News

In loving memory of Meshach Pierre

Last week we received dreadful news that our good friend Meshach Pierre had died in “his place in the world” – Guyana. Meshach was in the 2018 Diploma class, and will be missed by us all, especially his classmates and those that taught him. As we process the sad news of his departure, and talk to our colleagues in corridors and online, we reflect on the many challenges faced by field conservationists and researchers as we do the jobs we love. Egil’s words sum up the man, his dreams, and the tragedy of a life cut short.  

“On Friday the devastating news of the passing of Meshach reached me. He was a wonderful person, brightening the lives of the people around them, and, for me as the lead tutor in the Diploma, the ideal student; inquisitive, passionate, critical, and hard working. No wonder he passed the Diploma with flying colours. With his smiles, thoughtful words, guitar, and epic pepper-pot, he was a brilliant person to have around. He also knew what he wanted to do subsequently; get a degree in criminology. He did that, building the profile of the professional he wanted to be. I’ve never spoken to somebody working in conservation in Guyana who didn’t know him, and didn’t speak highly of him. He was really carving out the career he had in mind for himself. In that light, he applied for a DPhil (PhD) at WildCRU at the University of Oxford last year, delivered a stellar interview, received an offer, and was even put forward for a departmental scholarship. Sadly, the stars didn’t align just yet this year, but we were still hopeful he would join us again in the future. I was really looking forward having him around again. He approached his mental struggle as best as he could: talking about it with people around him, seeking professional help, writing about it on his own website, raising awareness of mental health, and helping people with similar conditions, which shows both his braveness and kindness.
We’ll miss him enormously, but won’t forget his kindness, photography, cooking and music, a life lost too soon.” Egil Dröge

“Meshach you will always be in our hearts” – Panthers 2018.