Musician ‘Par excellence’ and Chair of the department of music at the Northern Caribbean University (NCU), Dr. Kaestenar Robertson, has died after a brief struggle with what is reported to be cancer.

Dr. Robertson’s passing on Thursday, October 18, 2018, has left many grieving the loss of a great musician, a great teacher, and a great man.
It is reported that the passing of Dr. Kaestenar Robertson has greatly impacted the whole NCU family, especially those affiliated with the Music Department. A student, when asked how he and his colleagues were coping with the passing of their beloved Professor, the student responded that many in the department were expressing their grief through tears and said concerning himself, “I am feeling low about the situation. Nevertheless, God knows best.”

When the Trumpet interviewed, Dr. Diana Wilson, Lecturer at the Music Department, she said, “He [was] an integral part of the music department…of the shaping of the courses, interacting with the students. [He contributed greatly to] the atmosphere [and] the ethos of the department. He was a visionary.”

In her remembrance of Dr. Robertson, Lecturer Glenda Anderson stated, “We have learned so much [from him] and we aim to continue his vision in all we do, which was excellence.”

In his condolences to the friends and family of Dr, Robertson, President of the United Student movement, Onyeka Nevins, sought to comfort the bereaved with the hope of eternal life found in Jesus:

“Precious in the sight of the lord is the death of His Saints. We are deeply impacted by the loss of Dr. Robertson. The department has lost someone who was an integral part [of its development and function]. We extend our deepest sympathies to the family and those who are close associates of Dr. Robertson. We are praying for you. The impact that Dr. Robertson left on us, we take that onwards to those who we will continue to impact. The student body is sad, but we are joyful with the scripture and the promise in Jesus. Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints.”

A tribute released by the corporate communications office of the University stated that Dr. Robertson is an internationally acclaimed pianist, organist, musical theorist, and collaborative pianist. He was the recipient of numerous awards for his brilliance and contribution to the field of music. He was awarded the B.Mus., M.Mus. and the Doctor of Musical arts degrees from Boston University, Boston Massachusetts U.S.A.

He served as the Chair of the Piano Department and the Chair of the Division of Western Music at the Jamaica School of Music. He also served as Professor of Music and Chair of the Music Department at the Atlantic Union College in South Lancaster, Massachusetts where he was awarded ‘Professor Emeritus’ on retirement.

Dr. Robertson’s passion for the musical arts continued to burn red as he returned to Jamaica in 2012 to serve as the Chair of the Department of Music at NCU. He was instrumental in helping to bring greater awareness to some of the activities of the school such as the annual feast of lights music festival and Lyceums. He is credited with the introduction of the lunchtime musical concerts and community music school.

The Hilltop Trumpet wishes to extend condolences to the family and friends of Dr. Robertson, especially his wife Josephine and his son Martin, and to the NCU family especially the students, staff, and faculty of the Music Department.