amory j. n. phillips - a special tribute

16-PAGE SPECIALWEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 26, 2011.

M I D W E E K

BACK IN 1973, Amory Phillips wasworking at Plantations Limited’sSpeightstown depot when he received acall from businessman Rawle Brancker,who told him about a project which hadbeen designed to assist cricketers of theday.

The suggestion was for them to becomelumber retailers. A group of Jamaicaninvestors involved in the wholesaling oflumber wanted to extend their operationsof their lumber company throughout theCaribbean. They wanted a company intowhich the region’s international cricketerscould invest and enjoy financial returnsafter their retirement.

On one anniversary of the BarbadosLumber Company, the late Phillips toldthe interviewer: “He (Brancker) told methat he was anxious for an answer becausehe didn’t want to miss the opportunity. Icalled him back and told him about an ideaI had already formulated which was alongthe same lines, so it was not difficult forme to tell him ‘yes’ and contribute.”

Apart from Brancker, the othercricketers who took up the offer wereCharlie Griffith and Peter Lashley.

Though the enterprise had originatedwith a group of Jamaican and Barbadianbusinessmen, a number of the localcricketers that Phillips thought wouldcome on board, showed no interest and hewent ahead without them.

“We had to go ahead with other personswho felt that here was an occasion whenblack people could come together and

establish a business in Barbados that, up tothat time, was controlled by persons otherthan our kind,” Phillips said.

The Jamaican group reportedly put upthe first set of money to start the company,paying 51 per cent of the shareholding upfront, while allowing their Barbadiancounterparts to pay for their shares over areasonable period of time.

Key Homes Barbados Limited, thecompany that the group set up, was meantto be involved in the construction ofhomes, and Phillips recalled the initial fearhe had going into the venture. “… fear thatthere may have been persons involved inthe business who, because of the structurewithin Barbados’ business at the time,were using those safeguards preventingother persons from getting involved in thelumber business”.

There were obstacles which Phillips andhis team overcame and which served as anindicator that his company’s focus andcommitment ought to be to the working

class Barbadian.“We had to rely on the lower income

end of the market in terms of housing, tosupport this company,” Phillips told theinterviewer, adding, “They came in largenumbers …. We were not fortunate to getany of the contract business in those daysand had to rely on the support of alternategovernments.”

When the Jamaican investors in thecompany, attracted by another investmentopportunity here, offered to sell theirshares to the Barbadian shareholders at aprice which the Barbadians consideredway beyond their capacity, Phillips saidduring the company’s 25th anniversarycelebrations: “We found three friendsabroad who assisted us by way of buying apercentage of the shares and the existingshareholders had to make arrangementswith their banks and insurance companies

in an effort to raise the money to purchasethose shares.”

Amory Phillips rose to be chairman ofthe Barbados Lumber Company, steeringit through challenging times.

The period of “serious planning” whichhe instituted when the competition fromothers in similar businesses became fierce,resulted in his company being able to staythe course in the face of challenges to itssurvival.

He had on one occasion discussed theimportance of instituting a new guard,explaining: “The (new) guard is a goodguard. The ones coming up are competent,confident, and understand the way ahead.I’d like to hope that there will be noconsideration of a closure of this business.”

When Phillips died on October 6, after aprolonged illness, every indication was hiscompany would surely continue.

AMORY PHILLIPS – A SPECIAL TRIBUTE.WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 26, 2011. 2

AT LEFT: Amory Phillips greeting his first customer Eugenie Nichols in 1973. Above: 15 years on, 1988, Phillips celebrates Nichols’ loyal patronage duringthe company’s Open Day, presenting her with a gift. (FPs)

acumen, his generosity and fairness, hisgraciousness, and his calm demeanour.”

In 1986 Amory was appointed a Senatorand continued to serve until 1994. Hemade his maiden speech at the thirdmeeting he attended on the February 11,1987. The debate was concerned with thepurchase by the crown of a piece of land atFour Square, St Philip, for the constructionof a fire station.

On this and other occasions his speechesreflected his expertise with regard toconstruction. For example, he urged thatthe government’s housing policy shouldencourage the building of stone rather thanwood houses. Again, referring to the use of iron bars on windows (March 11,1987):“Very often, Sir, you find yourself in a sort of prison situation from which there is no exit.”

Phillips had a progressive view aboutthe activity of wayside vendors: “Thesepeople have an initiative and a kind ofunderstanding as to how their businessesshould succeed. You would note, Sir,that they place themselves in strategicpositions. In other words, they seem tomake a market analysis as to the vehicularflow, the pedestrian flow and all the thingsrelated to their time of business.” Amory went on to encourage thegovernment to provide lay-bys toencourage “these small businesses.”

In seeking to promote entrepreneurship,and assistance to aspiring business ownersAmory pointed to the significant role of theBarbados Development Bank. He linkedthis to the annual Wood-WorkingCompetition and Exhibition the BarbadosLumber Company sponsored, andwondered what happened to the talent itshowed year after year.

He said “a good artisan is not alwaysbest at managing resources”. The SkillsTraining Programme and the DevelopmentBank should be more active in assistingwith the preparation of businessdevelopment plans and technical guidance.Amory was able to put some of hisrecommendations into practice during thesix years he was Chairman of the Board ofthe Barbados National Bank (BNB).

In its tribute in THE NATION ofOctober 13 the BNB noted that “hisleadership positioned the bank for itseventual transition from state to majorityprivate ownership.”

Amory threw himself into horse racingwith great enthusiasm. He often went tothe Garrison to view the morning practiceruns. He established smooth relationshipswith all within the racing fraternityranging from stable hands to grooms,trainers, to officials and owners.

In a published tribute in the BarbadosAdvocate of October 14, Sir David Seale,current president of the Barbados TurfClub drew attention to the following:“Amory was for many years President,

Chief Steward and a Director of the Club.History will reveal that it was underAmory’s Presidency that the Club andsport of horse racing made spectacularprogress. . . . Amory Phillips loved horseracing and was a fixture at the Garrison . . .His easy-going style endeared him to all hecame into contact with. The sport of racingwill miss a true friend.”

As with most owners, Amory’s racingsuccesses were spotty. Adding a secondstring to his bow, he decided to establishThe Cove Stud Farm. This ventureproduced a slightly greater success.Senator Dr Carl Clarke commented thatthese ventures “demonstrated to youngBarbadians that the only doors closed toyou are the doors you close yourself”.

