The Department of Mathematics within the Faculty of Science and Technology joins with others in the wider diaspora to mourn the death of Winston St. Elmo Whyte, affectionately called ‘St. E’ or just simply ‘Elmo’.  An outstanding figure in the field of Actuarial Science, he was renowned for his expertise in Pension Funds.

A graduate of the Department of Mathematics in 1973, with a BSc in Mathematics Special. Mr. Whyte went on to pursue a career in Actuarial Science.

In 2004, after a successful professional career in various industries, St. E joined the Mathematics Department as a Senior Lecturer where he served as the Director of the BSc Actuarial Science programme for more than a decade.  During that time he conducted various administrative functions such as serving in the capacity of Deputy Head of Department, Department’s Seminar Coordinator, Member of the WIGUT Executive Committee, Member of UWI Pensions Committee, Advisor for UWI (Mona) Health Committee, Student Councilor/Mentor, Staff Advisor to UWI Actuarial Society (student) while instigating, designing and implementing the development of our current MSc Enterprise Risk Management programme offered jointly with the Mona School of Business and Management.

He has led the department’s initiative to develop an Industry Advisory Board, building links between the Department and Industries while helping to develop local employment opportunities for our students/graduates. He was also a key member of the Jamaica Mathematical Olympiad Competitions administered by the Department. He officially retired in 2015 but continued to teach and contribute extensively to the Department’ activities, in addition to other administrative functions of the University.

His successful professional career includes works at various Institutions such as Life of Jamaica and Jamaica Mutual Life Assurance Society for many years. During that time gained professional qualifications. In 1980 he became an Associate of Institute of Actuaries; in 1986 he received a Certificate in Financial and Investments, and in 2001, he became a Fellow of the Institute of Actuaries in the United Kingdom.

During his working career, he was the Co-founder/Director of Ridgefield Investments Limited, FIRM Insurance Brokers Limited, Policyholders Premium Finance Limited, ACTMAN International Limited and the Mona Technical Solutions Limited.

He served as an active member of the Caribbean Actuarial Association (CAA) and served as President-Elect (CAA) – 2006/2007 and again in 2008/2009.

Sadly, St. E. departed from this world on Friday, March 3, 2023. He has touched the heart of many persons whom he came in contact with.  As for the mathematics family, he has “gone from our sights, but not from our hearts”.

On March 14, 2023 observed as International Day of Mathematics, we pause to celebrate the life and work of Winston St. Elmo Whyte.

Rest well St. E. until we meet again.

Follow the Faculty of Science and Technology on Instagram @uwimona_fst and on Facebook at @ The Faculty of Science and Technology, The UWI Mona. For enquiries, WhatsApp us at 1-876 552-4691, call us at 1-876-977-1785 or email us at fst@uwimona.edu.jm.