"One UWI, One Alumni Family"
Tributes to Richard Blades - gone to rest 09 May 2025
RichieB (as he was known), was a native son of Barbados and graduated from CHTM in 1992.
In loving memory of Richie B, a true friend, a giant among men, and a beacon of kindness. Richie embodied the best of humanity—his heart was generous, his words were uplifting, and his faith unwavering. He had a way of making everyone feel valued, offering wisdom, encouragement, and a listening ear. He was more than a friend; he was a confidant, a guide, and a source of light in the lives of those who knew him. His presence was a gift, and his absence will be deeply felt. Rest in peace, Richie—you will be dearly missed, but your legacy of love and faith will live on. My deepest condolences to his family.
Belinda Blessitt
Cayman Islands
CHTM Graduate 1991
_________
He was a year below me at CHTM and he was a gentleman and a friend. A proud Bajan who on my last visit took me around the Island exposing me to real local food, sites and entertainment. I lived in Trust House 14 with Derick, Andrea and Chris but Richie B was always in that house.
Happy soul, gentle giant, rest in peace my friend and brother.
Clifton Reader
Jamaica
CHTM Graduate 1991
Richie B was a true CHTM ambassador and an all-around friend. From the very first time he met you, he treated you as if he had known you all his life. Always generous in spirit, he would always find time for you.
My sincere condolences to Shelley, Mr. Blades, and the rest of his family.
Karl Dawson
BVI
CHTM Graduate 1990
__________________________________________
Richie B was my roommate at CHTM along with Keith and Fitzroy. He was a great big brother. Always having fun and telling outrageous stories. He will be missed.
Carl Anthony Smith
Jamaica
CHTM Graduate 1993
_____________________________________________
Unfortunately, I missed out on the opportunity to meet RichieB in person. But having met online at the CHTM Reunion in 2021, I can attest to the giant of a man that he was...magnanimous in ways unimaginable... and a true friend/patron of the UWI.
My fondest memory is of a year ago when we were having some difficulties placing students on suitable internships. I made a post in the CHTM group chat asking for help. The speed of RichieB's response was truly head spinning. I'd barely hit the send button, and he was on a direct call with me.
His extensive goodwill was so beneficial that he was able to secure opportunities in three countries and score more support than we needed.
I remain grateful to him. I also pray God's grace and peace on his family.
RichieB, you were a star on earth, may your light shine perpetually. Love!
Beenie Watson
Jamaica
CHTM Graduate 1998
____________________________________
As I reflected on my interactions with Richie B..MAGNANIMOUS was the only suitable word!! Riche B was MAGNANIMOUS indeed!
As fellow business consultants, we worked on a project to facilitate more interactions between businesses in TT and Barbados!! We even did a podcast together where he shared quite openly about what was needed to do business in Barbados.
He gave so much! Way beyond what I expected and was a knowledgeable guide along the way. He was always willing, available and prepared with additional tips and advice. He has left an indelible mark on me, my colleagues and our clients and my memory will live on.
We also shared a love for music and I had the opportunity to join in on his “online DJ” sessions to which he gave an open invitation. Riche B, let the music play on!!
I remain grateful to him and his support!
Cheers to a true “Giant” in every sense of the word!
Rawle Rollocks
Trinidad & Tobago
CHTM Graduate 1994
_________________________________________________
Faces of Humanity
Sands of Time
I enjoyed quality interactions and rich engagement with Richie B, ironically almost thirty years after my CHTM graduation, as our paths did not cross at CHTM. Our shared CHTM legacy fueled an immediate camaraderie and we had a robust rapport discussing regional topics related to the development of our Caribbean people and cross-regional connections and business possibilities. He was a dynamic mover and shaker - emotionally intelligent, compelling in his purpose and passion and proactive in generously sharing his ideas, assistance, networks and wisdom. A true GIANT of a man whose name and impact meant so much to so many. May Richie’s soul rest in perpetual peace.
Janine Edwards
Anguilla
CHTM Graduate 1993
____________________________________________________
Richie B and I had one encounter over the phone and automatically he embraced me like we had known each other for years. Quick in intellect was he and his ability in impacting my life was instantaneous. In that one phone call he shared a plethora of ideas that have been helping me to evolve in becoming an entrepreneur, service provider and a model individual who can help to shape the narrative. I am happy that I met him though it may not be physical, I am indeed grateful. RIP @Richard Blades God has called you home and it's time to get your eternal rest. Peace and comfort to all parties in bereavement at this time.
Keron Best
Trinidad & Tobago
CHTM Graduate 2017
___________________________________________________
A friend of more than 30 years, RichieB was my Bajan Brother. He was my industry colleague; business partner; co-founder & board member for our CHTM Alumni. He was always just a WhatsApp or phone call away. He had a unique way of using the English language that painted a picture in your mind of what he was saying; so much more vivid than just listening to his words. At CHTM we called it 'so RichieB'.
Full of energy and always up for a lime, a party or a new venture. His first response was never 'no'. With RichieB, your idea was always a good one, we just needed to work out the how and why and he was more than happy to do that with you.
As the first President of the CHTM Alumni, he has left a void in our CHTM family that no one has the shoes big enough to fill. Gone waaaaay too soon...he will be missed deeply.
Karyn Williams-Sykes
Trinidad & Tobago
Vice President, CHTM Alumni Association
CHTM Graduate 1991
_____________________________________________________
