Foreign Affairs Minister Kamina Johnson Smith and UWI Vice-Chancellor Sir Hilary Beckles are joining global voices in expressing sadness at the passing of renowned UK scientist and human rights advocate Sir Geoff Palmer.

Palmer, who created history as the first black professor at Heriot-Watt University in Scotland, died on June 12. He was 85.

Johnson Smith, in a statement on Tuesday (June 17), hailed Sir Geoff as a pillar of the Jamaican Diaspora.

The senator said she was honoured to have appointed Palmer as Jamaica’s first honorary consul to Scotland in 2018.

“I am so sad to hear about the passing of Prof. Geoff Palmer, OD. OBE. He was such a wonderful, well-regarded member of the Jamaican Diaspora in the UK! He was not only widely respected for his academic achievements and human rights advocacy, but he had a big heart for students and the wider community. It was an honour to have appointed him to serve as our first Honorary Consul in Scotland. He certainly served with distinction and has left a powerful legacy. May his soul rest In peace,” she wrote on Instagram.

Beckles, in his tribute, said men of Palmer’s calibre were rare and lauded the academic for his contributions to the scientific community and his undying commitment to justice as a staunch anti-slavery and human rights advocate.

“This son of the Jamaican soil has a legacy that extends beyond his academic achievements, as he has inspired countless students and colleagues with his passion for education and human rights. His work continues to have a lasting impact on the scientific community and beyond. Farewell, Sir Geoff, and flagrans veritatis studio – may our memory of you continue to burn as bright as your zeal for truth,” he concluded.

Sir Hilary Beckles’ full statement reads:

“The University of the West Indies is profoundly saddened by the loss of our dear friend, colleague, and
mentor, Sir Geoff Palmer, a renowned Caribbean-origin scientist and a champion of human rights, who
passed away on June 12, 2025.

Sir Geoff, the quintessential West Indian, was born in rural Jamaica and, in his teens, travelled to England,
where he blossomed into an icon of the Windrush generation, becoming Scotland’s first black professor in 1989.

He held a distinguished academic career at Heriot-Watt University, inventing the barley abrasion
process and establishing the International Centre for Brewing and Distilling.

Sir Geoff, synonymous with grain science technology, made significant contributions throughout his academic journey. His work on sorghum as a brewing material and food in Africa is particularly notable.

However, we are particularly grateful for his role as a prominent advocate for human rights and equity.

Speaking boldly on the side of truth and justice, he wrote extensively on the history of Scotland’s connection to the enslavement of people of African origin in the Caribbean. He was awarded a Doctor of
Science honoris causa in 2015 by the University of the West Indies, which lauded his stellar contributions.
After being knighted in 2014 for his services to human rights, science, and charity, Sir Geoff distinguished
himself as the chancellor of Heriot-Watt University from 2021 until his passing.

This son of the Jamaican soil has a legacy that extends beyond his academic achievements, as he has inspired countless students and colleagues with his passion for education and human rights. His work continues to have a lasting impact on the scientific community and beyond. Farewell, Sir Geoff, and flagrans veritatis studio – may our memory of you continue to burn as bright as your zeal for truth.”