Amory’s success in public life wasrecognized in 1992 when he was honouredwith the award of the Gold Crown of Merit(GCM). This award was presented by theGovernor-General, the late Dame NitaBarrow, at Government House. FellowSenators heaped praises upon him. SenatorCarmeta Fraser said: “Up front in pushingarts and crafts, interested in young peopleand senior citizens. Debating in schoolswas his brainchild . . . loves Barbados witha passion.”

Senator Tyrone Barker referred to himas: “a man of integrity without bitterness . . . without rancour.”

Senator Maizie Barker-Welch insistedthat with Amory one could always expect:“a certain amount of quiet calmness that isso lacking in today’s frenzied world.”Senator Anderson Morrison found thatAmory was “the silent mover behind allthings good and beautiful”.

It is often said that if you wantsomething done, you must ask a busyperson. This was certainly true of Amory.Despite his busy schedule he always hadtime for his family. His children (Franz,Shelley Kay and Imran), his grand-children(Krystal, Chanel, Rena and Jaedyn), andhis great grandchild (Alex) all have happymemories of fun times with him.

Also, he was particularly pleased to host(along with his brothers Vin and Tony, andhis daughter-in-law Ingred) celebrations athis home in honour of his mother’sbirthdays leading up to her century.Similarly, functions were held from time totime to welcome visiting cousins, otherrelatives, and friends.

It seems appropriate at this time toextend heartfelt sympathy andcondolences to the family of the late Sir

Marcus Jordan, who was President of theSenate during Amory’s tenure.

Amory James Navarro Phillips died athis residence, Cove House, on October 6,2011 after a long illness. He leaves tomourn his immediate and extendedfamily, and a multitude of friends.

Indeed, he lived a full life.May he rest in peace.


• From .

RECEIVING his Gold Crown of Merit forhis contribution to business, sport andpublic service from the late Dame NitaBarrow. (FP)

FRANZ PHILLIPS and hislate father may have haddiverse business interests,but the common bond wasthe love and admirationshared between father and son.

Paying tribute to “dad”Franz said “I never lackedfor anything . . . he was agood father”

The owner of FranzPhillips ConstructionCompany Limited said: “Ihave been doing my ownthing for about 20 yearsnow and I was never reallyinvolved in his (father’s)business. I was into musicand music and lumberdon’t go together.” Herecalls his father’s effortsto get him involved in thebusiness, even giving himshares.

“Daddy was all takenup with his busines, hishorses and so on, weowned a horse, CareHagen, together. He triedto get me interested, but Iwas not”, and he isgrateful his fatherrespected that.

However, now thatAmory Phillips is gone,Franz expresses someregret that he did notaccede to his father’spersausion and take agreater interest in thelumber business whichAmory Phillips hadworked so hard to build.

He however treasuresthose times he went to thecompany and did odd jobsduring his school vacation.

“I was with my fatherfrom the beginning of hissickness to the end, and Iknew that one day itwould come to an end.

“I always used to say tomyself I would rally to theend, because there wasnever a day that I wenthungry. I always got what Iwanted, there was nothingthat I asked for that he didnot give me.

“When I wanted to be aDJ he helped me too.”

These are treasuredmemories for Franz, whowas inspired by hisfather’s drive and abusiness acumen, which hestrives to apply to his ownbusiness.

Phillips’ daughter, Kay, wrote in tribute to herfather: “Daddy was kindand generous, warm andfriendly, and always hadtime for all who wanted totalk to him. He neverjudged anyone irrespectiveof background or positionheld. He treated everyoneequally and fairly. Hecared about his workcolleagues, associates,friends and his childrenespecially.

“He often imparted hiswisdom, giving sensibleadvice based on his


experience. He loved toentertain and socialize andtook every opportunity todo so. These are the

qualities that I admiredmost about him and try tofollow in my own life.”

AMORY PHILLIPS with son Franz and daughter Kay. (GP)


Tribute to Amory James NavarroPhillips GCM on behalf of theDemocratic Labour Party.

Amory James Navarro Phillipsjoined the Democratic LabourParty (DLP) on December 20,1963, and remained a faithful and loyal member until the timeof his death.

Amory emerged as a popularperson within the party. Heradiated warmth and charm witha sense of fun that captivatedeveryone who came in contactwith him. Amory was a verydisciplined member, who set anexample for all and his advicewas sought by many.

Amory loved his party andheld many positions therein. Hewas a member of the General andExecutive Councils, Chairman ofthe Auditorium Committee, andSenator from 1986 to 1994. Hewas campaign manager to a partycandidate and election agent.

Amory was instrumental inmany fundraising activities forthe party and the St Lucy branch.His residence was used on manyoccasions for luncheons whichraised funds for the branch. Thelast one being in 2008, at thatparticular luncheon I got a tonguelashing from him.

Amory offered me a donationwhich I found difficult to accept,after he sold many tickets and wewere using his premises. Whotell me to do that? He got very

offended and asked me who giveme the right to tell him when andwhat he can offer to his party.When I was leaving he remindedme never to try that one again.

During the years 1986-94Amory was chairman of theBarbados National Bank, andchairman of the governing bodyof the St. Lucy’s SecondarySchool. On April 30, 2005, he washonoured by the party for thesecond time at the party’sanniversary function.

Amory was always there forthe DLP, his party. Once you wentto Amory and mentioned the

name of the DLP, you couldconsider whatever you requestedas signed, sealed and delivered.

At our last branch visit to seehim when we were leaving andone of the comrades said prayers.Amory said, “I want to give aprayer” and started by thankingGod for giving his party theopportunity to lead Barbadosagain, and hoped members wouldask God for guidance.

Following are quotes fromAmory’s last days in the Senatedebate of 1994, precisely March23, 1994.

“I believe our hoteliers must

bear [employee morale] in mindbecause, in order to getsubstantial output from theirworkers, the workers need to beassured that there is a pattern ofpromotion within theorganization. This applies to ourBarbados Tourism Authority andto any statutory corporation or inany business. One should look atpromoting oneself and gaining apromotion within theorganization.” [Now we see whythe Barbados Lumber Company isa successful Company].”

He also said: “I believe that weshould continue to link oursporting activities to our tourismactivities as we have done in thepast. There are several cricketfields in all parishes and we knowthat English school teams love tovisit Barbados to participate.

“Although it is probably justfriendly cricket, nevertheless it iscricket, and once they are inBarbados they figure they areplaying against the best whenthey come here. We willobviously have to continue tomake that substantial effort insports, particularly when it comesto encouraging visitors to ourshores.”

