Herbert Yearwood

Sincere condolences to Kathy and all of Herbie's family, friends and associates from one who so appreciated Herbie during his UK High Commission days.
Penny Parkin (nee Ward).

Herbert Yearwood was Barbados’ Deputy High Commissioner, in the UK, from 1995 to 2005.

In 1995, The Barbados (UK) community felt immediately that Herbie was the right person for the job at the right time. We knew that Herbie’s personal qualities of reliability, fair- play, openness and perseverance, particularly in difficult situations were desperately needed in our UK community.

Our Barbados (UK) community had been functioning for more than 30 years in every area of the British Establishment. We had years of personal experience and understanding of the NHS; Education; Local and Central Government; Charities and large multinationals. Also, our many Barbados (UK) Voluntary Associations had been functioning for more than 25 years, and in most cases, needed fresh motivation and direction: it was an exciting, hopeful time!

Herbie and High Commissioner, Peter Simmons set up advisory groups to the Barbados High Commission to achieve their objectives, mainly in Education, Health and Welfare, Trade and Commerce and The Arts. All Caribbean, UK High Commissions supported these projects.

Barbados in particular benefited from the advisory groups’ activities, namely:

a) Trade and Commerce. Barbados Expo 2000 at London’s Excel Centre. Exhibitors from Barbados attended this 3 day event, the first of its kind in the UK.

b) Health and Welfare. This group with joint UK funding was set up to support free mammograms and cervical cancer prevention clinics in Barbados.

c) Friends of Barbados Art Initiative. Mrs Kathy Yearwood promoted and Invited artists such as Virgil, Broodhagn, David Innis, and Itan to showcase their Art in notable galleries in London.

In all of this, Herbie Yearwood received the usual negative comments and distractions from a few professional critics and objectors. Herbie, however, soon dismissed these persons in his usual, well known, effective, ‘unprintable style!’

Thankfully, on the 9th of December 2023, the Herbie Yearwood Project Team (UK), in London hosted a successful ‘thank you’ party for Herbie’s family, friends and past project participants. It was a lovely reunion and Herbie was in good form.

Herbie is now at peace. He was getting tired – a cure was not to be.

God placed his arm around him and whispered “come with me.”

From the Herbie Yearwood’s Projects Team, London, June 2024.


Shirley Chase
Phyllis Chase
Andy Connell
Felix Grant
Deborah Greer
Gary Greer
Esther Holmes
Stacy Lee
John Lorde
Dalton McConney
Audrey McCracken
Joy Manyan
Sylvia McLean
Anne Okokon
Paul Phoenix
Shermane Peters
Cecil Reid
Sherlene Rudder
Gilmore Smith
Eleanor Small
Maria Springer
Oriel Weekes

Thank you Herbie for being You. You will live in our hearts always Thank you for your guidance and your time.

Our deepest sympathy to the family.
May his soul rest in peace.

I feel adrift without his guiding hand. But grateful that he is no longer in pain. Thanks to his family for allowing us to share this remarkable man. His contribution to Barbados and the UK community is second to none. Rest in peace dear Herbie.

Sad to hear the passing of Mr Yearwood. He was a good friend of Celeste Nri and loyal supporter of the Age Activity Centre whilst in England. Condolences to the family. May he RIP.

Deepest sympathy to the Yearwood family. He was one of the greatest to leave these shores.

Herbie was a giant, his burdens have been lifted, now he can rest in peace.

Our sincere sympathy, Kathy

Very best wishes ... Henry and Maureen

My deepest sympathy to Viv, Bev, Carol. Kathy and all your families. May the memories formed over your years together keep him forever in your heart.
Sorry I cannot be there with you.
Shirley Brathwaite (Ottawa).