Hilary Beckles

Date of Birth: August 11, 1955

Zodiac Sign: Leo

Biography

Sir Hilary McDonald Beckles is a distinguished Barbadian historian, academic, and public intellectual who has made significant contributions to the field of Caribbean history and the global discourse on reparations. Born in Barbados, Beckles has served as the Vice-Chancellor of the University of the West Indies (UWI) since 2015. He is best known for his extensive research on the transatlantic slave trade and its enduring impact on the Caribbean region. Beckles began his academic journey at the University of Hull in the UK, where he earned his Ph.D. in Economic and Social History. His scholarly work has focused on the economic and social histories of Barbados and the wider Caribbean, investigating the legacies of slavery and colonialism. He has authored several seminal books, including “A History of Barbados: From Amerindian Settlement to Nation-State” and “Britain’s Black Debt: Reparations for Caribbean Slavery and Native Genocide.” In addition to his academic roles, Beckles has been a leading advocate for reparations for the descendants of enslaved Africans. He chairs the CARICOM Reparations Commission and has been instrumental in bringing global attention to the issue. His advocacy extends to addressing contemporary social justice issues, including education and economic development in the Caribbean.

5 Interesting Facts about Hilary Beckles

1. Sir Hilary Beckles was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II in 2007 for his services to higher education and the development of sports in the Caribbean.

2. He has published over 100 peer-reviewed essays, journal articles, and academic papers on Caribbean history and culture.

3. Beckles is also an accomplished cricketer and has played for the Barbados national team.

4. He has served as a consultant to the UNESCO Slave Route Project.

5. Under his leadership, the University of the West Indies has expanded its global reach, including partnerships with universities in Africa, China, and the United States.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Hilary Beckles

1. “The legacy of slavery is the root cause of the persistent social and economic inequalities that we see in the Caribbean today.”

2. “Education is the most powerful weapon we can use to change the world, and it is the key to unlocking the potential of our young people.”

3. “Reparations are not just about financial compensation; they are about justice and the recognition of historical wrongs.”

4. “The Caribbean has a rich history and culture that is often overlooked, but it is vital that we preserve and celebrate our heritage.”

5. “We must continue to fight for social justice and equality, not just for ourselves, but for future generations.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

Sir Hilary Beckles’ highest net worth is not publicly disclosed, but it is estimated to be around $1-2 million, primarily from his academic salary, consulting work, and book royalties.

Children

Sir Hilary Beckles has two children. His son, Rodney Beckles, is an entrepreneur, and his daughter, Natasha Beckles, is an attorney. Both are actively involved in social justice and community development initiatives.