On 5 September 2024, the Codrington Trust and USPG announced their eleven-member Steering Committee to govern and oversee Renewal and Reconciliation: The Codrington Project. The Steering Committee will provide guidance for the operation of the project, receiving and reviewing from the Executive Committee and making recommendations to the two trustee boards. They will work closely with and oversee the work of the two executive leads – Mr Kevin Farmer, the Codrington Trust and The Revd Dr Duncan Dormor, USPG.
Three independent members and two local community representatives will join three representatives from each of the trustee bodies. These independent members bring a wealth of expertise and international experience to the work.
Professor Sir Hilary Beckles a distinguished historian, international thought leader, activist and UN committee official. The Vice-Chancellor of the University of the West Indies and Chairman of the CARICOM Reparations Committee.
Dr Deborah L. Mack is the Associate Director for Strategic Partnerships at the National African American Museum of History and Culture, Washington DC. She has extensive experience of museum organisation and strategic planning and has advised on cultural and heritage tourism across the United States and internationally.
Dr Annalee Babb is the Ambassador-designate of Barbados to the United Arab Emirates. A digital impact strategist with 25 years of experience in technology development, media, innovation, investment and entrepreneurship, she has advised governments and was the founding CEO of Invest Barbados.
They will be joined by two community representatives Mr Antonio Roberts, is member of the St. John community, and Ms. Rosanna Springer, a nurse and local resident of the Codrington Tenantry area who will help to ensure that the project is responsive to the needs of the local community.
“I am thrilled that this committee is comprised of people with a balance of experience, youth, and talent. They are well equipped to capture, create and implement the needs of the community for this project to ensure that it is successful and sustainable”. Kevin Farmer, Executive Secretary, The Codrington Trust.
The representatives of the Codrington Trust on the Steering Committee are led by the Most Revd Dr Gregory Howard, the Archbishop of the Church of the Province of the West Indies and Bishop of Jamaica and include Ms Marva Howell, Ministry of Labour, Social Security and Third Sector (a government representative) and Canon Revd Dr Michael Clarke, Principal of Codrington College. The USPG members include the Chair of Trustees, The Rt Revd Dr David Walker, the Bishop of Manchester, Mr Peter Weinand, a former lawyer and the theologian and Canon Revd Dr Carlton Turner, a Bahamian Anglican who has published on Caribbean theology.
“I am profoundly grateful to all the members of our steering committee for the gifts of their time, expertise and commitment to this project. I am especially grateful to our independent members – Sir Hilary Beckles, Dr Annalee Babb and Dr Deborah Mack and look forward to their wisdom, insights and challenge as we embark on this important journey.” The Revd Dr Duncan Dormor, General Secretary/CEO, USPG.