Denys Williams facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
The Honourable Sir
Denys Williams,
KCMG GCM
|
|
|---|---|
| Acting Governor-General of Barbados | |
| In office 19 December 1995 – 1 June 1996 |
|
| Monarch | Elizabeth II |
| Prime Minister | Owen Arthur |
| Preceded by | Nita Barrow |
| Succeeded by | Clifford Husbands |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 12 October 1929 British Windward Islands (present day Barbados) |
| Died | 7 August 2014 (aged 84) Bridgetown, Barbados |
| Spouse | Carmel Williams |
Sir Denys Ambrose Williams (1929–2014) was a very important judge in Barbados. He held the top legal position as the Chief Justice of Barbados. Sir Denys also served as the acting Governor-General of Barbados from December 1995 to June 1996.
Contents
Sir Denys Williams: A Life of Service
Early Life and School Days
Denys Ambrose Williams was born in Barbados on October 12, 1929. He grew up in a big family with nine brothers and sisters. He went to two well-known schools in Barbados: Combermere School and Harrison College. In 1949, he won a special scholarship called the Barbados Scholarship. This allowed him to study law at Oxford University in England. After his studies, he became a lawyer at the Middle Temple.
A Career in Law and Leadership
After finishing his studies, Sir Denys returned to the West Indies. He worked for a while in Trinidad. In 1955, he came back to Barbados and became a Magistrate. This is a type of judge who handles smaller legal cases.
Sir Denys played a key role in Barbados' history. As the Chief Parliamentary Counsel, he worked with Sir Roy Marshall to write the Constitution of Barbados. This important document set up the rules for how Barbados would be governed. He did this before Barbados became independent in 1966. He also went to London with the first Prime Minister, Errol Barrow, for the independence talks.
In 1966, Denys Williams became a judge. He was only 37 years old, making him the youngest judge in the Commonwealth at that time. Later, he became the Chief Justice of Barbados. This is the highest judicial position in the country.
Queen Elizabeth II recognized his great work. In 1987, she awarded him a knighthood. This meant he could use "Sir" before his name, showing how much his country valued him.
From 1995 to 1996, Sir Denys served as the acting Governor-General of Barbados. This is the Queen's representative in Barbados. He retired as Chief Justice on October 10, 2001. By then, he had been a judge for 34 years, making him one of the longest-serving judges in the Commonwealth.
Sir Denys also had other important roles. He was an honorary member of the Canadian Bar. He also served as a Commissioner for the National Insurance Scheme in Barbados. He was a member of the Rotary Club of Barbados and was the Chief Scout for the Boys Scouts of Barbados for many years. In 2012, he was made an Honorary Chief Scout, along with former Governor-General Sir Clifford Husbands.
Family Life
Sir Denys was married to Carmel, Lady Williams. They had six children: Denise, Fiona, Shaun, Clare, Roslyn, and Simon. They also had five grandchildren.
Sir Denys Ambrose Williams passed away on August 7, 2014, at his home in Barbados. He was 84 years old. He was buried at the Coral Ridge Memorial Gardens in Barbados on August 13, 2014.
Awards and Honors
Sir Denys Williams received several important awards for his service:
- He was given the Gold Crown of Merit (GCM).
- He was made a Knight Bachelor in 1987.
- He received the Knight Commander of the Order of St. Michael and St. George (KCMG) in 1993.
