Prime Minister Mia Mottley has led tributes to the first principal of the Garrison Secondary School that now bears his name, following his death which was announced on
Monday.
Graydon Sealy, who was principal from the school’s opening on January 6, 1975 to April 21, 1989, was hailed as an educator who did much to change the fortunes of poor Barbadians. For this, Mottley said, society will always be indebted to him.
The prime minister said: “As its first principal, he was afforded the privilege, and at the same time given the awesome responsibility, of fashioning the character of an institution that would thereafter hold the fortunes of many thousands of Barbadian children in its hands. The fact that almost four decades later his name and that of the school became one can only be recorded as a recognition of his success.”
Noting that the country was now on a path of education reform, she pointed out that “Sealy’s recognition back in the last quarter of the 20th century of the systemic weaknesses in our education system, and his determination to do everything he could to overcome them, or at least work around them, was the saving grace for so many of our children, who today are making a remarkable contribution to our growth and development”.
Also paying respects to the founding principal was an old scholar who has risen to the pinnacle of the justice system – Chief Magistrate Ian Weekes. He characterised Sealy as a genuine human being who truly and deeply cared for his students.
Weekes recalled that the principal garnered respect whenever he walked through the hallways of the Paddock Road, St Michael school.
“He would be the first to say, ‘It does not matter which school you go to. It is what you make of it, so you must take pride in it’,” the chief magistrate said.
He recalled a function in 2006 where Sealy was shocked at how many young people wanted to take a picture with him.
“He was respected and well-liked,” said Weekes.
On Monday, the school which was renamed for its founding principal in 2012, announced his passing.
“He was heaven-sent and is now heaven-bound,” it said.
In a brief statement, the Ministry of Education said: “We are grateful for the transformative approach to education he took in helping to craft the lives of some of the island’s most dynamic personalities in academia, sports, athletics, politics, entertainment, culinary arts and business, among other endeavours. Our country is indebted to his dedication to excellence at all levels.”
In extending its condolences to the Sealy family and the school’s alumni, the ministry said: “Thank you for sharing him with the nation, and take comfort in knowing that his story and outstanding contribution to education will forever have a place within our rich history in Barbados.” (JB)
