His Excellency Sir Rodney Williams GCMG, KGN, KSt.J, DSc, DMSc, PhD(hc), MBBS, FCAMA, Governor-General of Antigua and Barbuda and President of the West India Committee, delivered the keynote address at a Fundraising Reception hosted by The Rt Hon The Lord Mayor at Mansion House in support of the West India Committee.
The evening brought together members of the diplomatic corps, business leaders, and representatives of the City of London and the Caribbean community to celebrate the Committee’s historic ties with the City and to strengthen future collaboration.
In his remarks, His Excellency described the occasion as the Committee’s symbolic “return home” to the City of London, where it was founded in 1735. He reflected on its historic achievements, including its pioneering role in 1798 in creating preventative policing, leading to the establishment of the Thames Police, the world’s oldest serving police force still in operation beside the City of London.
Sir Rodney commended the Committee’s enduring commitment to public service, humanitarian aid, and education, noting that its “spirit of innovation continues to guide its work today.”
In recognition of their support, The Rt Hon The Lord Mayor and the Lady Mayoress were each presented with Honorary Life Fellowships of the West India Committee, conferred by Sir Rodney Williams.
With characteristic warmth, Sir Rodney joked that the honour made them “honorary West Indians, complete with all the warmth, rhythm, and sunshine that title implies,” adding humorously that their calypso rhythm and steel pan skills might be tested next time.
The Governor-General expressed appreciation for His Majesty The King’s continuing interest in the work of the West India Committee, both in the City and the Caribbean. He referenced the upcoming Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) to be held in Antigua and Barbuda in 2026, expressing hope that “the King will recognise the work we all do together in London for the Caribbean Community during these unsettled times.”
He also highlighted the ongoing partnership between London and the Caribbean, describing it as “a family affair” grounded in mutual service and shared values of service, sustainability, and solidarity.
Sir Rodney commended Mrs. Blondel Cluff CBE, DL, Chief Executive and Secretary-General of the West India Committee, recently reappointed as Anguilla’s Representative, for her fifteen years of dedicated leadership.
He also praised Mr. David Wells, Charity Secretary, for his stewardship of the Committee’s UNESCO-inscribed “Memory of the World” collection and archive, and acknowledged the members of the Board for their “decades of leadership across the UK and the Caribbean.”
Gratitude was extended to Mr. Algy Cluff, representing The Remembrance Trust, whose generosity restored the memorial gates at Shirley Heights within Antigua’s UNESCO World Heritage Site, Nelson’s Dockyard. Sir Rodney noted the symbolism of the gates as “a meaningful testament to the United Kingdom’s enduring support for the Caribbean,” adding that His Majesty may view them during CHOGM. The Trust’s patron is Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal.
During the evening, two individuals were presented with certificates recognizing their successful completion of a course affiliated with the West India Committee, underscoring the charity’s ongoing commitment to training and education.
In closing, the Governor-General encouraged renewed partnership and generosity, calling on guests to continue supporting the Committee’s mission:
“This evening is not only about looking back at three centuries of achievement but looking forward to a renewed era of partnership between the City of London and the Caribbean.”
“May the West India Committee continue to light the path between our islands and this great City for generations to come,” he said.
The event was chaired by Mr. David Wells, Charity Secretary of the West India Committee, and also featured an address by The Rt Hon The Lord Mayor of London.
Photograph attached features the Governor General, His Excellency Sir Rodney Williams (centre)
About the West India Committee
Founded in 1735, the West India Committee is one of Britain’s oldest charitable institutions. It has played a historic role in public service, trade, education, and humanitarian support between the Caribbean and the United Kingdom. Its library and archive, inscribed by UNESCO as part of the Memory of the World Register, remain a vital resource for research and cultural heritage.
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