Erskine Griffith, former Barbados public servant, dies

Barbados Prime Minister Mia Mottley has paid tribute to Erskine Griffith, a highly respected former public servant who has passed away. Griffith rose from humble beginnings to hold several senior positions, including Director of Finance and Economic Affairs and Head of the Public Service, a role he held until his retirement in 2000.

Throughout his career, Griffith served as Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Finance under six different Ministers of Finance, including Prime Ministers Tom Adams, Sir Harold St John, Errol Barrow, Sir Lloyd Sandford, and Owen Arthur. He also served as Barbados’ first ambassador to the World Trade Organization in Geneva and later as a government senator and Minister of Agriculture.

Prime Minister Mottley praised Griffith for his integrity, professionalism, and ability to serve both the Barbados Labour Party and the Democratic Labour Party with loyalty to the country. An official funeral will be announced by the Cabinet Office following consultations with his family.