Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley has paid tribute to Sir Stephen Errol Emtage, describing the former public servant as an exemplary national servant whose contributions helped shape Barbados’ economic development.
Sir Stephen, 88, died at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital yesterday.
Below is the full statement:
In the midst of the sadness of this moment, as we come to terms with the passing of Sir Stephen Errol Emtage at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital yesterday, I am deeply comforted by the profound sense of gratitude our nation must feel for this exemplary former public servant.
Sir Stephen was born in one of the most turbulent and nation-changing years of Barbados’ modern history — 1937, the year of the rebellion that will forever mark our national story. In many ways, this son of that rebellion grew into a man who would help reshape Barbados’ economic path and steward a vulnerable economy in the challenging years of post-Independence Barbados.
In fact, his service to the Errol Barrow, Tom Adams and Bernard St. John administrations, in particular, underlined by his pivotal role in the establishment and early guidance of the Central Bank of Barbados, will remain trademarks of his stoutly non-partisan and indispensable service to country. Sir Stephen provided similar yeoman service to the region as part of the effort that resulted in the creation of the Caribbean Development Bank.
After attending Harrison College and being awarded a Barbados Scholarship followed by a Commonwealth Fellowship, he pursued studies at the London School of Economics and the University of London. True to his commitment to country, he returned home and in 1962 took up an appointment as an economist in the Economic Planning Unit of the Ministry of Finance.
Thus began a long, dedicated and fruitful career in the Public Service, with appointments that included Director of the Economic Planning Unit and later Director of Finance and Planning in the Ministry of Finance and Planning.
Over more than a quarter of a century, Sir Stephen distinguished himself not only by his intellect and professional skill, but by a civility, humility and kindness that so often elude those who serve at such high levels. He treated colleagues and counterparts with respect and patience, and in so doing, left an example of public service that continues to inspire.
When he left the Public Service, it was not to step away from service to Barbados, but to continue it in another form through the private sector. His expertise was called upon first as a vice-president at Life of Barbados, and subsequently in directorships at Life of Barbados, Barbados Fire and Commercial Insurance, the Central Bank of Barbados, Barbados Tourism Investment Inc., the Caribbean Development Bank and Cable & Wireless, among others.
In recognition of his outstanding contribution to national development, he was conferred with the country’s highest honour, Knight of St. Andrew, in 1999.
It is now almost four decades since Sir Stephen left the Public Service, yet his calm, measured and orderly way of doing business, and his genuine respect for all with whom he worked, live on in the culture of our institutions and in the memories of those who had the privilege of knowing him.
On behalf of the Government and people of Barbados, I extend heartfelt and sincere condolences to his widow Lady Emtage, son Allan, daughter Karen, grandson Tristan and all other members of his family. We share in your grief, and we give thanks for a life so well lived in the service of our nation.
May his soul rest in peace and rise in glory.
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