In Memory of Mr Stephen Day CMG

It is with great sadness that the BTS have learned of the death, at 85, of Mr Stephen Day CMG, who was Chair of the British Tunisian Society until 2008.

Stephen had a long and distinguished career from the early 1960’s as a Political Adviser in South Arabia and including postings in Singapore, New York, Lebanon and Canada. He was Ambassador first to Qatar from 1981 to 1984 and then to Tunisia from 1987 to 1992-a challenging and lively posting covering a period of considerable political change and also acting as the main point of contact with Yasser Arafat and the PLO as Middle East peace negotiations began.

After his retirement in 1993 Stephen chaired a number of organisations with links to the Arab World, including above all the British Tunisian Society which he led with great enthusiasm, skill and dedication for no less than 15 years, maintaining his knowledge of developments in Tunisia through regular visits, reflecting also his warm personal connection following the marriage of his daughter, Philippa, to the Tunisian film maker Moez Kamoun and fondly watching as his two British-Tunisian granddaughters grew up.

He keenly supported the revival of the BTS and although by then in failing health he attended the first AGM of the BTS in April 2019 (see photo). Tunisia has lost a very good friend and the Chair and Committee of the BTS send their deepest condolences to Stephen’s widow Angela and to all his family.