Mikul Elcock
Nation Archive
Barbados Attraction Guide: Sir Grantley Adams statue
The Grantley Adams statue on Bay Street
T
he Sir Grantley Adams statue is situated on the manicured lawns at the entrance to Government Headquarters. There it stands erect, keeping a watchful eye over the Bay Street Esplanade. The monument immortalizes, in physical form, a collective appreciation of the numerous achievements that Adams accomplished in his many years of service to Barbados. Born April 28, 1898, Adams was the first Premier of Barbados; a post similar to Prime Minister for nations who were still colonized by the British. The title of Premier was discontinued in 1966 after Barbados gained its Independence. However, as fate would have it, his influence in politics was not only strong on the people but on his son J.M.G.M “Tom” Adams, who went on to become the second Prime Minister of Barbados. The sculpture was unveiled in 1999 on what would be his 100th birthday and was the inaugural National Heroes Day. The 12
statue is made of bronze and was designed by Karl Broodhagen. A lawyer by profession, Sir Grantley Adams lobbied relentlessly for improved working conditions and wages for workers. He was so revered by his fellow government leaders and the populace across the entire Caribbean that when the regional governmental alliance known as the West Indies Federation was formed, he became the first and only Prime Minister in its four-year existence. As a youngster growing up, the brother of six siblings would have his secondary education at the most prestigious school on the island, Harrison College. It is here that this bright lad showcased his genius which saw him winning a Barbados scholarship in 1918, and this afforded him the opportunity to get an Oxford University education. Adams, one of ten national heroes, also helped found the Barbados Labour Party, then known as the Barbados Progressive League. This political party was formed one year after Clement Payne, also a national hero, was ousted from the island by the plantocracy, after civil unrest in the fight for unionism, social reform, better conditions and wages for workers. In addition to lobbying for Payne’s return to the island, he supported and promoted many of the same ideas that Payne did. Also primarily responsible for women’s