Public farewell to Sir Henry Forde begins

Despite persistent, heavy downpours in the late afternoon on Thursday, citizens, friends, and family of former Attorney General and Minister of External Affairs, Sir Henry de Boulay Forde, gathered at the St Matthias Anglican Church in Christ Church to pay their respects and view the body before the official funeral service on Friday.

Sir Henry, who died on October 15 aged 91, is being remembered as a true Barbadian statesman who served in multiple capacities in government and business with honesty and integrity.

The view was shared across the political spectrum. Former Democratic Labour Party minister Stephen Lashley told Barbados TODAY that Sir Henry had been a significant source of advice and guidance throughout his career—from his early days as a young journalist to his professional journey as a lawyer.

He expressed deep gratitude for Sir Henry’s enduring mentorship.

“He was a mentor to many of us, and certainly, I think his passing will be felt not only within the legal fraternity but across the public life of Barbados. I sought his counsel on many occasions, and he was also one of the eminent attorneys who recommended me to the high office of senior counsel, which I now hold,” he said.

“His immense knowledge of the law will be missed, and I believe Sir Henry will go down in history as being among the greats who contributed nationally.”

Sir Henry’s official funeral at Christ Church Parish Church is set to begin at 10 a.m. He will be laid to rest at Coral Ridge Memorial Gardens.