Grenada Boys' Secondary School

Grenada Boys' Secondary School is an important Grammar School in Grenada.

Origins

Following the Education Ordinance of 1882, provision was made for a Board of Education and an Inspector of Schools in Grenada. Initially Governor William Robinson suggested establishing six scholarships at Harrison's College in Barbados. However members of the island's Executive and Legislative Councils pointed out that this Protestant establishment was not suitable for the island's predominantly Catholic population. Instead, the government decided to set up a local non-sectarian Grammar School.

Following public meetings, the administrator La Borde drew up a detailed proposal, including the proposed site, suggested fees etc. Tax rises in 1883 had been accompanied by promises of a secondary school. But this was at the time of the Crossman Commission which was looking into ways to cut state expenditure in the region, and the Earl of Derby expressed his reservations about the plan. Nevertheless, the Managing Committee of the Society for the Education of the Poor, which had been in existence since 1820, prompted debate on the matter and on 2 February, 1885 St Geoge's Grammar School opened its doors "at Mrs. Gray's premises in Hospital Street." . Hallam Massiah, previously second master at Combermere School in Barbados was the first headmaster.

Famous former pupils

* Bernard Coard
* Paul Scoon

References

* [http://www.cavehill.uwi.edu/bnccde/grenada/conference/papers/cox.html "The Grenada Boys' Secondary School and the Debate Over Secondary Education in Grenada, 1885-1946" by Edward L. Cox] accessed 10 June 2007