Richard Caines

Mr. Richard Caines Sr. was among the most astute, accomplished and recognizable businessmen in the nation.

Mr. Richard Caines started his work life in 1947 as a Pupil Teacher after completing studies at the Basseterre Boys School. One year later he was promoted to the full status of a School Teacher. However, he had always desired to become an auto mechanic and his dream was realized in 1953 when he switched careers and began to work in the Automotive Maintenance Department at the St. Kitts Sugar Manufacturing Corporation.

Later Mr. Caines decided to utilize his acquired knowledge and skills of the automotive industry and took the bold step of establishing his own automotive business in 1958. His shrewdness as a businessman and his empathetic heart as a person made him successful. His company thrived over the years to encompass not only Automotive Repairs but also Spare Parts Retail Sales, Car Rental and Car Sales. The car sales business flourished, resulting in the acquisition of dealerships of some of the most prestigious and luxurious automobiles.

An outstanding pillar of the community, Mr. Caines ventured into the political arena and held a number of key positions in political and business leadership. He served as a member of a parliament from 1980 to 1993 in the roles of Junior Minister in the Ministry of Finance as well as Permanent Secretary. His public service life included leadership roles on the Social Security Board and the St. Kitts Sugar Manufacturing Board, where he served as a Chairman on both Boards. After his retirement from Public Service in 1993, Mr. Caines returned to the full management of his businesses.

Richard Caines fondly called Mazza Caines was a very humble man. He was a devoted Methodist and was actively involved in many civic endeavours. He enjoyed listening to music, reading and as he described himself he was a “fanatic about the sport of walking.”

He was an active Honorary Member of the National Association of Secretaries and Administrative Professionals of St. Kitts and Nevis (St. Kitts chapter).