Final comment from Amorywas: “The tourism sector must, as

I said earlier, be able to continueto determine areas of interest andI can think right away in terms ofthe Garrison being an area thatshould be more widely used as anarea for tourism. There is a lot ofhistorical interest in the Garrisonand its environs.

“Indeed, I believe that theGarrison should be listed on ourbrochures as an area to be visitedby people coming here. We couldappoint a few tour guides whowould be able to explain thehistory, relating to the variousbuildings, caves and armourieswhich can be found in theGarrison compound.

“It is interesting to note thatthe Art Collection Foundation hasestablished a headquarters in thearea of the Garrison. Areas likethis must not miss the attention ofthe Government and we must notconsider it a small thing.”

It is amazing to see that thislast one was just accomplished.

Family, friends, comrades weall have lost a great patriot, agreat businessman, a greatsportsman, a great politician anda great source of inspiration.

May he rest in Peace

– MARGOT HARVEY Branch Secretary.

DLP MEMBERS (from left) Patrick Todd, Peter Morgan, DelisleBradshaw, Yvonne Walkes, Amory Phillips and Frank Da Silvaunder the United We Stand banner. (FP)

THE NAME AMORY PHILLIPS willalways be associated with the success andthe social impact of the Barbados LumberCo Ltd.

Mr Phillips, along with local andCaribbean businessmen, formulated a planand established a business to sell lumber tothe Barbadian community. They formedthe Barbados Lumber Co Ltd andestablished an outlet at Waterford, StMichael, on land leased from the BarbadosGovernment. The business commenced onDecember 1, 1973, with Mr Phillips asmanaging director.

By this time Amory Phillips hadestablished himself as a lumber expert, areputation he had gained from working foralmost two decades with a leadingbusiness in the lumber, hardware andconstruction field. He was sought out tolead this new organisation not onlybecause of his expertise and ability, butbecause of his personality and hisnumerous personal associations.

In December 1973, Barbados was feelingthe effects of the first energy crisis whichwas severely hampering the worldeconomy. Despite this, the company waslaunched with the hope that the leadershipwould be able to negotiate the turbulenteconomic environment.

Indeed it was not only the economiccircumstances that made the environmenthostile. Barbados Lumber Companyentered a market which was dominated bya group of established merchants that wasquite unwelcoming and that demonstratedthis at every opportunity to do so.

Well chosen leaderAmory’s fellow investors had chosen

well. The patronage from persons in thenorth of Barbados, where Amory wasalready a household name, was so strongthat a branch of the company had to beestablished at Church Street, Speightstownby 1976. Demand for products tocomplement the lumber led to theestablishment of hardware departments atboth locations where the company nowoperated.

The early 1980s ushered a secondrecession: one more devastating than the

first. Some of the Caribbean investorsseemed to lose faith in the enterprise.Amory did not. He persuaded his seniorstaff members and a few friends to acquirethe shareholdings of the retreatinginvestors. He assisted in arranging bankfinancing to facilitate the purchase of thoseshares. Of course he demonstrated hiscommitment and confidence in thebusiness by purchasing additional sharesand becoming the largest shareholder inthe company.

Amory introduced a number ofinitiatives during his 35 years as leader ofthe Barbados Lumber Co. Ltd. He wasmotivated to assist as many persons aspossible in owning and maintaining ahome. The company embarked on a projectto build homes on request and to placethem on lots secured by the prospectivehomeowner. This project came to an endwhen land owners became reluctant toallow houses to be sited on their property.

StrategistAmory, with his intimate knowledge of

the prevailing social conditions, introduced

the concept of ‘extended credit’ for certaincustomers. This allowed persons, who dueto their meagre means were unable toaccess bank or other financing, to build,improve or repair their homes and pay fortheir purchases over a longer than normalcredit period.

These customers are the epitome ofloyalty and are the base on which thecompany’s success is built. The company’sbankers had to be persuaded that this wasan acceptable and desirable method ofdoing business.

Another key strategy adopted by MrPhillips was his excellent relationship withsuppliers.

He insisted that the company’s goodname would depend, not only on how ittreated its customers and staff, but on howit dealt with its suppliers. ‘You could onlysell merchandise if you had merchandiseto sell: suppliers were to be kept happyand be paid on time’.

Most members of the Barbados LumberCo Ltd staff are long standing employees.This is not by accident. These persons werecarefully chosen, trained, instructed,

advised, and nurtured by Amory Phillips.Amory was particularly concerned withstaff welfare. His generous nature and hisdisposition to fairness ensured that staffshared in the success of the business. Thestaff has repaid his support with theirloyalty and dedication.

During his years as leader of BarbadosLumber Company, Amory found time tomake significant contributions to thesociety at large. In particular, he served asa senator from 1986 to 1994. We rememberhis sterling contributions to debatesespecially on housing and construction.

As Chairman of Barbados NationalBank he successfully restructured thatinstitution’s problematic loan portfolio andprepared the bank for its eventual sale bythe Government.

He was President of the Barbados TurfClub and is credited with overseeing thesubstantial upgrade in facilities nowenjoyed by that august organisation.

Generous supporterAmory provided tremendous support

to many groups. He assisted and advisedseveral churches on their refurbishmentand upgrading. He assisted many schoolsand served as the Chairman of the Board of St Lucy Secondary School for a long period. For many years hesponsored a Wood Work exhibition forsecondary schools.

As a lover of sports, he sponsored the local Lakers basketball team and theUAC netball team. These are perhaps two of the most enduring relationshipsbetween a corporate sponsor andBarbadian sports teams.

Although Amory had a passion forhorse racing and horse breeding I think he had a special place in his heart for cricket. He had represented his alma mater, Combermere, and had played with and against some of Barbados’ leading cricketers.

On leaving school he played forLeeward Cricket Club and then forWindsor both in his native St Lucy. Hewas a Life Member of North Stars Culturaland Social Club to which he providedconsiderable assistance and advice. Heassisted the club in launching its nowfamous tours to England and took part in the first tour in August 2000.

His love for cricket ensured that mostcricket fields in Barbados are adorned witha Barbados Lumber Company scoreboard.

In all of this Amory supported, and wassupported by, his children Franz, Shelley-Kay and Imran, his siblings Vinston andTony, his daughter-in-law Ingrid, hisextended but very close family, his manyfriends and neighbours, his businessassociates, and by the wider community.

Amory Phillips was a man whoassisted, advised, encouraged, supportedand shared with those who he came incontact with. He did this in an honest andgracious manner. Amory did not expect to gain benefit from the way he related topeople. His relationships and his treatmentof people were genuine.

