Henry George of Trafalgar is the Cultural Elder for 2022.
The announcement was made at Heritage Day celebrations held at Trafalgar on Sunday.
George has served the community as a teacher and also a politician.
“Upon on identifying the lack of cultural activity in the community, Mr. George devoted his life to community development,” Acting Chief Cultural Officer Earlson Matthew said while presenting the citation. “There was a small cultural group and although he was not a full-time member he participated when possible.”
According to Matthew, the cultural elder would ensure that trees were planted, drains cleaned and roads rehabilitated throughout the community.
“National Day of Community Service was an exciting time for him when he would mobilize persons to come out in large numbers to assist in whatever project was being undertaken,” he stated.
He indicated that George’s participation in community projects contributed towards the development of Trafalgar and having a positive impact and facilitating significant changes.
As a teacher, he encouraged the youth to be more community-oriented. He was able to initiate different houses for the school and name them after persons in the community, namely Jno Baptiste House after Cuthbert Jno Baptiste, Gabriel House after Louis Gabriel, and George’s house after himself.
Mr. George’s involvement in youth groups did not only materialize in Trafalgar.
“He assisted the neighbouring communities in forming their own groups as well,” Matthew noted.
It was said that one of his passions was creating plays that influenced many individuals, his favourite being “Greedy Boy”.
While in the teaching service, Matthew explained that Mr. George was involved in business and had a grocery shop and a bakery.
“He serviced the community for many years until both businesses were destroyed by Hurricane David in 1979,” he explained. “He rebuilt the grocery shop but never went back to the baking business.”
Matthew revealed that George’s small grocery shop serves the community to this day.
Matthew went on to state that in 1980 Mr. George got involved in politics and was part of the Dame Mary Eugenia Charles administration and served as Junior Minister in Health and Education together with Charles Maynard.
“He moved to a full Minister for Education and Sports in 1990 and later was the Minister for Community Development,” he said. “During his time in community development, he promptly organized the village council.”
Matthew continued, “He also succeeded in having the Trafalgar Primary School and Health Centre built and secured an area for the playing field…”
He added, “He received the Meritorious Award in 2005 as well as an award from the Ministry of Social Affairs Welfare Division for serving as a foster parent for over 25 years.”
Matthew mentioned that his involvement in church was exemplary including serving as a choirmaster and occasionally conducting the service along with Mr. Edward Elwin.
There were several awards presented to various members of the community by the Trafalgar Heritage Day Committee for their work, both past, and present.
A well deserved recognition to Mr.Henry George.
Great elder.. good comunity work..Mr Henry George you are well respected.
How was the blind beggar in Mark 10: 42-46 again? Oh the blind beggar was called Bartimaeus. Well at least Bartimaeus was physically blind
Only now in 2022? Mr. George is still an icon in my eyes. Respect that man.