You will always be remembered by the BU household. You believed and contributed to the BU project. The blogmaster will always be grateful for your support. You were the quintessential gentleman always respectful and willing to share of your vast knowledge. The Barbados space will be the poorer for your passing.
David, BU Blogmaster
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This is sad news. Condolences to his family and friends
I had a lot of respect for Jeff and I’m sure that goes for many others here.
May he Rest in peace.
Sad news, condolences to his family. May he REST IN PEACE 🙏
RIP Jeff Cumberbatch.
@David, truly a man of integrity who was a rare gem and a quiet supporter of my advocacy. He kept his professionalism when sharing his knowledge, as he did not want to be compromised should any matter, I was advocating come to the Appeals Court.
Thus, it is such persons that keep me grounded in standing on the side of fairness, justice, equality irrespective of the ridicule from those among us who are compromised to be nefarious.
Thank you Jeff, Pulvis et umbra sumus!
Jeff Cumberbatch was one of the best writers ; his command of English was beyond excellent. He was one of the more prominent scholars , who shared his positions with Barbados Underground and engaged all. He made BU better.
Condolences to his family.
Maybe the likes of Jefferson Cumberbatch is the best which can be hoped for, given current realities.
As expressed here, his was always a sense of fairness, a desire to confront issues many in his profession general tend to stay away from, he was even a conservator of the best instincts at the center of what has become Barbados.
Certainly, this writer never got the impression that his motivations were anything less than honorable. Never did we supposed that Cumberbatch possessed the various angles generally expected of his station.
Indeed, if Jefferson Cumberbatch was, and we believe this to be true, the best temperament we can produce, this writer is prepared to accept him as the standard of life eternal as is the Afrikan tradition, even in circumstances where his intellectual morrings were elsewhere located.
Weeee therefore humbly beg the great Ancestors to welcome him into their ranks.
Rest in peace and condolences to his family, friends and colleagues. I appreciated his sensible contributions on BU.
Condolences to the family of Jeff Cumberbatch.
May he rest in peace.
R.I.P. Jeff
65 is too early to leave
But, God chooses his favourites to join him/her
One of my most respected contributors to BU. We missed him when he was appointed to the SC. My condolences to family, friends, students and associates.
Very, very good principled man.
The 2 x 3 island needs many more like him
A good man gone way too soon.
Sad news. From school days he was always a ‘cut above’. Condolences to his family.
@David
So #CousinJeff has #DearlyDeparted… Another Cumberbatch taken away (my mother’s Sister’s married into “FAMILY”)!!!
Interestingly, “WE TREAT DEATH AS A FOREIGN ENEMY” – when in actuality we are the “REPOSITORIES” & “RECIPIENTS” of an “APOCALYPTIC DECISION” made back in the cosmic mist of primordiality when or “FIRST PARENTS” blatantly “SINNED” against their “CREATOR & MAKER” – #YeshuaAdonai!!!
Thankfully, “DEATH” will also be the “LAST ENEMY” to be cast into the “LAKE OF FIRE” – “NEVER” to raise its “DAMNABLE HEAD” ever again amongst the “CONGREGATION OF THE JUST” – in a “WORLD RECREATED ANEW” at the hands of the “KING OF KINGS & LORD OF LORDS”!!!
What a blessing it would be for most men to be like “MOSES” (servant of “THE MOST HIGH YAH”) who knew the “TIME OF HIS DEPARTURE” and journeyed into the mountains of NEBO*, in the land of Moab (today called the Trans-Jordan), and simply laid down & “GAVE UP THE GHOST”…
The “BEAUTY” of “DEATH” will be the “RESURRECTION” (some to #EverlastingLife & “MANY” to #EverlastingShame & “CONTEMPT”)…
The choice is clear – “CHOOSE THIS DAY WHOM YOU WILL SERVE – GOD OR MONEY)???
Today, the choice has never been more stark!!!
HERE’S TRIBUTE IN SONG:
HERE A SONG OF “PROMISED” COMFORT FOR THE CUMBERBATCHES:
I missed him when he could no longer be here with us on BU. I looked forward to learning something and he never disappointed. He armed us with knowledge that we could use. His calm, humble attitude made him a joy to interact with on Sunday mornings.
I will miss knowing that he is still on this rock. I believe his presence here made it somewhat better.
So sorry to see him gone so soon!
I say this in all sincerity or I wouldn’t say it at all.
My condolences to his family.
Deeply sorry to hear of the passing of Jeff Cumberbatch (JC).
