BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – RECEIVING news that Sir Probyn Inniss MBE departed this life yesterday (Mar. 12) morning, the Federation is mourning the loss of this son of the soil and former Governor, who served his country with distinction.
Born in 1936, Sir Probyn died at the age of 80 years, leaving to mourn his wife of 50-plus years Lady Rosamund Inniss, his children, grandchildren and other relatives and friends.
As outlined in a press release distributed by the Office of the Prime Minister, Sir Probyn served the country in various capacities including Governor from 1975 to 1981.
“In 1965, Sir Probyn served as Secretary to the Campbell Commission into the Sugar Industry in St. Kitts. The following year, he served as Administrative Secretary for the visit of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II to St. Kitts and Nevis in February 1966. In 1967, Sir Probyn became a Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (MBE). Sir Probyn Inniss performed the important role of Secretary to the Cabinet between 1967 and 1969, and served as Permanent Secretary for External Affairs during that time. Sir Probyn also served as Permanent Secretary for the Establishments (Personnel) Division…
“From 1974 to 1975, Sir Probyn served as Crown Counsel and as Governor from 1975 to 1981. Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II knighted him at Buckingham Palace in 1976. Also that year, he received the Super Lion Award at Chancellor Hall, University of the West Indies.”
The release indicated that Prime Minister of the Federation Dr. the Hon. Timothy Harris as well as Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly the Hon. Akilah Byron-Nisbett paid a visit to the Sir Probyn’s family after his passing “to pay their respects on behalf of the Government and people of St. Kitts and Nevis”.
“I extend my heartfelt condolences to Lady Rosamund Inniss, the wife for some 55 years of His Excellency Sir Probyn Inniss, MBE, and to their three children, Mrs. Angela Inniss-Hodge, Ms. Marcia Inniss and Probyn E. Inniss, Jr., their grandchildren and other family members,” Prime Minister Harris said today.
“The Government and people of the Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis join with them to mourn the tremendous loss of Sir Probyn Inniss whose thumbprint will forever be on the annals of history,” the press release quoted Dr. Harris as expressing.
It further quoted, “Sir Probyn rendered distinguished service as a Governor; civil servant; heritage proponent, most notably as the longstanding President of the Brimstone Hill Fortress National Park Society; historian; lawyer; preacher in the Methodist Church St. Kitts Circuit; teacher, and writer. Sir Probyn Inniss was a man who made significant contributions to the nation – not for recognition, but for love of country. Sir Probyn was a fitting exemplar of St. Kitts and Nevis’ motto Country Above Self, and he will be deeply, deeply missed by all those whose lives he touched.”
Among the capacities in which Sir Probyn functioned are Chairman of the St. Kitts and Nevis Bar Association and Chairman of the OECS Bar Association, 1995-1997 and 1996-2000 respectively.
