“As God’s co-workers we urge you not to receive God’s grace in vain.” – 2 Corinthians 6:1
I was called away from academia to introduce the “Systems” business consulting brand in Barbados on September 15, 1977.
The brand was first manifested through my company, Sincos Consultants Limited, with a focus on consulting in statistical, information and computing systems.
At inception, I absorbed the staff of a market research company run by my schoolmate Peter Cooke-Johnson, who had recently passed away at the age of 37. The team consisted of Joe Davis, Marjorie Martin and Marianna Marshall, and market research was added to the Systems portfolio. One of our earliest assignments was conducting market research for The Nation Publishing Co. Ltd. (founded in 1973 by Harold Hoyte and Sir Fred Gollop) as it prepared to expand its publications.
In the early years, Systems attracted other professionals, each independently operating their own company but sharing central services as the Systems Group. These included John Gibbs (ICT), Dr. Eddie Molloy (Organizational Development), Terrence Edwards (Training), and Darnley Boxill (Accounting).
When the Systems Group dissolved in 1984, the brand lived on through Systems Caribbean Limited (SCL), which John and I owned equally through our respective companies.
I vividly recall the day Freddie Harding joined the fledgling Systems Caribbean Limited in 1985. Leaving a secure position at the Barbados Industrial Development Corporation, he embraced the uncertainty and pioneering spirit that defined SCL. On that same day, Tony Proute — whom I had worked with during my tenure as Chairman of the Barbados Marketing Corporation (1981–1984) — also joined SCL. Their arrival marked a pivotal moment in strengthening the management of our consulting firm.
Freddie brought diligence, expertise and courage to the team, quickly earning the trust and respect of colleagues. Together with Tony, he formed a bond that transcended SCL, rooted in friendship and shared purpose. Freddie’s professionalism was matched by his warmth and dependability, qualities that endeared him to all who worked with him.
I recall Freddie popping into my office, only to say, ‘Sorry Basil’ and quickly retreating. I later learned he, as a manager, had been taken aback when asked to submit his weekly timesheet. His surprise was short-lived, though – I was filling out my own timesheet at the time! That moment marked a turning point for Freddie in his transition.
Beyond Systems, Freddie was a devoted family man whose pride in his family was evident. The love and respect shown at his funeral testified to the depth of his impact. I treasure my relationship with Freddie and will always remember our time together. His legacy endures, inspiring others to be solid, trusted and true. May his soul rest in peace, and may his family find comfort in cherished memories.
Dr. Basil Springer GCM is a corporate governance adviser. He can be reached at basilgf@marketplaceexcellence.com. His columns may be found at www.nothingbeatsbusiness.com .