From ‘Little Chad’ to MP: A son makes his parents proud

In the elegant halls of State House on Thursday morning, as Chad Blackman took the oath to become the new Member of Parliament for St James North, his parents sat quietly to the side, beaming, grateful, and deeply moved.

Delvin and Jacqueline Blackman were not just proud parents witnessing a ceremony of state. 

They were watching the culmination of a journey they helped to shape from the very beginning.

“I feel humbled,” said Delvin Blackman, a man of calm presence and soft words. “I always remember a quote from the Bible: ‘A wise son maketh a glad father.’ I’m glad that my son has made me his glad father.”

His voice held both reverence and reflection as he recounted the principles he instilled in Chad as a child: “….To be humble, to be sober, always practice humility, show compassion and be caring to everybody. Don’t look down on people. Say good morning, good evening, good night. If he has food, give somebody some. If he has to do without it, give it up and always look out for his fellow man. That is how we live.”

Blackman bore no tale of lofty connections nor political lineage in his childhood household. Just an unshakeable foundation of faith, discipline, and undiluted love.

“I thank God for Chad,” said Jacqueline, her eyes filling with emotion. “Because though he’s a big Chad now, he’s still my little Chad. We brought him up in church and I thank God for him. I wish him all the best on this journey.”

From a journey that began decades ago in modest surroundings, Chad steps into national leadership, doing so with both the weight of public duty and the legacy of personal sacrifice.

“It’s an extraordinarily humbling moment,” Chad said, speaking after the ceremony. 

“To do this in front of both my parents, who worked tirelessly to ensure I had what I needed growing up… it means everything. They didn’t have big salaries, but they had big hearts and deep discipline.”

He paused before adding: “Today is really also a moment for them. I’m happy that I’m able to do this while they’re here to see it.”

The new MP, known throughout the campaign for his message of service, humility and unity, also reflected on the power of parenting in all its forms.

“Not everyone has the same family structure. Some are raised by a mother alone, or a father, or an auntie. But what matters is the presence of someone who believes in you and guides you. It makes all the difference.”

Even as top political figures gathered and cameras flashed throughout the halls of State House, with their “little Chad” now the man of the moment, a father’s blessing and a mother’s quiet pride headlined the ceremony. 

“We give God thanks,” Delvin said softly. 

“And we just want him to stay humble, and keep going.” 

shannamoore@barbadostoday.bb