Wish to extend condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of JC.
He was one of the great intellectuals that little Barbados produced.
He was also a pioneering and outstanding contributor to BU making it into what it is today (No. 1 in the business of the Fifth Estate in Barbados).
May He rest in peace and Light Perpetual🌅 shine on him!
Ashe!
In Disbelief….Don’t Know What To Say…Competitively, The Greatest Legal Brain On The Planet…A Natural Humanitarian…A Catastrophic Loss…My Mentor…My Friend…Will Always Be In My Heart…Condolences To Wife, Children, Brother And Family…A Huge Part Of Me Is Gone…Gone 2 Soon…Rest In Peace, Rise In Glory….Honour Escousa
HOW PEOPLE ARE DYING IN BARBADOS (SOME HEALTHY AS FLYING FISH) DUE TO AN UNTESTED,UNPROVEN, UNTRIALLED COVID-19 JAB POSING AS A VACCINE – FOISTED UPON A NATION OF SUPPOSED ENLIGHTENED PEOPLE, BASED ON EMERGENCY USE AUTHORIZATION, (A DEEP, DARK FIG-LEAF) TO COVER THE INSALUBRIOUS NATURE OF A POISON THAT IS BRINGING TO LIGHT DAMNABLE REPURCUSSIONS???
How many have died up until today in 2024 from a myriad of conditions – (MYOCARDITIS, CANCERS*, STROKES, NEUROLOGICAL CONDITIONS ET AL)???
My wife & I know of half a dozen individuals in the last year who were “PERFECTLY HEALTHY” (including one of her “BEAUTIFUL COUSINS”) who was a good church girl, suddenly developed breast cancer and was gone in months (reducing her to a shell of former self)!!!
Conclusion: “SHE GOT JABBED”!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Thank God for modern day #Lollards like MP Andrew Bridgen & retired physicians like my mentor #Dr John Campbell et al who are using the “WEIGHT” of “EVIDENCE” to kickback on the established “NEO-EUGENIC NARRATIVE” pushed on to us since 2020!!!
Here in Britain, when anyone “DIES” – the first question asked: “DID THEY HAVE THE COVID JAB”???
I REMAIN UNAPOLOGETIC IN SAYING THINGS THAT MOST WOULD DARE SAY GIVEN WHAT THEY HAVE TO LOSE GIVEN THE SOCIETY WE LIVE IN!!!
I WILL “NEVER” COMPLY!!!
I WILL “NEVER” BOW DOWN!!!
MOREOVER, I WILL “NEVER” BE COMPLICIT IN EVIL!!!
If you stand for “NOTHING” – you will “FALL” for all the “CRAP” out here!!!
IF YOU ARE LISTENING TO YOU DOCTORS WITHOUT DOING YOUR OWN “DUE HEALTH DILIGENCE” – THEN YOU ARE A DAMN FOOL WHO BUYS A HOUSE WITHOUT HAVING A SURVEYORS REPORT & ANALYSIS!!!
#HealthcareIsSickCare as so-called “HEALTH-CARE” has nothing to do with living a “HOLISTIC” lifestyle based on the “8 LAWS OF HEALTH”!!!
What we have is a “DEMONIC PHARMACEUTICAL CABAL” of “CRIMINALS” who profiteer from “PROLONG SICKNESS” & “UNTIMELY DEATH”…
Most are unaware that there are [13] “CANCER PROTOCOLS” yet all these so-called doctors today “PUSH” upon ignorant human beings are: “CUT” (#Surgery); “POISON” (#Chemotherapy) & “BURN” (#RadiationTherapy)!!!
Yet there are doctors who will “NEVER” subject themselves to “CHEMO” or “RADIO” if diagnosed with cancer – how comically ironic!!!
#CmonFolks, time to “WAKE UP FROM THE HELLISH NIGHTMARE” inflicted on our consciousness by people we place all this trust in, when finally proven – they never had our best interests at heart – it was all about the “MONEY” – the cold, hard cash in their bank accounts!!!
Today, “TRUSTING YOUR DOCTOR IS LIKE TRUSTING A CROOKED LAWYER OR A DEVIOUS POLIETICIAN” – THEY ARE ALL “BAD PUTRYFYING DEAD FISH” PULLED UP IN A DRAG NET…”
I feel sorry for JEFF* & FAM* as this hits them hard… However, no “ONE” is exempt from the cruel fate of death (whether “TIMELY” or “UNTIMELY”)!!!