Barbados Lumber Co Ltd has benefitedfrom Amory’s fine qualities and from hisapproach to life. It is our duty to continuehis good work and to build on his legacy.

— ASHLEY TOPPIN,EXECUTIVE CHAIRMAN, BARBADOS LUMBER CO LTD


A SECTION of the 1998 Board of the Barbados Lumber Company Ltd.Seated (from left): Amory Phillips, Peter Lashley and Rawle Brancker.Standing (from left): Ashley Toppin, Dr Franklyn Lloyd, Charles Griffith, andWinston Layne (GP)

AMORY PHILLIPS to me was a visionary par excellence.I first came into contact with Amory Phillips when I started

working at Barbados Lumber Company in 1974. My firstimpression of him, emanating out of conversations regarding hiswork experiences and exploits, suggested that he was unhappywith the status quo of business practices in Barbados and waswilling to change them at the first opportunity.

He never spoke with any acrimony about the challenges heexperienced, but recognized that if he was going to excel in anarea he loved he had to do it through his own organisation.

For him that opportunity came with the introduction ofBarbados Lumber Co. Ltd which brought competition into anindustry that was being monopolised. The resulting downwardspiral in prices created the kind of effect which was desirable,making building materials and housing in particular, moreaffordable to the middle and lower class Barbadian populous.

The introduction of Barbados Lumber Company was metwith much resistance from those businesses that werechallenged and required from Mr Phillips great tenacity,resilience and fortitude to ensure the survival of a blackcompany entering unchartered waters.

It was these qualities that endeared Mr Phillips to me, andmore importantly, determined for me the fact that I was

prepared to dedicate my life to the development of the companyand black businesses in particular.

He recognised that business had to be conducted differentlyto avoid what he considered exploitation of the worker andconsumer and was willing to do so despite much criticism fromhis peers.

He was concerned with the fact that the company could notpay salaries and wages commensurate with the moreestablished entities and out of genuine sympathy, provided loanassistance to workers on concessionary terms.

This same kind of generosity and trust was extended tocustomers, who in many instances could not meet the minimumrequirements to access an account with the company.

Mr Phillips adopted an open door policy which made himeasily accessible to workers and customers alike.

He introduced a management style of building a family unitthat was inclusive of employees and customers, a style that wasmisunderstood by many and yet to be appreciated by others.

Today the third generation of families still laud the supportand generosity he extended to their parents and grandparents.Such was the caring nature of the man.

May he rest in peace.— BYRON AGARD, PURCHASING MANAGER

Tribute to the Late, AmoryJ.N. Phillips, GCM by RawleC. Brancker, GCM, JP, Co-founder, Barbados LumberCompany Ltd.

AMORY AND I met justover 60 years ago as he hadalready been atCombermere School, thenon Roebuck Street, (the siteof Transport Board), when Ijoined in 1950.

Our friendshipdeveloped as both of usgravitated to the cricketfield and I was assigned tomembership of Set E, ofwhich he was the deputyset captain.

It was during our cricketpractice sessions that I gotto know he came from StLucy and remained inBridgetown during theweek, going home onFriday evenings, returningto board on Sundays at thecorner of Tudor Street andMahogany Lane. Such werethe transport limitations ofthat day. He couldn’t getfrom and to St Lucy daily.

This brought us evencloser as we would walkdown Roebuck Street everyafternoon to his cornerboarding residence, as I wasa City boy and his placewas all along my way homeat Emmerton.

We would talk abouteverything, especially ofcourse, cricket — webecame great buddies.

We went through schoolwinning matches for Set E,which he captained and forthe school. Amory’s cricketgot him a place on a veryformidable team whichMessrs Ronnie Hughes,Harry Sealy and Bruce St.John developed.

On leaving school wewent in different directions,but cricket would bring usback together occasionally.

In 1973, I had formed analliance with a Jamaicaninvestment group whichhad some excellent

construction timberconnections in CentralAmerica and after doingsome market research here Iconvinced them to open anoperation in Barbados.

I was charged with theresponsibility of setting itup and finding investors, aboard, staff and location.

Being always aware thatAmory had gone straightfrom school to a lumberorganisation inSpeightstown and had builtan enviable reputation over20 years and had in factbecome a lumber guru — Ithought it best to talk tohim first, offeringshareholding, boardmembership and theopportunity to manage theoperation as its managingdirector.

To my absoluteamazement, without muchdiscussion, negotiation andprocrastination, he decidedto join and greatly assistedme in finding all the otherexecutives and staff. Therest is a marvellous story ofgrowth and development ofBarbados’ first black ownedlumber and buildingmaterial establishment now37 years old, skilfullycrafted and navigated byAmory, in spite of all theexternal attempts tomarginalise and ruin thecompany.

To his credit, theshareholders, directors andstaff are largely indebted to

him for his dedicatedleadership, unstintingloyalty and strength ofcharacter in overcoming themany challenges andsetbacks encountered overthe many years, tosuccessfully establish acompany and a brand thathas become a householdname, and a cadre of loyalemployees and customers.He assisted several middleand lower incomeBarbadian families to ownand maintain their homes.

Amory agreed with methat the notable incorrectdecision the two of us tookwas not to join a landmogul to use acres of hisland for chattel housedevelopment. It could have

meant the differencebetween a comfortablecompany and one whichwas comfortably wealthy. Inlife you win and lose some.

Amory and I over theyears got involved in otherprojects and like mostthings, some worked whilesome didn’t. That’s how lifeis.

His other and of morethan passing interests werehorses, politics and serviceto his fellowman.

Amory was passionateabout politics and getting afair deal for his fellowman.

He enjoyed a coupleterms as a senator, in whichchamber he made hispolitical view known. Hewas loyal to the DLP(Democratic Labour Party).

Amory was a loyalist toSt Lucy and those from theparish. He was unshakablyloyal to his family, friends,staff and colleagues, to theextent that at times his

generosity and trust werebetrayed and it can be saidthat his friendship wassometimes taken advantageof, but that never deterredhim, so was the man. Agood man — he was born tohelp people. Nothing gavehim more pleasure.

His failing health a fewyears ago was a great shockto all those close to him andevery effort was made toassist in finding the bestmedical care, but heeventually succumbed.

God always knows best.He is now with his Makerto continue service at thathigher level.

To all of his graciousfamily from all of us atBarbados LumberCompany, please accept ourdeepest condolences. Wehave all lost an outstandingicon and friend.

May God grant him thepeace and favour he sorichly deserves.

