Renowned photographer William Alleyne passes away

Renowned Barbadian photographer William Alleyne has passed.

He died on Tuesday night at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital at the age of 91.

Willie, as he was affectionately called, has been hailed across the photography and media fraternity, and likened unto one of the legendary cricketing 3Ws.

A giant of a man, Willie’s name cannot be said without mention being made of the other two greats in photography; Gordon Brooks and Cyprian LaTouche Jr.

Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley, in a statement said news of Mr. Alleyne’s death marks the end of an era, and offered condolences on behalf of the Government and people of Barbados.

She said as she reflects on her own life she cannot help but acknowledge the critical contributions people like Willie Alleyne have made to the preservation of key images of Barbadian history and culture.

Photographer and visual historian Ronnie Carrington said his second job was with Mr. Alleyne back in the 1970s, where he spent about five years before branching off on his own.

Mr. Alleyne worked for the Board of Tourism as their Principal Photographer, as well as the Caribbean Liaison Photographer for the Associated Press for many years.

Veteran Investigative Journalist Al Gilkes has many a fond memory of Mr. Alleyne, describing him as “reserved, with a pleasant personality, and always smiling”.

Mr. Alleyne was honoured in 2010 by the Barbadian Government with the National Silver Crown of Merit, and eight years later by the Barbados Tourism Board with the Lifetime Achievement Award for his work over seven decades in the field.

He leaves to mourn his three children Wendy, Erwin and Wallace. He was predeceased by his wife Elsie.

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