Many knowledgeable persons in B’dos (though possessing superior intelligence to some degree) “FALL FOWL” to the vicissitudes, vagaries & vacillations of (“SO-CALLED MODERN MEDICAL SCIENCE) – where “SCIENCE IN ALL ITS FORMS” seek to “REPLACE GOD” – which is a steaming hot pile of “HORSE PUCKEY” – poppy-cock used as #FairyTales4Adults who are frankly “DISENGENOUSLY CLUELESS” & who will be incapable of delaying the “GRIM REAPER” when he comes!!!
In the words of Scripture: “PHYSICIAN HEAL THYSELF” must now become a mantra for all those who have bequeath their health & well-being into the hands of “MORTAL FLESH” – men & women who are “WEAK”, FACILE, & FLAXY!!!
Here is “UNPOPULAR TRUTH” – “LIFE & DEATH IS IN GOD’S HANDS” (take it or leave it)!!!
Modern medicine is nothing more than “PHARMAKEIA” – a death-CULT* based on the “ALCHEMY” of “WITCHCRAFT”; “STATECRAFT” & the “JANUS” of “LESSER MAGIC-CRAFT”!!!
Believe “SCIENCE” at your own peril…
Bullocks!
Condolences to Jeff’s family and friends
Is it really necessary to pollute a thread on someone’s passing, someone well known to BU bloggers, with your opinions on vaccinations.
Show a little respect.
RIP Jeff. Condolences to his family.
Judiciary pays homage to late comrade
The following is a tribute to the Honourable Jefferson Cumberbatch Late Justice of Appeal from the Office of the Chief Justice on behalf of the Judiciary of Barbados. On Wednesday, January 17, 2024, the Judiciary of Barbados received the deeply wounding news of the passing of Justice of Appeal Jefferson O’Brien Cumberbatch. We were aware that he was battling a severe illness, but we continued to hope for an uneventful recovery and his return to his family and his judicial colleagues.
It was not to be. The news caused deep consternation among his colleagues. He was the first sitting judge to die whilst in office. That troubling reality ushered in deep introspection amongst many of us.
“Jeff,” as he was so affectionately known, had joined the local Court of Appeal in 2020. He was amongst the first batch of judges interviewed and recommended for appointment by the newly created Judicial Appointments Committee. His selection was an inspiring and daring choice. Whilst there could have been no reservations concerning his legal scholarship, there was the reality that he had spent significant time teaching at his alma mater, The University of the West Indies at Cave Hill Campus in the Faculty of Law. He joined the faculty in 1980, and in 1983, he was appointed Lecturer in law.
Unfair dismissal decisions
There was a view expressed that his experience did not embrace the rough and tumble of litigation practice. He was to prove these doubters wholly mistaken. On the Bench, as in the lecture room, he brought his considerable intellectual gifts to bear in analysing facts and applying them through his refined mind to the law. He authored all the unfair dismissal decisions which came before the Court of Appeal. His writing was clear, and his choice of language felicitous. He expounded on the guiding principles with ease and acuity. Whenever he felt he could not support his colleagues, he did not shy away from dissenting, a tribute to his robustness and independence of spirit. Yet, given his innate charm and congeniality, one never sensed that his dissents were other than honestly held views.
He has left us with a huge void in the Court of Appeal. In our quiet moments of banter, it was a joy to experience this master of the King’s English as he displayed unrivaled dexterity in the subtleties of the English language, much to our amusement. He was warm, kind-spirited, unpretentious, and exceptionally collegial. He was always keen and ready to offer assistance to fellow judges whenever needed. He was unfailingly polite, kind and sensitive to staff. Elegance and refinement in manners were his hallmark.
Notoriously stingy
In his many years as a teacher, many sat at his feet in contract law. The constant refrain one encounters when inquiring of his pedagogy is ‘he was simply one of the best teachers I had at Cave Hill.’ He was known to be a dapper dresser, well-buffed and devastatingly effective in the lecture room. He was also notoriously stingy in his marking. You had to earn your As and B+s. He has left a huge imprint on generations of students, many of whom have attained high office. He had, by dint of hard work and discipline, earned the warm regard of his charges.
Whilst at Cave Hill, Jeff progressed in 1993 to Senior Lecturer, a position he held until his elevation to the Court of Appeal. He was also Deputy Dean and Head of Teaching between 1994 to 1996 and Deputy Dean from 1996 to 2005 and from 2013 to 2017.
