The Visionary Who Challenged the Past & Built the Foundation for the Future!
1898-1971

Sir Grantley Adams is an immortal figure in the books of history.  A highly respected lawyer, Sir Grantley was the first Premier of Barbados and only leader of the past West Indies Federation. A social reformer, Sir Grantley changed the social and economic landscape of the island. 

Following the arrest, trial and deportation of unionist Clement Payne, Sir Grantley was appointed Payne’s attorney and began to restore order to the island which was flooded with protest riots symbolizing their outrage at Payne‘s deportation. 

Due to the social unrest, Adams was sent to England to inform the Secretary of State for the Colonies and give evidence to the Dean Commission of Enquiry into the cause of the riots.  He cleverly used this forum to argue that had there been social change instead of oppression, the riots would not have begun. 

The Barbados Labour Party, geared towards the unity of workers, was formed on March, 31, 1938 and Adams was elected to the position of the first deputy leader as he was out of the island on legal business.  In 1939, Adams was appointed leader of the party. 

In 1940, the party then known as The Barbados Progressive League, won five seats in the House of Assembly.   

In 1941 the Barbados Workers Union was formed and Adams occupied the Presidency until 1954. 

In 1942, Sir Grantley Adams was appointed a member of the Executive Committee.

During the mid 1940’s, Adams and Hugh Worrell Springer, through their membership on the Governor-in-Executive Committee, were able to introduce legislation that changed the social and economic climate of the island. Adams became the Leader of the House and the Workmen’s Compensation Act in 1946 and basically dethroned the plantocracy that had previously ruled the island. His list of successes is lengthy but some of the few most noted include the:

Amendment of the Barbados Education Act which resulted in the modernization of the educational system and improvement of facilities. 

Establishment of the Wages Board and Labour Department. 

Barbados Workmen’s Compensation Act being reduced significantly from 50 to 20 pounds sterling in the franchise, which allowed for a Barbadian to qualify to vote in the general elections. 

Right for women to vote on equal terms with men. 

Formation of Erdiston Teachers’ College in 1948. 

Increase of old age pensions. 

Improvement of working conditions for shop assistants 

Increase of wages to the public service sector. 

Deep Water Harbour was built. 

Queen Elizabeth Hospital was constructed. 

In 1946 under the Bushe Experiment, Adams submitted four names for membership on the Executive Committee which resulted in a semi-ministerial system of government.

In trying to develop Barbados and create a more progressive environment, Adams was met with tremendous hostility both personally and professionally. His life was threatened repeatedly to the point of bullet holes being found lodged in the walls of his home at Tyrol Cot. This however, in no way deterred him, in fact some says it fueled his energy and encouraged him to make even greater changes to bring about a more democratic nation.

Hugh Springer and Frank Walcott formed a unique trade union movement called Builders of Barbados.

The Universal Adult Suffrage was introduced in 1951 and in 1954 a full ministerial government was in place with Adams as the first Prime Minister.  By 1958 a full internal self-government was established.  The successes of this regime were to:

Create housing schemes 

Improve the health facilities 

Create a minimum wage legislation and benefits for plantation and industrial workers 

Created social welfare 

He was also instrumental in the founding of the International Confederation of Free Trade Unions and was elected one of its three vice- chairmen. 

Change ignited Frank Walcott to break ties with Grantley Adams in 1954 and the following year other Barbados Labour Party members left the organization and formed the Democratic Labor Party with Errol Barrow.  Dr. Hugh Gordan Cummins was chosen by Sir Grantley to head the party and be Premier of Barbados in 1958, while Adams led the West Indies Federation.

Following the formal dissolution of the Federation on May 31, 1962 Sir Grantley Adams returned to Barbados where he was re-elected to the House of Assembly in 1966 and became the leader of the Opposition Party.  

In 1970 due to declining health he resigned from public duty but remained Life President of the Barbados Labour Party.  His responsibilities were handed to H.B. St. John and J.M.G.M. “Tom” Adams, his son - who became the Prime Minister of the island in September, 1976.

Sir Grantley Adams accomplished more in his life than can possibly be imagined.  His contribution to the redirection of the social environment and economy of the island is legendary. The Barbados $100.00 bill, the largest denomination of our currency is honoured with his portrait and the Sir Grantley Adams Airport bears his name to this day.

Sir Grantley Adams was laid to rest on November 28, 1971 at the age of 73 and was buried at St. Michael’s Cathedral.