On behalf of our President Kerryann Ifill (of Barbados), The Members of the Executive Committee and the wider membership of the Caribbean Council for the Blind, I extend condolences to the family, friends and associates of William “Bill” Lightbourne.
I first heard about Bill on a development visit to the Turks and Caicos Islands close to three decades ago. Everywhere I went (from Grand Turk to Provo) people told me about Bill Lightbourne. When I asked to meet him, they told me that he was a “Son of the Turks” but he was doing great works in the Bahamas.
When I finally met Bill (in the Bahamas) about a year later, he demanded that I return to the Turks and Caicos Islands to see a family of blind children in Provo, who needed help desperately. I adjusted my schedule and visited Provo as soon as I could.
The Department of Social Services in Grand Turk, facilitated my visit to the family on Provo. We were shocked and dismayed by the scene of seven children who are blind, living in squalid, filthy and stinking conditions.
They made noises like wild animals and crawled about amidst filthy rags heavily soiled with urine and human waste. I was afforded an audience with the then acting Governor, who took a keen and decisive interest in the cases of the children.
I am delighted to report that the British Government exhibited strong and positive leadership in pursuing a humane and developmental resolution of their circumstances. A number of the children eventually attended the Salvation Army School for the Blind in Jamaica.
Such was the persuasive power, good will and determination of the late Bill Lightbourne. But that is not all to be said about this simple but extra-ordinarily great man. He and his wife Lucy, hosted me several times (for sumptuous meals) at their home in Nassau.
CCB and our international partners were inspired by his dedication to the education of children who are blind in the Bahamas. He inspired us to make scholarships available to teachers at the school for them to study education of the visually impaired at The Mico University College in Jamaica.
Bill was a tireless advocate on behalf of people with special needs across the Bahamas and throughout the Caribbean. Often, he was the epitome of the “1-man multitude” and at other times, he was the good foot soldier, marching to the rhythm of equal opportunities for special needs people.
On many other occasions, William Lightbourne was the determined and cunning general, leading his army into battle on behalf of people with special needs. I have had the privilege of working with hundreds of people (from all walks of life) across more than 50 countries. However, it is easy to say that I found Bill Lightbourne to be one of the truly inspirational human beings I encountered. A good man, loving husband, special needs educator, disability rights activist, citizen of the Caribbean.
May his soul transcend eternity and his memory continue to inspire all of us.
Arvel Grant
Chief Executive Officer
Caribbean Council for the Blind and Visually Impaired.