Barbados TravelAdvisor

The Bellairs Research Institute was founded in 1954, following the donation by
Commander Carlyon Bellairs of his estate to McGill University


Carlyon Bellairs - British Naval Commander & Member of Parliament

"Half a dozen years have passed since I received, in Montreal, a curiously interesting letter from a man I had never met and did not know. The signature was Carlyon Bellairs; the address Sandacres.

Commander Bellairs, in the letter, said that he was anxious to develop closer relations with Canada and eager that his estate, after his death, should be used in a way that would promote such relations for the benefit of the island of Barbados. It was all rather vague but the letter concluded by suggesting that, since his health made it impossible for him to come to Montreal, he would like me to come to Barbados to discuss the matter.

A few weeks later I was able to accept that invitation and spent several interesting days at Sandacres, discussing with the Commander his dreams. He was convinced that scientific research would strengthen the economy of Barbados and enhance the welfare of its people. He wanted McGill University to undertake the task of carrying out such research, and he would like to leave his estate to McGill as trustee for the discharge of that responsibility. He was anxious, moreover, that the work should start while he was still alive, and asked whether McGill could at once send a young scientist to Barbados.

The proposal was placed before the Board of Governors on my return to Montreal, and it was unanimously decided that McGill should accept the challenge. Dr. John Lewis, an outstanding young biologist, and his charming wife came to Barbados in September, 1954, and took up residence with Commander Bellairs at Sandacres, where a small laboratory and aquarium were installed..." - Click here for rest of story --> http://bit.ly/c7SEF