Grantley Herbert Adams
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Sir Grantley Adams
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| In office 1 February 1954 – 18 November 1958 |
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| Preceded by | None |
| Succeeded by | Hugh Gordon Cummins |
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| Born | April 12, 1898 Barbados |
| Died | November 28, 1971 (aged 73) Barbados |
| Political party | Barbados Labour Party |
| Occupation | Lawyer |
Sir Grantley Herbert Adams, CMG, QC (April 12, 1898 – November 28, 1971) was a Barbadian and British West Indian politician.
After founding the Barbados Labour Party (BLP) in 1938, then known as the Barbados Progressive League, Adams was president of the Barbados Workers' Union (BWU) from 1941 to 1954. While being a staunch supporter of the monarchy, Adams and his party also demanded more rights for the poor and for the people. Progress toward a more democratic government in Barbados was made in 1942, when the exclusive income qualification was lowered and women were given the right to vote. By 1949 governmental control was wrested from the planters.
Adams became the first Premier of Barbados in 1958, as the island proceeded towards self-governance and then became the first and only Prime Minister of the West Indies Federation, defeating Ashford Sinanan by two votes. Sinanan went on to serve as Leader of the Opposition of Trinidad's Democratic Labour Party (DLP). From 1958 to 1962, Barbados was one of the ten members of the West Indies Federation, an organization doomed by nationalistic attitudes and by the fact that its members, as British colonies, held limited legislative power.
As Premier of Barbados, his leadership failed in attempts to form unions like the BWU, and his continued defense of the monarchy was used by his opponents as evidence that he was no longer in touch with the needs of his country. Errol Walton Barrow, a fervent reformer, became the new people's advocate. Barrow had left the BLP and formed the DLP as a liberal alternative to Adams' conservative government. Barrow instituted many progressive social programmes, such as free education for all Barbadians, and the School Meals system. By 1961, Barrow had replaced Adams as Premier and the DLP controlled the government.
The Sir Grantley Adams International Airport located in Christ Church, Barbados was renamed after the former Prime Minister in 1976. A statue in honour of Adams is located in front of Government Headquarters at Bay Street, St. Michael (see map).
Adams is also one of Barbados' 10 national heroes.
[edit] See also
[edit] References
- F. A. Hoyes. The Rise of West Indian Democracy: The Life and Times of Sir Grantley Adams. Advocate Press (1963).
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