sector and to Pine Hill Dairies, as one of our biggest dairy farmers.

He combined passion with vision. With his brother, Ralph “Bizzy” Williams, he had a long and successful partnership. Together, they built the group of companies known as Williams Industries. On many occasions, Sir Charles described “Bizzy” as the best brother a man could ask for. To the end Bizzy remained one of his greatest supports and comforts.

Sir Charles was rarely at rest. His was a vibrant and, at times, an impatient personality. He was not at all detailed-oriented but, recognising this, surrounded himself with competent people who handled these matters.

He was energised by hard work of all kinds and rigorous sporting activity. His interest in sport ranged from polo to horse-racing to sailing to fishing. Through his passion he brought polo as an organised sport to Barbados in a big way, paving the way for ‘polo season’ which brought a lot of high-end visitors. That such a small country has 4 polo fields is due in large measure to Sir Charles.

Sir Charles was a devoted patriot. Much of the work he did was public work. Even if he was not paid in full or at all, Sir Charles kept going. His view was that he would do it for Barbados, and always to the highest standard. He left Barbados a better place than he was born into. Country was at the heart of much of his life and he was a great ambassador for Barbados wherever he went.

I am pleased that we saw each other frequently this year and I had the pleasure of lunching with him only a few weeks ago. I enjoyed his company tremendously. As two country boys, for many years we spoke at 5 am. He would call me up with the greeting “Morning Gunner!” I have no real interest in horse-racing but whenever he invited me, I would try to attend. In recent times, he had no horse of his own in the race but many of the contenders were horses which he had proudly bred. He was thrilled whenever he had a winner.

I will miss my friend. But I take comfort knowing that he is free from toil and care. I am comforted, too, knowing that as a devout God-fearing man Sir Charles is welcomed by his maker. My wife, Colleen, Lady Cheltenham, and I express our sincerest condolences to Lady Williams, his children, Stephen, Charmaine and Teddy, to ‘Bizzy’ and the extended Williams family, as well as to his innumerable friends and colleagues. Barbadians who knew him, will mourn his passing and those yet unborn will be inspired by his achievements and his dedication to country.

May the earth rest lightly upon him.

Sir Richard L. Cheltenham, K.A., Q.C., Ph.D.