Tribute to Mr. Howard Aris O.D.

It was with very deep sadness on the morning of my departure from Jamaica following a short trip for a meeting that I learned that a National Giant in the sporting fraternity in Jamaica had completed his time of active service here with us on this side of the divide. It was a time of mourning but also a time of deep reflection on the life of a man whose watchwords were love for country, love for sports and commitment to serving his people.

The Government and People of Antigua and Barbuda and in particular the Management and Staff in the Office of the of the Minister of State with responsibility for Sports, extends sincerest condolences to the family as well as the colleagues and friends of Mr. Howard Aris. At the same time, we join in giving God thanks for his life and for his contribution which will continue to reap rewards well into the future.

Mr. Aris not only gave distinguished service to his beloved country of Jamaica, but to the rest of the region and world, particularly in the field of athletics. I recall in particular my first meeting with him in Jamaica when he willingly offered to guide the process of transforming sports in Antigua and Barbuda through technical and other assistance. In short order, a positive relationship was established between ourselves organizations and today, I can say with confidence that the expert advice provided by this sporting stalwart has already begun to reap dividends. I have no doubt that the inspiration that my team and I  received from Mr. Aris will remain with us for a lifetime.

May others take pattern from the life of Mr. Howard Aris and thereby continue the process of transforming not only sports in Jamaica, but sports in the region and the world at large.

His memory will live on in the hearts of all Sports Administrators in Antigua and Barbuda.

May God grant those who mourn comfort that Mr. Aris fulfilled his personal mission here on earth.

Sincerely,

Sen. Hon. Winston Williams Jr.
Minister of State: Sports, Local Government and Special Projects
Ministry of Education, Sports, Youth and Gender Affairs

Birmingham Mourns Aris

TRIBUTES to Howard Aris have flooded in from the people of Birmingham who saw the Jamaican sports supremo as a true friend who played a crucial role in choosing their city as the pre-Olympic training base for Jamaica’s Track and Field Team.

A special bond flourished between Aris and Birmingham’s City Council leader Mike Whitby, who today spoke of his “complete shock” of learning about Aris’s death.

Coun Whitby said: “I genuinely cannot believe such a vibrant man has passed away. He was so passionate about athletics. He was the first friend I made in the long journey we took together to make Birmingham the Olympic training home for Jamaica’s athletes.

“I owe Howard so much and we still had so much to plan together for 2012. His legacy will be the monumental bridge he helped to build between Birmingham and Jamaica, underpinned by the crowning achievement of bringing the athletes to the city next year.

“He was a great advocate for Birmingham and I know he promoted the city back home in Jamaica. His death is a tremendous loss and my thoughts go out to his family.”

When Aris signed the historic deal in February 2010 for the Jamaican Track and Field Team to stay at the University of Birmingham, he said at the time: “Birmingham will be our home from home. It is certainly our best choice and the African Caribbean people who have lived in this city for generations will make our athletes feel part of that family – this is what sets Birmingham apart.”

Aris added that he felt the university would provide the athletes with both the security and privacy they needed during the crucial pre-Olympic period – and he was also delighted to learn that the university’s kitchen had two Jamaican chefs.

Beverly Lindsay, OBE, OD, who chairs the Association of Jamaican Nationals (Birmingham) UK, added: “I am totally shocked. We had a longstanding relationship and I had worked with Howard over the last few years.

“We were working very closely together at the moment, finalising plans for the celebrations of Jamaican independence early next year.

“Howard was a man who loved to travel with his family and we had the pleasure of welcoming his wife Sandra to celebrations in Birmingham. I know the rest of the community will join me in sending his family our deepest condolences.”