IT IS AN HONOUR and a privilege topay tribute to and celebrate the life andcontribution of my late friend andbusiness partner, Amory James NavarroPhillips. He was an extra-ordinary personand an excellent entrepreneur.

Amory attended my alma mater StClement’s Primary School in St Lucy andthen relocated to St Michael where hepursued studies at St Giles PrimarySchool and Combermere.

During his vacation periods, Amorywould always return to his beloved StLucy to share fellowship with the boysand to play cricket in the yard of StClement’s School. At that time we hadtwo teams that someone decided to callOxford and Cambridge.

As a youngster, I did not at that timeknow the significance of these names,until years after, when I discovered thatthey were two of the oldest and mostprestigious universities in England. I alsocame to the realization that most of thenames of people and places in Barbadoshave an English derivation and are areflection of our colonial history whichcontinues to influence our thinking.

Good all-round cricketerAmory was a good all-round cricketer

with a cautious approach to batting,developed at Combermere where theemphasis was on defending your wicket.He also gained a well-deservedreputation as a good slow/mediumbowler who could move the ball both ways.

He played cricket for Combermere, thePsychiatric Hospital, Spartan, and his favouriteClub, Leeward, in St Lucy, where he spent manyyears and enhanced his fame as a swing bowler.

Over the years Amory and I kept in touch witheach other, including during my tenure as aBarbados and West Indies Cricketer and aprofessional Cricketer in the United Kingdom.

When I was living in St Michael, following mystint of professional cricket in the United Kingdom,I would journey to Pie Corner, St Lucy on Sundaysto visit my parents. On the way there I would stopat Amory’s residence at Church Hill, St Lucy. Thenwe would discuss current affairs focussing mainlyon cricket.

We became very close friends and maintainedthat bond until his death. Amory endeared himselfto me because of his caring, compassionate,generous, gentlemanly, peaceful, polite and loyal

disposition.I continue to be grateful to Amory, since he was

instrumental in helping me to keep my childhoodpromise of building a fully equipped house for mybeloved parents at Pie Corner in St Lucy. Heintroduced me to his manager at PlantationsLimited. That company was then one of the majorlumber firms in Barbados, and Amory ensured thatall of the necessary arrangements were made tofacilitate construction.

The idea of starting a lumber business ownedand controlled by black Caribbean nationals wasconceptualized by Pat Rousseau of Jamaica; RawleBrancker of Barbados and other nationals of bothcountries. And so in June 1973, the only black-

owned lumber company was incorporated inthis island and commenced business onDecember 1, 1973. It specialized in the sale oflumber, building materials and hardware, andin the early days, timber house construction.The directors recognized from the outset thatthey needed a competent, dedicated,committed, industrious and loyal generalmanager to deal with the challenges ofrunning such an enterprise. The prevailinghostile business environment whichcharacterized Barbados at that time, haslasting vestiges today.I suggested Amory Phillips, who possessedthose qualities and who had developed areputation for excellence and professionalismat Plantations Limited. My recommendationwas readily accepted by the Directors of theCompany and Amory commenced his longassociation with the company.Amory and I worked diligently together fromthe inception of Barbados Lumber CompanyLimited (BLC ), following my resignationfrom Government’s Sports Department in1972.We started with a small staff of four or fivepersons. We therefore had to multi-task in theareas of general management, sales andmarketing, marking lumber, driving theforklift and other tasks.

Astute leaderOver the years, especially during thefledgling period of the company we spentlong hours together discussing strategies andplans to make the company successful. The

company was fortunate to have Amory as itsgeneral manager, a leader with fantastic ideas, aman of vision and vigorous pro-activity. We werealso fortunate to have in our team, high calibredirectors on the board, who gave us their fullsupport.

Under Amory’s astute leadership andmanagement a branch of the company wasestablished in Speightstown, St Peter in 1976. Basedon my tutelage and experience in the cricket arena,I always took the initiative to improve myknowledge and performance in the businessenvironment by undertaking training courses,participating in seminars and examining andlearning from best practices.

Amory always encouraged me and assisted inmy personal and professional growth anddevelopment. I had responsibility for marketingand sales during my long association with thecompany, and received invaluable support from

Amory with all my proposals, plans, and projects.He also encouraged me to become involved in

horse racing, his passionate, exciting and expensivehobby. I thoroughly enjoyed the experience,including the early mornings spent at the GarrisonSavannah and other times at his breeding farm atthe Cove, St Lucy.

My final reflection on the life, work andcontribution of Amory Phillips refers to his familyand extended family relationships. He loved andrespected every single member of his immediateand extended family and considered it his duty andresponsibility to make them the beneficiaries of hisimmense care and generosity.

He also lovingly embraced his colleagues,friends, and his community, including his churchand other religious denominations; and schools,sports and cultural clubs; of his beloved St Lucyand its immediate environs, and contributedsignificantly to their various endeavours.

My life has been enriched by my longassociation with Amory James Navarro Phillips, asschoolmate, cricketer, horse racing enthusiast andowner, business partner, and, most importantly, as afriend and confidante.

May he be warmly welcomed by his Maker,Almightly God and May he rest in peace.

AMORY PHILLIPS – A SPECIAL TRIBUTE.WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 26, 2011. 8&9

A CARING, HELPFUL, and kind humanbeing who touched the lives of many andendeared himself to customers, staff andall with whom he came into contact. Suchwere the admirable qualities of the lateAmory Phillips.

Bringing his previous experience in thelumber field, he co-founded Barbadoslumber company in July 1973 and waseasily recognized as a born leader. Heselected a management team and I had theopportunity and privilege to be a part ofthis as financial controller.

Amory possessed sterling leadershipqualities and was highly respected by allstaff members, He was, to his credit, thetype of managing director who soughtand followed the advice of his staff, andgave them a relatively free hand to

implement any ideas that would enhancethe company. He was also one to excercisediscernment, postponing decisions whenangry and waiting until he had regained acalm demeanour.

While boasting commendable businessacumen, Amory, who was a greatlyesteemed lumber specialist, was notsingle-focused, but was a balanced person.He was a sports enthusiast and lentsupport to the industry as a sponsor.Indeed, he leaves a void that cannot easilybe filled.

