Sir Wes sheds a tear

These pupils are gladly applauding Sir Wesley.

An acrostic authored by St Giles Primary School pupils was part of the tribute. (Pictures by Ricardo Leacock.)

Class Three students performing a piece entitled We Honour You.

Wed, September 26, 2012 - 12:05 AM

A well deserved and fitting tribute was paid to Sir Wesley Hall yesterday at St Giles Primary school by staff and pupils as they saluted the man who has done our nation proud in cricket, politics and religion.

In her remarks, principal Claudette Moseley-Clarke said, “I am proud to be associated with the most renowned primary school in Barbados, the St Giles Primary School, and happy and honoured to be present for this celebrated occasion [when] we recognize the outstanding achievements of Sir Wesley Hall, who never fails to let the world know that he was fortunate to have received his primary education in this very building which housed the then St Giles Boys School.”

The principal recalled that “Many have written extensively about Sir Wesley and his many accomplishments and on each occasion, his determination, his character, his stamina, his long run-up and the batsmen’s fear of him were mentioned”.

“For Sir Wesley, you built a body of work. Your daily labour, your many individual acts, your choices large and small have all added up throughout your lifetime to leave a lasting legacy, which we at St Giles will be proud to treasure.”

During the morning, tributes were made in poetry, song and an acrostic – which was so moving that it made Sir Wesley cry. The school also presented him with a school pen, pin and hymnal.

In his response Sir Wesley said, “I thank God and give him all the praise and I thank the principal, staff and pupils. St Giles is still the best and this whole atmosphere is so moving that it brought me to tears.

“The foundation that I received from this school has served me so well, the values that have been taught to me at St Giles are still with me, and I love all of you with the perfect love of God that is reflected in me – and I thank you for being so good to me.

“A few things to learn: be better, not bitter; be positive – always know who you are and what you want to be, not what the world wants you to be. Serve the Lord and grow better in the Lord, for surely the grace of God is in every one of you. (RL)