Judge says Roett deserves highest honour

A High Court judge has recommended that renowned educator and retired politician Ishmael Roett be honoured at the highest level in next year’s national awards.

Justice Carlisle Greaves made the suggestion during a recent sitting of his No. 3 Supreme Court where he commended a convicted man for taking the opportunities available to him and furthering his education at the Barbados O’ Level Institute after leaving secondary school with no certification.

“Mr Ishmael Roett is a renowned teacher, social worker, former MP [Member of Parliament], Speaker [of the House of Parliament] in this nation who has taught several secondary schools and who has been a tremendous contributor to my own development while at secondary school.

“He has contributed so much to this country by way of education for those who have left the traditional school unqualified and yet it bewilders that he has not yet received the highest awards of this country, either by knighthood or the Most Excellent and he should be remembered,” the outspoken judge said.

“I really hope this state remembers him at the next awards at the highest level.”

Roett was conferred with the Gold Crown of Merit (GCM) in 2000 in recognition of his contribution to education.

The GCM is awarded for highly meritorious service or achievement in science, the arts, literature, sports, civic duties or any other endeavour worthy of national recognition. (FW)