Former top public servant Erskine Griffith dies

Prime Minister Mia Mottley on Saturday paid tribute to Erskine Griffith, who has died, praising his legacy of public service and announcing that he will receive an official funeral.

Mottley said Griffith rose from humble beginnings to become one of Barbados’ most respected public servants. She said his career embodied the excellence, integrity and quiet devotion to duty that defined the public service in the years following Independence.

“His journey stands as a powerful reminder of what is possible for every Barbadian who is prepared to give of their best. In every role he held, Mr Griffith gave Barbados the fullness of his talent, his training and his character,” she said.

Griffith served as Director of Finance and Economic Affairs and later as Head of the Public Service until his retirement in 2000.

Before becoming Director of Finance and Economic Affairs, he served as Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Finance to six Ministers of Finance — Prime Ministers Tom Adams, Sir Harold St John, Errol Barrow, Sir Lloyd Sandford and Owen Arthur, as well as Sir Richard Haynes.

According to Mottley, he carried out his duties with professionalism and loyalty under both the Barbados Labour Party and the Democratic Labour Party, consistently placing country above party.

Griffith also served as Barbados’ first ambassador to the World Trade Organisation in Geneva and later returned home to serve as a government senator and Minister of Agriculture.

Mottley said Griffith’s readiness to serve “time and again” spoke volumes about his character.

“His service is an enduring example of the kind of integrity, humility and commitment we should all strive for, and of the standard we should expect when we encounter our public service,” she added.

Details of the official funeral will be announced by the Cabinet Office after consultations with his family.