Public record · 29 May 2026
NRS statement on the passing of Alan Barrett
NRS remembers Alan Barrett’s contribution to the development and global coordination of the Internet in Africa and beyond.
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Public record · first published 29 May 2026; the source records an editorial update on 15 July 2026. This is a statement of condolence and remembrance, not a current election notice or action call.
Image published with the original statement. No additional credit is asserted.
Remembering Alan Barrett
Number Resource Society is deeply saddened by the passing of Alan Barrett, former Chief Executive Officer of AFRINIC and a distinguished contributor to the development of the Internet in Africa and globally.
Building the African Internet
Alan’s life and work were closely connected with some of the most important chapters in the growth of the African Internet. From his early role in helping connect South African universities to the global Internet, to the creation of the .co.za zone, to his contribution as one of the authors of the proposal that led to AFRINIC’s establishment, his legacy is woven into the infrastructure and institutions that many depend on today.
Service to the global Internet
His service extended well beyond Africa. Through his work with AFRINIC, the NRO Number Council, the Address Supporting Organization, the IANA stewardship transition, and the ICANN Board, Alan contributed to the global coordination of Internet number resources with seriousness, technical depth, and a clear sense of public responsibility.
Institutions and the people who build them
At a time when Internet governance continues to face difficult questions, Alan’s passing is a moment for respect and reflection. Institutions are shaped not only by rules and processes, but by the people who give their time, judgment, and conviction to building them. Alan was one of those people.
Condolences
On behalf of NRS, we extend our sincere condolences to Alan’s wife Kerry, his family, friends, colleagues, and the wider Internet community. We honour his contribution to the Internet’s development and join others in remembering a life of meaningful service.
May he rest in peace.
Statement and source record
The six original paragraphs, the NRO Number Council reference and three historical revisions are preserved above. NRS has kept the statement as a dated public record; this page does not turn remembrance into a present claim of authority.
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