Clarvis the Caribbean Collosus
I never really got to know a collosus until I met and worked with Clarvis Joseph. Thanks to our mutual friend Pauline Stone-Myrie and the unseen hand of a former Prime Minister of Jamaica, I became an associate and consultant with Lorijos Management Consultants - the brainchild and Caribbean-wide management consulting vehicle led by Clarvis.
Clarvis was a fine manager, project manager, management consultant, colleague and friend. He taught me to never write an end of project report without including in it, a recommendation for the next project!
Working with Clarvis was like attending university all over again. Only this time the tutorials were held in real life work settings in the office or on the verandah at Carib Seas Antigua, at the Sir Viv Richards Stadium, Harmonites pan yard, over Sunday morning chop-up, at Commissioner's Grill, Spliff's, the Palms, Russell's at Fort James or some other watering hole. The lessons from the simple fundamental truths which Clarvis spoke earnestly, effortlessly and unadorned, were endless and are immortal.
He was larger than life and cut quite a dash in his home country and across the Caribbean region. On my first visit to Antigua, travelling for a public sector assignment, when I stated my business, I got quizzical looks from the immigration officer who proceeded to ask more questions. Summoning my better judgement, I added that I was also visiting Clarvis Joseph. "Oh. Mr. Joseph! Why didn't you say so?" The officer replied, quickly waiving me through. From then, no matter my business in Antigua, I was there to visit Clarvis Joseph! And I did whenever he was on the island.
Clarvis is the friend who insists on handing you the keys to the Pink House and his car so that you don't have to book a hotel room or rent a car when you are visiting his home country. One would be made a better, more whole person for having met and known Clarvis.
For these and so many more memories, this Caribbean Collosus that is Clarvis Joseph, will be greatly missed.
I extend sincere condolences to his dear wife Pat, his sons Kevin and Damon, his beloved grandchildren, his daughters-in-law, siblings and other relatives and hosts of friends.
Walk good my friend and may your soul find eternal rest.
Huntley Medley
Jamaica