The Foundation aims to produce young leaders who grasp the importance of public service based on integrity, protection of the weak and the willingness to use their talents for the betterment of humankind. It will support scholars and programmes which promote the strengthening of West Indian society in the areas of social and cultural development through research, community service and intellectual excellence.

Sir Shridath Ramphal, UWI Chancellor Emeritus, has been named Chairman of the Foundation. Sir Shridath, who was Chancellor during Professor Nettleford’s term of office as Vice Chancellor, has made significant contributions to Caribbean development. Among his many public service roles, he served as Commonwealth Secretary-General from 1975 to 1990. His advocacy during his tenure as head of the Commonwealth Secretariat to end apartheid in South Africa is well known.

In his tribute on the passing of Professor Nettleford, Sir Shridath described him as “an incandescent eagle” because of the power and the flight of his vision.

“We shall not see his like again,” he said. “The best way he [Nettleford] can be memorialised is by Caribbean people living the values for which he stood.”