We are deeply saddened by the passing of a dear colleague, Dr. Rose Davies, retired Senior Lecturer in Early Childhood Education and past Head of the Institute of Education (IOE) at the Mona Campus of The University of the West Indies (The UWI).

Dr. Davies joined the staff at The UWI in 1976 and retired in 2013. During her tenure as Head of the IOE, she worked closely with Professors Bryan and Jennings-Craig to oversee the amalgamation of the Institute of Education and the Department of Educational Studies into the School of Education in 2011.

Dr. Davies was instrumental in driving the development of early childhood education in Jamaica across the last three decades, through her scholarship, curriculum development, advocacy and capacity building of teachers, teacher educators and institutions in the early childhood sector.

Her passing has left a professional and personal void in the working arenas and hearts of her colleagues in the SOE and Faculty of Humanities  and Education. As a leader she was always respectful of, others regardless of their station in life, a good listener and demonstrated the utmost integrity. She was deeply admired for her humility, generosity, and pragmatic approach to life. We will miss her pleasant smile, her engaging laughter, and her calm, peaceful disposition.

We express deepest and sincere condolences to her family and pray that they will receive comfort on the passing of a phenomenal woman who deeply loved and cared for her country and its children.