Sir Elliott saluted!

It was a packed church on Sunday evening as more than three hundred people gathered for a service to mark the retirement of Governor General, Sir Elliott Belgrave.

The special service held at the St. Michael’s Cathedral brought together persons from all walks of life, who together with Prime Minister Freundel Stuart, Chief Justice Sir Marston Gibson, members of Cabinet and other dignitaries, paid tribute to Sir Elliott, who after five years in office will retire at the end of this week. Also in attendance were students from several primary schools, including his alma mater, Boscobel Primary School.

The service was indeed one befitting a man who has given so much to his country, and who did not allow his humble beginnings to define his future. The latter was certainly a message that Sir Elliott used as his mantra, and which he communicated to the students at the many primary schools he visited during his tenure, and also conveyed at the fundraising gala for the recently formed Elliott and Loretta Belgrave Scholarship Trust.

During his sermon, Dean of St. Michael’s Cathedral, Reverend Dr. Jeffrey Gibson, spoke of Sir Elliott’s passion for justice and love for the Church and noted that his appointment as Governor General saw the profile of that office enhanced, even as it was brought closer to the people. Sir Elliott, the Reverend contended, has been a sterling example for all to follow.

“It [his tenure] has been an excellent example of servant leadership at a time when the country has had some major economic and social challenges. As you have served our nation; visiting and caring for the elderly – especially the centenarians – and reaching out to the children in our primary schools, you have constantly reminded us all that anyone in this country can aspire with God’s help, and attain the goals that one wants to achieve,” Dean Gibson said.

He added that as a firm believer in discipline, Sir Elliott exhorted the children and the wider public, to do their best, study hard, develop good manners and habits and to treasure the educational opportunities which are available.

“It is not surprising that among your legacies will be the Elliott and Loretta Belgrave Scholarship Trust to assist financially disadvantaged Barbadians with university tuition. The importance of education to the development of the individual and to the nation as a whole has been your passion. Through this facility it is hoped that the vulnerable will be able to pursue their dreams and realise their full potential.”

Addressing the congregation, Sir Elliott offered thanks to all of those in attendance and to those who organised and performed during the service. The outgoing Governor General, who many say is a true people person, also expressed gratitude to Barbadians for the love, affection and kindness they showed him during his time in office.

“I came to this high office with the intention of serving only three years, I have been here since 2012, and of my own free will and volition I have decided to demit office at this time; please know I have tried my very best to serve the State and all the people of Barbados. I hope that I have not let anyone down. If I have somehow disappointed anyone, I tender my sincerest apologies for so doing. With these few remarks I seek your leave to retire with Loretta, my wife of over 54 years,” he said.

Sir Elliott is the seventh Governor General of Barbados and the sixth Barbadian national to hold the office. No announcement has been made to date on his replacement. (JRT)