On behalf of my wife and myself, Iwould like to take this opportunity toexpress heartfelt condolences to his family.May he rest in peace.— WINSTON LAYNE, FORMER FINANCIAL CONTROLLER

THROUGH THICK AND THIN: Lumber giantsCharlie Griffith (left) and Amory Phillips,boyhood friends, have been business partnersmore than 25 years. (FP)

FLASHBACK 2005: FORMER Barbados TurfClub President Amory Phillips (left) receivingThe President’s Merit Award from BTC vice-president Francis Cozier. (FP)

by CHARLES CHRISTOPHER GRIFFITH

FLASHBACK: Boyhood friends Amory Phillips (left),and Rawle Brancker (right) sharing in a light momentwith Sir David Seale during a cheque presentationceremony. (FP)


A MAN OF MERIT, who was always willing to helpothers in any way possible— PEGGY MOORE, ACCOUNTS CLERK

MR PHILLIPS always looked out for his staff. He wasan honest person and loved his work.— EDISON PAYNE, SECURITY CLERK

MR PHILLIPS was a wonderful and caring boss. He was acricketing person who loved the game. I remember himofficiating and loving it while on a UK tour with my clubafter his playing days were over. He will be missed byLumber Company employees and my cricketing fraternity.— IAN BROOME, LUMBER SUPERVISOR

‘…good friends we had are good friends we lost along theway’ – Bob Marley

INDEED we have lost a good friend. It was an honour tohave known Mr Phillips for the past 11 years. He was aman with boundless enthusiasm and a personality thatwould light up a room. — TITO ROCK, INVENTORY CLERK

MR PHILLIPS was a kind and generous man who wasalways willing to help others. His generosity was seenwhen the company was having financial challenges andhe insisted that the workers still receive a little bonus.— RONALD HINDS, HARDWARE CLERK

I HAVE known Mr Phillips for over 30 years. It wasthrough him that I became employed by the company.He took an enormous interest in all of us who workedunder his leadership, and encouraged us to have own ourhome. He helped make this possible by giving staff creditat concessionary rates. He was a very caring person and a father-figure.Sometimes I would sit in the lobby with him and just talkpolitics. I will surely miss him.— VERLA SPRINGER, SENIOR HARDWARE CLERK

MR PHILLIPS was a nice individual. When I applied forthe position at the company, he did not hesitate to sayyes, which gave me the opportunity to better myself— MELBOURNE HOLDER, LUMBER PORTER

MR PHILLIPS was a respectable, caring and no-nonsense employer, wholooked out for his staff and customers alike.

His presence inspired staff in the various departments to maintain abusiness-like atmosphere. He also had a jovial side, and would often saythings that would make you laugh for days.We will all miss him. — HEATHER BOWEN, SENIOR HARDWARE CLERK

MR PHILLIPS had an endearing personality. His graciousness, generosityand fairness made him a godfather to his staff and friends. He loved thelumber industry and dedicated his life to helping people.

It was a pleasure to have known him.— MELVITA BOYCE, CUSTOMER SERVICES MANAGER

... A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures ofsilver – Proverbs 25:11

I HAD the honor of working with Mr Phillips atBarbados Lumber Company for more than threedecades. He brought vision, direction, purpose,fearlessness, professionalism, confidence and a greatsense of humour to this company and his otherendeavours. He had a ‘never say die’ attitude, evenwhen the odds were heavily stacked against him.His humility enabled him to interact with persons fromall walks of life. Like the Apostle Paul he has run therace and kept the faith in finishing this earthly course.— ANDREW PHILLIPS, LUMBER PORTER I HAD the pleasure of working with Mr Phillips for

over 35 years. He was a very kind, loving andunderstanding boss and dear friend. I will miss him– LURITA AGARD, CREDIT OFFICER

MR PHILLIPS was a very caring person who wouldalways look out for his staff and make sure that weimproved on our job skills and personal lives. He wouldlisten to us and make sure that we were comfortable atwork and at home and he would make sure that we gotsomething to take home at Christmas, no matter how littleit was. — HARRIET GRIFFITH, CASHIER

AS A BOSS, he always made sure that staff and theirfamily were comfortable and not in need. As a Mentor, heprovided valuable advice on negotiating the potholes oflife. As a Friend, he was always there to give a listeningear or a helping hand.I consider myself truly blessed to have had the privilegeof knowing a humanitarian such as Mr Amory Phillips. — GRACE GREENIDGE, ASST. MANAGER, SPEIGHTSTOWN

FOR ME, Mr Amory Phillips was the most caring,understanding and gracious man I have ever known. Hewas a man who inspired loyalty from his staff, and I wasmost impressed by the way he interacted with people.

From the start of my working life at the company, hewas my role model and father-figure and I remembergoing to his house every Sunday morning where hetaught me everything I needed to know about thelumber industry.

Through the years, he shared much of his lifeexperiences with me and Mr David Leslie during ourFriday lunch outings. I loved that he kept me close, andthis inspired me to want to succeed at every task, nomatter how difficult or how small.

He made us all feel that we were the LumberCompany, and the Lumber Company was us. Webelieved in his vision for the company, and we allworked hard to make it happen.

A great man has gone. — GORDON DEWER, ASST. MANAGER – LUMBER

I HAVE KNOWN Mr Phillips for the past 33 years. Healways had a pleasant manner and a very good workingrelationship with his staff. He was a loving manager andwill be sadly missed by all who worked with him.— JASPER BARROW, SECURITY CLERK

AMORY PHILLIPS (right) chatting with a customerduring customer appreciation day at the BarbadosLumber Company’s Waterford branch. (GP)

AMORY PHILLIPS (left, back row) with the managementteam at a Christmas function. (GP)

AMORY (right) with his brother, Speightstown branchmanager, Vinston Phillips. (GP)

AMORY PHILLIPS (second left) celebrating with staff at theSpeightstown branch. (GP)

I met Mr Phillips when I came to work atBarbados Lumber Company over 30 years agoand was immediately impressed by the loveand care he showed for his employees andcustomers. As time went on, I saw this humbleand kind gentleman always thinking of otherpersons and their concerns before his own, andgoing out of his way to make others happy. I will always remember all the good things hedid for so many people for as long as he could. For now, I say so long to my Boss, Friend,Trusted Advisor and Mentor, until we meetagain. — BRENDA BOWEN, ACCOUNTANT

AMORY PHILLIPS (centre) in 2003 with staff who had spent 25 to 30 years with the company.(GP)

MR AMORY PHILLIPS was a co-founderof the Barbados Lumber Company (BLC).I was fortunate to be hand-picked as one ofthe first clerical officers at the age of 18, aresident of his parish St Lucy like 90 percent of the other staff.

He quickly recognised that like him, Ihad a love for the lumber business. Thisautomatically started a bond that movedfrom boss to include friendship, which likesome marriages lasted until death, 38years.

