Randy Siew, from Trinidad and Tobago, passed away on March 29th, 2026. He has been a long time supporter of ACURIL. He volunteered as a rapporteur or moderator to several conferences and was a strong and reliable presence.
ACURIL extends its sympathies to his family, colleagues and friends in this time of bereavement.
We have received so many testimonies from the ACURIL community, we decided to share a few of them here.
On behalf of the ACURIL 2026 Conference Organizing Committee, and on a personal level, we join the voice of the ACURIL community in expressing our deep sorrow at the sudden passing of our dear colleague Randy Siew, a distinguished member of our organization.
Randy stood out for his unwavering commitment to ACURIL, actively participating in our conferences and generously sharing his knowledge as a speaker on multiple occasions. He was always willing to collaborate and to support initiatives that strengthened our professional community.
On a personal note, and for many of us, Randy will be remembered as a kind, respectful, and approachable person, always ready to lend a helping hand to his colleagues. His human warmth and professional excellence left a lasting impression on all of us who had the privilege of knowing him and working alongside him.
We are deeply grateful for his valuable contributions and his dedication to ACURIL. His absence will certainly be felt at our upcoming conference, to be held in June 2026, where we know he would have participated with the same enthusiasm and commitment that always characterized him.
We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, as well as to his colleagues at the Alma Jordan Library in Trinidad and Tobago.
Rest in peace
Loyda Nieves Ayala, ACURIL President 2025-2026
As one of Randy’s close colleagues , I note with thanks all the expressions of condolences and support from everyone. Randy was one of several colleagues from Trinidad and Tobago that I inducted into the ACURIL community. I encouraged him, among others. to get involved in ACURIL’s programmes. He made his foray into ACURIL in Suriname as a young librarian at the Bureau of Standards (2015). He attended Haiti(2016), and Santo Domingo (2018 and supported me immensely as President). He then joined the Alma Jordan Library as an academic librarian in 2023 and attended ACURIL Guyana (2024) and Curacao (2025). During these attendances, he always made a contribution to the programme through posters or presentations. He registered to attend Puerto Rico this year and was quietly excited. He and I were supposed to collaborate on a virtual preconference presentation in June. Randy was my “personal Graphic Artist” who worked on all my conference posters. He showed his creative skills developing impactful posters, some of which we collaborated on (2016). Randy was a pleasant, respectful, supportive and kind colleague who had excellent leadership, problem-solving and IT skills. While I quietly mentored him he was always appreciative to offer thanks and support for my guidance. There are so many positive memories that I could share about Randy but I am not in the appropriate head space at this time. It is an extremely big blow to lose such a wonderful and brilliant colleague and friend at such an early stage of his career. He showed great promise to make an excellent contribution to academic librarianship and the profession but this was not meant to be. I will miss my dear colleague and friend immensely. Condolences to his parents and family members. Rest in peace my dependable and supportive librarian, friend and colleague.
Kumaree Ramtahal, ACURIL President 2017-2018, Trinidad and Tobago
This is a tremendous loss for the library, the University. He was a lovely person and will be missed
Shamin Renwick, ACURIL President 2003-2004, Trinidad and Tobago
On behalf of the Biblioteca Nacional Aruba, we extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and colleagues of the Alma Jordan Library, at the University of the West Indies, during this incredibly difficult time. May Randy’s memory be a source of comfort and strength, and may he rest in peace .
Astrid Britten, ACURIL President 2005-2006, Biblioteca Nacional Aruba Director
Shocking and extremely sad to hear the news. He was a young, actively involved librarian who made a positive impact in all his interactions. Condolences to his family, colleagues and friends. May his soul Rest in Peace
Adele Merritt-Bernard, ACURIL President 2007-2008, Jamaica, ACURIL 2023 LOC Chair
My deepest condolences to his family, friends and colleagues.
Dorcas Bowler, ACURIL President 2013-2014, Bahamas
My condolences to his family and the collegues of the Alma Jordan Library.
Randy was a dedicated librarian. May he Rest in Peace.
Jane W. Smith, ACURIL President 2014-2015, Suriname
Condolences to his family. May he rest in peace.
Dr. Berthamae Walker, ACURIL President 2019-2020, Bahamas
A humble, kind, and dedicated human being has passed away—deeply committed to libraries and to ACURIL. I deeply regret this loss. I extend my heartfelt condolences to his family and to his colleagues at the Alma Jordan Library.
Rest in peace Randy.
I am shocked to the core to hear this news. Randy was a kind and dedicated professional. His smile and knowledge will be missed.
My sincere condoleances to colleagues, friends and family. Rest in peace Randy.
Lianne Leonora, ACURIL President 2024-2025, Curaçao
These are sad news indeed. Your words about him speak of a passionate human being committed to libraries and the profession, and I cannot think of a better way to honor him than through showing the impact he made on the lives of others.
My sympathies to his colleagues, friends, and family. Rest in peace.
Mariangeli Lugo Zayas, ACURIL 2026 Puerto Rico Chair
I am so very sorry to hear of his passing. May his family, friends, and colleagues find peace in his memory.
Dr. Ardis Hanson, ACURIL President 2010-2011, USA, Parliamentarian on council
My deepest condolences to his family and colleagues in T&T.
Luis Joel Crespo, ACURIL Treasurer, Puerto Rico
How sad. My sincere condolences to our colleagues in Trinidad
Sylvain Houdebert, ACURIL Vice-President, Guadeloupe
I am really sorry to hear this. My sincerest and deepest condolences goes out to his family and friends
Mark Jeffery-Deans, ACURIL Council member, US Virgin Islands
On behalf of the University of Guyana Library and on my own behalf, sincerest condolences is extended to his immediate family, the colleagues of the Alma Jordan Library and ACURIL. May his Soul Rest In Peace and Rise in Glory. This is so sad.
Debra Lowe, University of Guyana Librarian, ACURIL 2024 Guyana LOC Chair, Council member
I am deeply sorry about this. I did not know him but this is extremely sad. Peace be with his family and friends. Rest in power
Cristina Larregui, Council member, Puerto Rico
I am in shock! Randy will always be remembered for his kindness and his dedication and professionalism within ACURIL. Randy Rest in Peace
Ronny Alders, Aruba, ACURIL member
We have lost an ACURILEAN. Randy Siew Librarian at the Alma Jordan Library of The University of the West Indies passed away on Sunday. We are devastated collectively….Randy was very involved in a wide range of activities and always presented as an invaluable team member which he was.
May his soul now sleep in eternal peace. Condolences to Randy’s family, loved ones, and networks. Words fail us as we struggle to express the grief and deep loss that we feel at this time. May his soul sleep in eternal peace.
Niala Dwarika-Bhagat, ACURIL council member, General Rapporteur for several years, Trinidad and Tobago.
Please find the message of condolence from the Library Association of Trinidad and Tobago regarding Randy’s passing, here
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