George L. Beckford has had a lasting impact on Caribbean scholarship and development. He taught at the University of the West Indies, Jamaica, for over 25 years and was visiting professor at various universities abroad. His contribution to Caribbean scholarship and development is evidenced by his works, which include 8 books, 41 journal articles and numerous reports, some of which are unpublished. In recognition of his work and influence in the region and the Third World, the George Beckford Foundation was launched on 24 June 1992 by the Prime Minister of Jamaica, the Honourable Percival James Patterson, Q.C.