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F o R e w o R D

legacy of Tom Adams, make it relevant to the
time and who would want to hear him.
After all, all Dr. walcott had going for him
was his well known admiration for the man
he regarded as the greatest leader in the
history of Barbados.
By the end of the 45 minute exposition,
praises rained.
Acclaimed as the best of the lectures to
date, Dr walcott was illuminating as well
as entertaining. His ability to weave facts
and figures, anecdotes and analysis, as well
as provide subtle and at the same time
incisive commentary on the existing state
of Barbados while referencing philosophical
when Dr. Jerome walcott rose to present the leadership viewpoints gave the lecture a
7th Annual Tom Adams lecture on Thursday, riveting punch.
22 september, 2016, the diverse audience immediate calls for copies of the lecture,
packed into the errol Barrow Centre for and complementary video, solidified the
imagination was a study in a mixture of intention to publish it.
hushed anticipation and uncertainty.
Truth is, many had no idea of what to expect. The timing of the lecture, against the
backdrop of Barbados’ attainment of its 50th
it was not an audience of typical partial anniversary of independence, could not be
Barbados Labour Party, (BLP) faithful, but more prescient.
even among this group there was anxiety.
This milestone provided the perfect
The theme, intellect, vision and Fortitude context for the three aspects of the lecture
in an island state: The Tom Adams story, and propinquity for an examination of the
while pointing to areas of focus encouraged life and times of John Michael Geoffrey
speculation of just how the lecture would Manningham “Tom” Adams.
be presented with freshness and a lasting
message. Attendees left with reinforced and new
Dr. walcott, a surgeon, although a knowledge and no doubt, as Dr. walcott
hoped at the beginning of his presentation,
longstanding member of the BLP who served inspiration to aspire to the superlative
in many capacities with distinction, was not qualities of Adams and make a difference.
known to be a historian, was definitely not a
colleague of Adams, Barbados’ second Prime This publication of intellect, vision and
Minister, and such a lecture was a bit of new Fortitude in an island state: The Tom Adams
territory for him. story will surely add great numbers to
indeed, when it was first suggested that those fortunate enough to be present. As a
historical treatise and contemporary guide
he should present the lecture, although to understanding what is required to lead, it
excited by the prospect, with his usual is essential reading.
and renowned analytical approach, he
wondered what he could say to add to the it is also just a very entertaining read.

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