The University of the West Indies, Mona, regrets to inform you that our former colleague, Professor Emeritus Gerald Lalor, passed away on Sunday, August 22, 2021.

Professor Lalor joined The UWI Mona family in 1960 as an Assistant Lecturer in the Department of Chemistry. In 1969, he was promoted to the rank of Professor and served as Head of the Department of Chemistry from 1969 to 1972. He was subsequently promoted to Pro-Vice Chancellor of the University in 1974 and was later appointed Principal in 1991, where he served until his retirement in 1996.

Professor Lalor was a trailblazing Jamaican geochemist with a strong interest in research. In 1984, he established the Centre for Nuclear Sciences (CNS), now known as the International Centre for Environmental and Nuclear Sciences (ICENS). This initiative resulted in the acquisition of the SLOWPOKE (Safe Low-Power (K)ritical Experiment) Reactor, the only nuclear research reactor in the Caribbean. Professor Lalor led a research team that developed a geochemical map of elements in Jamaican soils which aids in the detection of contaminated land and provides important information for government planning agencies. He also established the Biotechnology Centre; spearheaded the implementation of programmes for hearing impaired students; facilitated the education of the disabled; and supported the development of microcomputer applications. He served on many regional and international committees focused on Science, Metrication, and Education as well as Jamaica's Electoral Advisory Committee.

Professor Lalor’s distinguished contribution to local and international development in science, technology and innovation, and service across the private and public sectors was recognized by his colleagues and his countrymen. In 1980, the Government of Jamaica conferred the national honour, Order of Distinction, Commander Class (CD), on Professor Lalor. In 1990, he was awarded the Order of Jamaica (OJ), and in 2003, he received the National Medal for Science and Technology. In 2019, Professor Lalor was bestowed the fourth-highest Jamaican honour, Order of Merit (OM).

The University, and especially the Faculty of Science and Technology, ICENS, and the Department of Chemistry families extend condolences to the family and friends of the late Professor Lalor.