The President, Executive and members of the Democratic Labour Party, are deeply saddened by the passing of a stalwart of the DLP, Sir Frank Walton Alleyne.
Sir Frank is perhaps best known as an economist who contributed to the training and development of many of the region’s economists, and other graduates of the Cave Hill Campus of the University of the West Indies. He was an outstanding citizen, who recognised the importance of national service and thus gave freely of his time and talent for many years.
Typical of many of his generation, he was born of humble origins on 20 October 1938 to Beresford and Eulalie Alleyne. He received his primary education at the Christ Church Boys’ School and his secondary education at the Boys’ Foundation. His dedication to education and personal self-development saw him enrol at Erdiston and join the teaching profession.
In 1967 he graduated from the University of the West Indies (Barbados Campus) to pursue studies leading to the award of the Bachelor’s Degree, at the top of his class. He was then awarded post-graduate scholarships by the University of the West Indies, University of Miami, Coral Gables (USA), American Foundation Fellowship, and Ford Foundation. He was invited by Mr. Alister McIntyre (later Sir Alister), Director of the Institute of Social and Economic Research of the University of the West Indies, to join the research staff of the Institute in 1968, at the level of Research Assistant in the Monetary Studies Programme. He later became one of the first members of the academic staff of the Faculty of Social Sciences, Cave Hill Campus.
For thirty-six years he served in the University of the West Indies in many capacities, retiring in 2004 having attained the rank of a fully tenured Professor of Development Economics. He served on the Boards of many Statutory Corporations and non-governmental organizations. His service to the National Insurance Board and the Financial Services Commission will long be remembered.
He was awarded The Knight of St. Andrew, Barbados’ highest national honour, on 30 November 2012 in recognition of his outstanding contribution to education especially at the tertiary level and for his public service to the people of Barbados.
Sir Frank who is predeceased by his wife, Elvira, Lady Alleyne is survived by his four daughters Drs. Dawn, Franka, Shirley, and Nicole Alleyne.
To them, his grandchildren and other family members we offer our deepest condolences. His life was filled with many stellar achievements. He has earned a well-deserved rest. May he rest in peace.
