St. William Grant

de bene esse: literally, of well-being, morally acceptable but subject to future validation or exception

Unsung Hero - St. William Grant

St. William Grant was a prominent figure in the 1938 political upheavals and labour movement in Jamaica. He was struck by the rootlessness of the black masses and brought the message of “African Redemption” to them. 

 

Mr. Grant began weekly Sunday evening Forums at North Parade – which became an important feature of Jamaican life and was regarded as the “University of the People”. St. William Grant was arrested and imprisoned in 1938,a consequence of The Frome Riots. Upon his release he continued working on behalf of water-front workers, and was appointed general organizer of the B.I.T.U. Later, St. William Grant withdrew from the B.I.T.U., but remained loyal to the cause of workers. 

 

In May, 1938 St. William Grant organized the first ever Labour Day march. St. William Grant was a pioneer in Trade Unionism and his influence on modern Jamaican politics has been enormous.