Primary School Honours Legacy of C. W. Prescod

The staff and student body of the CW Prescod Primary School on Tuesday January, 30, 2024 honoured the memory of Christopher Wilberforce Prescod after whom the school was named by laying wreaths on his tomb in the Kingstown Methodist Church cemetery.

Described by the school in a release as a “poignant wreath laying ceremony to honour the lifelong contributions” made by the late educator, the proceedings began at 9:30 a.m at the Kingstown Methodist Church where staff and students, family, guests, and officials from the Ministry of Education gathered to pay tribute.

Prescod, who was born June 2, 1885, died on January 28, 1980 and the tribute was organised to coincide with the anniversary of his death.

Formerly known as the Wesley Hall School at a different location, the new government constructed school was named the CW Prescod Primary School in September 1989, in honour of Prescod.

Principal, Suzette Abbott-King led the proceedings underscoring Prescod’s enduring legacy and the school’s commitment to upholding the values he held dear.

Abbott-King in her remarks said “It is essential to reflect on the profound impact this remarkable person had on shaping the very fabric of our society…

“His unwavering commitment to education, his passion for knowledge, and his tireless efforts in building a community of learners have left an indelible mark on the institutions where he worked”.

She added, “Today’s wreath-laying ceremony embodies the ideals championed by the person after whom our school is named; we honour not just his memory but also the enduring values he instilled within the very foundation of all educational institutions”.

The biography of the much recognized Christopher Wilberforce Prescod, recalls that he became head teacher at age 22 and was the first Primary School teacher to be appointed Inspector of Schools; member of the Board of Education; head of the Department of Education; and Justice of the Peace.

In addition, he was the first Primary School teacher to receive the Senior Honours Certificate from the College of Preceptors, London, and Pitman’s Teachers Certificate and Commercial Diploma.

Prescod also started the Pitman’s Examination Centre in St. Vincent and tutored many Vincentians in typewriting and commercial subjects. An accomplished musician, he held classes at home in which all of the family participated.

A prominent figure in religious, political, and socio-economic affairs, C.W. Prescod was Mayor of Georgetown; served as president of the St. Vincent Teachers Association; Circuit Steward; and Local Preacher in the Methodist Church.

In 1945 he was awarded the Companion of the Imperial Service Order for Meritorious Service and in 1981, was posthumously honoured at the 20th Biennial Conference of the Caribbean Union of Teachers. The proceedings inside the chapel culminated with the laying of the wreath, symbolizing the enduring gratitude and respect for the life work of Christopher Wilberforce Prescod.