Mr Phil, as he was affectionately called,was generous beyond measure. He waskind, loving, tolerant, knowledgeable andof course a visionary. He never knew howto be selfish.

I remember in the company’s formativeyears part of his responsibilities was credit.This had to be taken from him since if onedid not qualify for the credit that was not aproblem; he would charge it to his personalaccount.

Staff also benefited from his generosity.BLC was like a bank where they couldhave loans at an affordable repayment ratewhile being encouraged to own theirhomes. His generosity extended beyondhis staff to many relatives, friends andacquaintances.

Mr Phillips had many hobbies. Theseincluded cricket, horse racing, tennis andof course eating. I remember at one of hismany parties he remarked to me: “Dave,

the day you see me refuse food you wouldknow that the end is near.” It was notdifficult to sense when the end was nearbecause he stopped eating. Mr Phillipsendured his lengthy illness nobly and withdignity. He never complained.

Mr Phil was like a father to me, he wasmy mentor and my confidant, and he willbe greatly missed.

— DAVID LESLIEFORMER DEPARTMENT LUMBER MANAGER


DAVID LESLIE (FP)

I FIRST MET Mr Phillips when Istarted work at the Barbados LumberCompany (BLC) in 1979. He was our“boss” and leader of the company.

As I grew in the company I soonrealized that Mr Phillips was a personwhom I could approach at a moment’snotice for advice and/or guidance; hewas always available to his staff.

As a young person in the HardwareDepartment, whenever I interactedwith Mr Phillips, he would alwaysinquire not only about thedepartment’s performance, but he tooka personal interest in how I wasenjoying my employment at thecompany.

When I was promoted to theposition of salesman after three years,Mr Phillips ensured my success byintroducing me to two influentialcustomers, one being Mr Hal Springerwho was the purchasing manager atthe NHC (Nationl HousingCorporation) the time. He continued toplay a similar role in the lives of all ofthe staff members at the BLC.

One of my early recollections of MrPhillips was that whenever he wasupset or troubled, he would appear on

the balcony with a cigarette in hismouth. The strange thing about thiswas that Mr Phillips was a non-smoker.When we saw him in that position, weknew that something was troublinghim. It was the only time when heappeared detached from the company,but those moments never lasted for along time.

As time went on, I was afforded theopportunity to travel with Mr Phillipson Sports Club tours and I wasprivileged to get to see him in adifferent light.

If I was forced to summarize hispersonality in a sentence, I would saythat Mr Phillips had a youthfulappreciation for life and all of thewonderful opportunities andchallenges which it presented to himon a daily basis; he loved live andembraced every challenge withyouthful enthusiasm.

Mr Phillips has always been a rolemodel and an inspiration to us all andI think that we are better persons forhaving known him

May he rest in peace!— PETER INNISS,ASSISTANT MANAGER – SALES


Tribute to Amory James NavarroPhillips by Sir David Seale.

ON BEHALF OF THEDIRECTORS, management andmembers of the Barbados TurfClub, I wish to offer our deepestsympathy to the family of AmoryPhillips on his passing.

Amory was for many yearspresident, chief steward and adirector of the club. History willrecall that it was under Amory’spresidency that the club and thesport of horse racing madespectacular progress.

The racing plant at the Garrison was transformed from adecrepit collection of buildingssited on a “cow pasture” with oldwood racing rails to a muchimproved place with up to datealuminium rails, a joggers’ trackand a children’s play park.

In addition, a new stand styled the Sir John Chandler

Memorial Stand was built and 12 corporate boxes erected. Horsestables at both The Garrisonand Dalkeith Paddocks wererefurbished and muchinfrastructure work carried out.

However, it will not be thephysical improvements at The

Garrison that Amory will be remembered for, for it was his board thatintroduced Lotto to Barbados,which was subsequently mergedinto what is known as theBarbados Lottery, the nett fundsof which go to support all sports

in the island.Amory Phillips loved

horse racing and was a fixture atThe Garrison until he becamevery ill a few years ago.

His easy style endeared him to all he came into contact with.

The sport of racing will miss a true friend.

May he rest in peace.

SOUTH SEA, ridden by Desmond Bryan, on its way towinning the Amory Phillips Handicap in January 2007. (FP)

RACE HORSES have always been one of Amory Phillips'passions. (FP)

Tribute to Amory Phillips from the members of the Lakers Sports Club.

WE THE MEMBERS of the Lakers SportsClub both past and present would like toexpress our condolences to the family andfriends of the late Amory Phillips.

Mr Phillips and by extension Barbados

Lumber Company has played a majorrole over the past 30 years throughsponsorship of our respective teams,which has certainly helped to shape andtouch the lives of many persons in ourcommunity.

For this we say 'Thank You'May you rest in Peace. God Bless

Tribute delivered by businesspartner Rawle Brancker atAmory Phillips’ funnralservice.

“MINISTERS ofGovernment,parliamentarians, family ofthe late Amory Phillips,distinguished ladies andgentlemen, the BarbadosLumber Companyacknowledges with deepsadness the passing of itsco-founder and long-timemanaging director, MrAmory Phillips GCM, aftera very pro-longed illness.

Amory will beremembered by staff andcustomers as a generousand caring businessmanwho touched the lives ofthose with whom he cameinto contact.

Through his work with

the company he helpedmany middle and lowerincome Barbadians to ownand maintain a home in thiscountry.

His easy going natureendeared him to his staffand because of this he wasable to build a cadre ofloyal bodies who haveremained with the companythrough thick and thin.

He displayed greatstrength of character inovercoming the manychallenges and setbacks heencountered over the manyyears to the point where he

succesfully established acompany and a brand thatis well known not only inBarbados but the region.

Amory will live foreverin the hearts of many staffmembers at BarbadosLumber Company and themany customers that dobusiness there.

The Barbados LumberCompany therefore extendsdeep condolences to hisbereaved family, his manyfriends and customers andwe pray that he may rest inthe peace he so richlydeserves.”


PEOPLE from acrossBarbados, from sport,business, the political partythey love, and from theBarbados Lumber Companywhich he founded, throngedthe St. Lucy Parish Church topay final respects to Amory Phillips.

The packed church yesterday heard speaker after speaker extolthe virtues of the St Lucy-born Barbadian whom eulogist KeithSimmons said became an expert in lumber and joined forces withothers from Barbados, Jamaica and elsewhere to establish “ablack company venturing into an area of operations historicallydominated by, in effect, a cartel of white merchants”.

