‘Mr CXC’ Sir Roy Augier turns 100
Published:Saturday | December 21, 2024 | 1:47 PMPaul H. Williams/Gleaner Writer
The world knows him as Roy Augier, but he was born Fitzroy Richard Augier on December 17, 1924, in St Lucia.
On Tuesday, the man widely known as ‘Mr Caribbean History’ and ‘Mr CXC’ celebrated his 100th year on Earth with a “mass of thanksgiving” at the St Thomas Aquinas Church in Mona, St Andrew.
Augier’s educational journey began at the Roman Catholic Boys Elementary School and continued at St Mary’s College in Castries, St Lucia’s capital. At a young age, he volunteered for Britain’s Royal Air Force. After training in Canada and Britain, he participated as a gunner in bombing missions during the final years of World War II.
Following his wartime service, Augier pursued higher education in Britain, first at the University of London and later at the University of St Andrews in Scotland, where he earned his Master of Arts degree in history and philosophy in 1949 and his PhD in 1954.
Augier’s academic career brought him to the Institute of Social and Economic Research (ISER) at The University of the West Indies (UWI), Mona campus in 1954, where he was appointed a junior research fellow. He quickly rose through the ranks, becoming a lecturer in the history Department in 1955, a senior lecturer in 1965, and a professor of history in 1989. He was appointed professor emeritus in 1995.
Over the years, Professor Augier became an influential figure in UWI’s administration. He served as dean of the Faculty of Arts and General Studies from 1967 to 1972, acting principal of the Cave Hill campus, and pro vice-chancellor from 1972 to 1990.
A prominent historian and educator, Augier was also an integral part of UNESCO’s General History of the Caribbean project and was a founding member of the Association of Caribbean Historians, even serving as its president. His work in archival development included serving on committees in Jamaica and initiating the establishment of the Barbados Archives. He also contributed to the curriculum development, paper-setting, and marking for teacher-training institutions in Jamaica as an examiner for the Institute of Jamaica.
As a historian, Augier co-authored several key texts in Caribbean history, including The Making of the West Indies (1960), The Report on the Rastafarian Movement (1961), and Sources of West Indian History (1962).
However, Augier is perhaps best known for his foundational role in the establishment of the Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC). He convened the first Caribbean History Subject Panel, which created the syllabus for the inaugural Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) exam in 1979. From 1986 to 1996, he served as CXC chairman and was instrumental in the creation of the Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examinations (CAPE), which replaced the Cambridge A-Levels.
‘100 NOT OUT’
Irene Walter, the first employee and first pro-registrar of CXC, recalled his contributions: “Sir Roy was a significant and important player in the establishment and development of the council. He was present at the Montserrat meeting of Heads of Government in 1969, which signed the agreement to bring CXC into being, and served in various capacities, including as the Mona campus representative on the council and its committees.”
In an advertisement published in Friday’s Gleaner, the CXC praised Augier, stating: “Happy 100th birthday, Sir Fitzroy ‘Roy’ Augier, CXC pioneer. A distinguished Caribbean historian and professor emeritus of The University of the West Indies, Sir Roy Augier is a CXC living legend. He led the formation of CXC in 1973, representing The UWI, Mona campus. As one of the founders of CXC, he played a crucial part in establishing a regional examination system that provides standardised assessments for students across the Caribbean, leading to globally recognised certification.”
The tribute continued: “The Caribbean Examinations Council salutes Sir Fitzroy Augier on this significant milestone and thanks him for his visionary contributions.”
On the website of the UWI Regional Headquarters, Vice-Chancellor Professor Sir Hilary Beckles also honoured Augier on December 19, writing: “On December 17, 2024, Sir Fitzroy ‘Roy’ Augier celebrated his 100th birthday. What a magnificent ongoing innings – 100 not out! Scholar, educator, activist, World War II veteran, and administrator, Roy is a true Caribbean Renaissance Man.
“He continues to inspire us to reflect on our Caribbean history, how we perceive ourselves – not as others perceive us – and how that sense of ownership and belonging should guide us in fulfilling a vision of a strong Caribbean civilisation. Husband, father, grandfather, pro vice-chancellor, professor emeritus – at 100 not out, Roy, Sir Roy, we salute you on this historic birth anniversary and wish you the very, very best.”
For his contributions to regional archival development, Sir Roy was awarded a medal by the International Council of Archives. He also received accolades from the Institute of Jamaica in 1996 and 2003 and was knighted in 1996 for his service to education. In 2020, the UWI awarded him its highest honour, the Chancellor’s Medal.