Remembering Graydon Sealy: The Legacy of Barbados' First Principal of Garrison Secondary School

Educator Graydon Sealy, the first principal of the Garrison Secondary School that now bears his name, was remembered as a gentleman, legend and outstanding citizen of Barbadian soil as he was being laid to rest on Wednesday.

Scores of relatives, former colleagues, alumni and students gathered at Abundant Life Assembly for the funeral of the educator who was hailed as a father-figured shepherding the Paddock Road, St Michael school from its inception in 1975.

Senior counsel and former minister Michael Lashley, speaking on behalf of his alma mater’s old scholars association, said it was a “great privilege” to give a public tribute to the man he considered a “giant of the teaching fraternity”.

“I must say that Mr Sealy was the conscience of the Garrison Secondary School. He was quiet, but he stamped his authority on the school with a high degree of professionalism and integrity. He was visionary, and indeed, Mr Sealy as the gentleman as he was, the leader that he was, genuinely cared about the welfare of the students,” he said.

“Like any loving father, he invested time in all of us and promoted, positively, all aspects of our growth. I must say on behalf of the old scholars, that we remember the outpouring of love, the genuine care, that he showed to us. Whether you came from a single-parent family home, or those who came from a home with a mother and a father, you knew that you would likely be guided by a father figure, a mentor, and a role model.”

Sealy, who taught at the Grantley Adams Memorial School and The Lodge School before becoming principal at the new Garrison Secondary School in 1975, was well known to the student population as a strict but loving leader, who always held his students’ best interest at heart, said Lashley.

“[He was] the darling of our school; he was our protector; he was the father of our educational journey, and we profoundly thank you, Mr Sealy, our hero for your guidance,” he said. “You will always be remembered for the significant impact and positive impact you have made on all our lives. A job well done, Sir.”

Sealy’s nephew, Robert Gill, said his uncle had undoubtedly had a significant impact on his life, and that despite being raised in a home dominated by females, it was Sealy’s influence – from the way he dressed to the way he spoke – that positively shaped him into adulthood.

Gill said: “Apart from my biological father, Uncle Graydon was the dominant father figure, and groomed us lads into the men we are today with his wit, his compassion, and caring nature. Always going the extra mile for family, friends, persons in the village, wherever he was, he would be willing to assist.

“He was the gentleman of gentlemen and those who are here can testify to that. He was very well-known and well-respected. Always greeted as Mr Sealy, not Graydon, not buddy, Mr Sealy.

Ian Campbell-Sealy, another nephew of the late headmaster, also spoke fondly of his uncle, stressing that he will be sorely missed.

“Uncle Graydon, we will never forget the contribution you made to our lives, and the lives of numerous men and women whom you have had a hand in moulding into fine citizens, and firm craftsmen of our fate. Uncle Graydon, even though you were short in stature, you will forever be regarded as a giant among men,” said Campbell-Sealy.

“We are proud to have been your daughters, grandsons, nieces and nephews. Farewell, Graydon Campbell Sealy. I pray that God Almighty and the heavenly choir may welcome you into the hallowed halls of heaven where you truly belong.”

(SB)