Delivering the eulogy written by Phillips’brother Tony, Simmons traced his late friend’s lifestarting from the days when they were bothstudents at Combermere School where Phillipsshowed his prowess at cricket. Cricketing schoolcontemporaries the Reverend Wes Hall, PeterLashley and Rawle Brancker were in thecongregation, as well as Phillips’ business associateand former West Indies fast bowler, Charles Griffith.

Quoting from an early tribute paid by staff of theBarbados Lumber Company, Simmons said Phillips had builta “cadre of loyal employees” who had remained with theBarbados Lumber Company through thick and thin, and throughhis work with the company he had helped many middle andlower income Barbadians to own and maintain a home,” wordsrepeated by Rawle Brancker as he read a tribute from the staff ofthe Barbados Lumber Company.

Simmons noted that the late businessman’sconcern was not limited to his own business, butthat he often promoted entrepreneurship andbusiness development, later putting some of hisrecommendations into practice during the sixyears he served as chairman of the Barbados


• Continued on next page.

PRIME MINISTERFreundel Stuart

laying his wreath onAmory Phillips’

grave while Phillips’grandson Alex

awaits his turn. (FP)


Development Bank.The eulogist also said

Phillips threw himself intohorse racing “with greatenthusiasm” to the extent thatunder his presidency theBarbados Turf Club and thesport “made spectacularprogress”. He also mademention of Phillips’membership of the Democratic LabourParty (DLP) from 1963 until his death.

Making reference to his devotion tothe DLP, the party’s St Lucy branchrepresentative, in her tribute on behalfof the DLP, described Phillips as “avery disciplined man who loved hisparty and set examples for all”. Shesaid he was a party member who wasnever reluctant to commit his financialand other resources to the DLP.

Many stalwarts of the DLP werethere to say farewell to a committedmember, among them Prime MinisterFreundel Stuart who headed anentourage of DLP politicians includingseveral Government ministers andparliamentary representatives. They madean early exit from yesterday’s sitting of theHouse of Assembly to attend the funeral.

Reverend Selven Lowe delivered hisaddress from Verse 15 of the SecondChapter of St Paul’s Second Letter toTimothy, “Do your best to present yourselfto God as one approved by him, theworker who has no need to be ashamed.”He said like Paul, Phillips was notconcerned about himself, but that thingscontinued in his absence and that those incharge ensured that things continued.

“This afternoon as we reflect on themany years of our dear brother we areurged to reflect on the qualities of the lifeand the Godly attributes he displayed

among us” “He has left a legacy ofbusiness ethics and acumen for youngerbusinesses and businesmen tofollow”Lowe told the congregation.

Phillips served in the Barbados Senatefrom 1986 to 1994, was once chairman ofthe Governing Body of St Lucy SecondarySchool, had a deep association with theNorth Stars Cultural and Social Club ofCrab Hill, St Lucy, and was honoured bythe Barbados Government .

Over 200 people went to Phillips’ CoveHouse at Cove Bay, St Lucy, where hisbody had reposed before the funeralservice, to pay their respects.

• From Page 14.

FAMILY MEMBERS saying their final farewell to Amory Phillips. (Pictures by Lennox Devonish.)

STAFF MEMBERS of Barbados Lumber Company saying farewell to a boss, acolleague and friend. (LD)

AMORY JAMES NAVARRO PHILLIPShas ‘left a legacy for younger

businesses and businesmen tofollow. (LD)

Printed and Published by THE NATION PUBLISHING Company LTD., Nation House, Fontabelle, St. Michael, Barbados. Telephone (246) 430-5400


Amory Phillips had a passion for horse racing which he

shared with all who were receptive. In the words of

longtime friend and business partner Charlie Griffith: “He

encouraged me to become involved in horse racing, his

passionate, exciting and expensive hobby. I thoroughly

enjoyed the experience. . . .”

RACING PASSION


AMORY JAMES NAVARRO PHILLIPS was born to JamesAdolphus Phillips and Genetha Ermane Phillips onNovember 10, 1934, at Durham, St Lucy.

He was educated at the St Clements Boys School, TheSt Giles Boys School, and won a scholarship to

Combermere School. At school he proved to bewell disciplined in both academics and sports.

At Combermere he showed his prowess atcricket in an era when the Combermere cricketteam was promoted from the Intermediate

Division to the First Division and defeated allthe teams except Spartan.

Let us recall that this team alsoincluded Wes Hall, Peter Lashley,Rawle Brancker and Wilfred Wood(who became the first Black Bishopof the Church of England).Some.Old Combermerians here may recall that Amory was Captain of Set E.

As soon as he left school, Amory went to work as a clerk at Plantations Ltd., Speightstown,under the tutelage of the managerKeith Jordan, Jackie Skeete, andothers. Amory rapidly became an expert in lumber.

He was therefore in an excellentposition to join with others fromBarbados, Jamaica and elsewhere to establish maybe the first Pan-Caribbean company, widelyknown as the Barbados LumberCompany Ltd.

It was also particularlynoteworthy as a Black companyventuring into an area of operationshistorically dominated by, in effect, a cartel of White merchants.

Fortunately, the socio-economicchanges in Barbados meant that by1973 the demand for lumber andbuilding supplies was trendingupward.

The Errol Barrow governmentapproved a lease of a site atWaterford, St Michael, whichremains the headquarters of the company. The branch in Speightstown was established in 1976.

With increasing gusto theBarbados Lumber Company hasbeen able to celebrate its 10th, 20th and 30th anniversaries. Thecelebration in December 2003 at the Accra Hotel was particularlysplendid – four persons received 30-year service awards, two persons25-year service awards, and twopersons the 20-year service award.

In the tribute from the BarbadosLumber Company it wasacknowledged that he had built “acadre of loyal employees who haveremained with the company through

thick and thin” and that “throughhis work with the company hehelped many middle and lowerincome Barbadians to own andmaintain a home”.

With a concern for the promotionof social justice, Amory became amember of the Democratic LabourParty on December 20, 1963. He heldmany positions within the partyincluding, for example, VicePresident, Member of the GeneralCouncil, Member of the ExecutiveCouncil, and Chairman of theAuditorium Committee.

In recognition of Phillips’ interestin community building, he wasappointed chairman of thegoverning body of the St LucySecondary School. He was alsoparticularly closely linked to theNorth Stars Cultural and Social Clubof Crab Hill, St Lucy. In their tributein THE NATION on October 12 theClub stated: “Mr. Phillips will beremembered for his business

• Continued on next page.

EULOGY for AmoryJames Navarro Phillips,written by AnthonyPhillips and read byKeith Simmons.

amory j. n. phillips - a special tribute

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