The community of St Michael South East came out in celebration on Friday evening as the Parkinson Resource Centre was officially renamed the Delisle Bradshaw Resource Centre, in honour of the former minister of government and long-serving representative for the constituency.
A smiling Delisle Bradshaw arrived on the red carpet with his daughter, Deputy Prime Minister and current parliamentary representative for the area, Santia Bradshaw. Calling the moment deeply meaningful, she said it was especially touching for their family because the honour came directly from the people.
She expressed gratitude to former politician Hamilton Lashley and cultural practitioner Rodney Grant for spearheading the event and spoke of values shared by her father.
“I have been raised to appreciate, while I stand very firm on my political views, to equally understand that you treat people as people, and it doesn’t matter what party people support, but the fundamental thing that he always taught us growing up is how to treat people equally and to see people and to be able to help people no matter where their support lay.”
She said her father has made a significant impact on many lives, especially within the sporting community.
The deputy prime minister added, “I would not be in the position that I am today without him, I would not be where I am if the lessons that he taught me of service did not actually certainly hit home over the years. I feel as though as much as his legacy is certainly within me, the truth is I try every day to surpass him.”
Prime Minister Mia Mottley praised the elder Bradshaw’s ongoing commitment, noting that he has continued to serve the community for decades after leaving active politics.
Noting his resilience, she acknowledged, “In this life of public service, you have known what it is to give in spite of the odds, and you have known what it is to persist in spite of the odds.”
The prime minister credited his mentorship and wisdom for helping to guide her early political journey and support sound decision-making even today.
She added, “This vocational centre here continues to be a major asset to this community and that it should carry your name is for us special and deserving. We have tried as a government to send the signal that community centres cannot only be open during the day, but they must be open when communities need them.”
Among the featured performers were the Pinelands Creative Workshop and reggae band Rite Side of Red. (STT)
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