Sir Clifford Straughn Husbands (1926 – ) was the Governors General of Barbados. Husbands has maintained uninterrupted tenure as Governor General since 1996 but retired on October 31st, 2011.
Mr. Elliott Belgrave, is now (November 1st, 2011 – ) the acting Governors General with the retirement of Sir Clifford Husbands on October 31, 2011. Mr. Belgrave, a retired High Court Judge will act until further notice.
Husbands was born at the Morgan Lewis Plantation on August 5th, 1926 in the parish of St. Andrew. Educated at the Selah boy’s Elementary school, the young Husbands continued his education at the Parry School and later the prestigious Harrison College.
After completing his education, Husbands returned to Parry School where he taught for three years. Shortly afterwards, he left for England where he studied Law at the Middle Temple, Inns Court. He was called to the Bar in 1952.
After returning to Barbados, Husbands practiced law in the Chambers of Mr. W.W. Reece (1952 – 1954). He acted as Deputy Registrar in 1954 later taking on various judicial posts across the English speaking Caribbean.
Husbands assumed the roles of Assistant to the Attorney-General and Legal Draftsman upon his return to Barbados in 1960.
He was appointed Director of Public Prosecutions (1967) and later called to the Queen’s Counsel in 1968. In 1976, Husbands became Judge of the Supreme Court and in 1991 became Justice of Appeal.
In 1986, Husbands was awarded the Gold Crown of Merit in recognition of his unflaging service to the nation. He was made a Companion of Honour in 1989 and in 1995 he received the highest national honour when he was granted the rank and title of Knight of St. Andrew. He is now known as Sir Clifford Straughn Husbands.
Sir Clifford became Governor General of Barbados on the 1st of June 1996. He was preceded by Denys Williams, acting Governor General following the death of Dame Nita Barrow.
Sir Clifford enjoys music, swimming, photography and cricket. Married to the former Ruby C.D. Parris, Sir Clifford boasts three children – Sandra Dawne Taylor, Anthony and Laura Husbands.
Author: Brett Callaghan
