Real estate developer and poet Lee Westcott passed away on Wednesday.

ST JOHN’S, Antigua – Another famous Antiguan has died. Lee Harris Comacho Westcott passed away Wednesday after a prolonged illness, at the age of 82.

Westcott is best remembered for his prowess at real estate, and the tower house in Crosbies, an edifice he conceived of, stands testament to his ingenuity. He is also credited, along with his father, with developing the area into a community.

His son, Michael, said of his father, “He was a consummate farmer, real estate developer and poet.”

A lover of poetry and the English language, young Westcott had his beginnings at Convent High School where he was encouraged by his mentor, Mother Mary Ambrosine.

He subsequently went on to publish three books of poetry, two of which are no longer available. In recognition of his work, he was awarded in 2005/2006 the UNESCO prize for Best Book of Poetry, Garden of Life.

Westcott is remembered as the youngest person to become manager of all Shell Oil installations in the region. He was also an advisor to former Minister of Tourism Bernard Percival.

An avid sportsman, he represented Antigua & Barbuda in the field of cricket, football and tennis.

Westcott was active in the political life of the country, and this took him to England in 1980 when he accompanied the late Sir Vere Cornwall Bird to Lancaster House for discussions on independence for Antigua & Barbuda.

Westcott is survived by his wife Joan and six children.

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