Beyond the academic halls, Jeff’s talents were sought and utilised to the benefit of his country and the wider region in the following public assignments: 1. Initially, he was Deputy Chairman of the Anti-Money Laundering Authority. He later became chairman from 2000 to 2018.
2. He was the Deputy Chair of the Consumer Claims Tribunal and subsequently Chairman from 2009 to 2018.
3. Member of the Regional Judicial Legal Services Commission from 2009 to 2013.
4. Chairman of the Fair-Trading Commission from July 2015 to June 2018.
5. Member of the Law Reform Commission from inception to present.
Apart from his legal teaching and writing, Jeff also wrote a weekly column in the Sunday Sun called Musings and one in the Sunday Advocate. His scholarship, deep commitment to public service, his truncated journey in the Court of Appeal, and charm and wit will all be sorely missed. His has been a life shortened too early. There was so much more on offer, “brother Jeff.”
Sincerest condolences are extended to his wife, Marcia, his children, his family and extended family and friends.
May he rest in peace.
Source: Nation
Lawyer leaves indelible mark on fraternity
Statement from chairman of the Law Reform Commission, Sir David Simmons K.A., B.C.H., on the passing of Justice of Appeal, Jefferson Cumberbatch
Jeff Cumberbatch had an outstanding career as an academic lawyer.
He lectured and tutored hundreds of students from the Commonwealth Caribbean who went on to distinguish themselves as lawyers in their respective country. Jeff was particularly proud of the contribution that he had made towards the development and careers of a large number of Commonwealth Caribbean legal practitioners. Because of the respect and high regard in which he was held, Jeff was sought after by several countries in CARICOM to assist them in the modernisation of various aspects of their laws.
In 2019, he made a seamless transition from the teaching of Law to its practical application. He brought to his judicial career, immense research capabilities, a simple but incisive writing style and a humility that endeared him to all with whom he interacted.
Since 2019, Jeff Cumberbatch was a most valuable member of the Law Reform Commission. We all looked forward to his attendance at meetings. His commitment to law reform was total and I know that all of the members of the Commission will miss his contributions to our discussions.
On behalf of the members and staff of the Law Reform Commission, I extend our sincerest condolences to Jeff’s wife, Marcia, and his family.
Source: Nation
Great respect to Jeff.
This morning the realization came to me that I have been notified of the passing of a number of schoolmates in my age group (6x -6y) during the past year.
For a brief moment the thought crossed my mind to drop out of that chat. But then I thought of other chats which are of folks from my ‘hometown’.
What is it? Cowardice? Sudden acknowledgement of my mortality? A refusal to face the fact that death is inevitable. A failure to face reality?
I have never thought of myself as immortal, but I have never thought of my demise.
We may not have been close friends, but Jeff’s passing had a much greater impact on me that I expected.
No. I will not be rushing to any religious building, but I hope that I be kind, honest and helpful to others.
Again, RIP Jeff.
Grasshopper
Life goes on.
A lawyer friend informed me of his admission to ICU and subsequent passing.
My friend would be a few years younger than I am and would have known him professionally and also apparently from school.
I was wondering if he went to HC and it turns out he did, entered 1968 two years after I did.
For some reason I could not remember him from school even though according to the paper he was my age.
Followed his contributions on BU and enjoyed them.
Turns out he was one of the three judges who was assigned to an ongoing case in which I am involved which was first heard on 28th November 2023.
I remarked to my lawyer friend when we spoke about his admission that he did not look well.
Few people I know/knew consider/ed themselves to be immortal, but many consider/ed they have/had eternal life.
I do to.
Hopefully I will get to find out one day.
My condolences to all the relatives.
The Supreme Court is not yet “equalised”. Time for our Supreme Leader to appoint a compliant executor of her will to the Court of Appeal.
Tron, year 6 of the Glorious Revolution
Jefferson “Jeff” Cumberbatch academic, gentleman and teacher. These words just scratch the surface of but accurately describes his contribution to the life he lived. Condolences to his family, he will be missed. Until we meet again teacher until we meet again.
You will be missed Jeff. Respectful send off.
@David
How apropos of you to have two of Jeff’s columns about evolving democracy in the sidebar in the age of the cybercrime bill.
We miss his intellect.
@Sargeant
It means some have searched the Internet for his articles.
His article on the Defense of Triviality against defamation I found very interesting.
https://barbadosunderground.net/2019/09/01/the-jeff-cumberbatch-column-the-defence-of-triviality/
However, Wright V McCormack decided in 2023 superseded the cases he quoted from 2013 and before.
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