A National honour

The life of National Hero Samuel Jackman Prescod was remembered today ahead of the 50th anniversary of his death on September 26. The wreath-laying ceremony was facilitated by the Samuel Jackman Prescod Institute of Technology (SJPI) at St Mary’s Anglican Church this morning.

Rector of the Church Cannon Wayne Isaacs explained to the small gathering which included a relative of the late Samuel Jackman Prescod, David Trotman, members of the SJPI, members of the media and the Barbados Cadet Corps that even in death there was a message sent about the late politician.

“The whites were buried at the Cathedral and those who were black or mulatto were buried at St Mary’s. Even in death, there was a distinction,” he said.

Isaacs then offered a prayer for the late Samuel Jackman Prescod noting his fight for justice and that his fight serves as an inspiration for future generations.

Samuel Jackman Prescod was the first person of African descent to be elected to the Parliament of Barbados, in 1843. He also helped found the Liberal Party, whose following included small landowners, businessmen, and coloured clerks.

Acting Deputy Principal of the SJPI Audrey Jones-Drayton said the legacy of the institution is closely intertwined with the history of the late Samuel Jackman Prescod.

“We have chosen to honour him at 50 years of his death. He passed this world on September 26, 1871. We are still in the process of looking for his birth date. If anyone has that information, we would be happy if you share it with us and our family,” she said. (LG)