In a landmark event for cultural preservation, St. George’s University (SGU) has transferred stewardship of the invaluable Lord Pitt Collection to the Grenada National Museum. The formal handover ceremony, conducted on December 12th at SGU’s Chancellor Charles Modica Campus, united university officials and museum representatives to safeguard one of the nation’s most historically significant archives.
The collection immortalizes the legacy of Lord Pitt of Hampstead, a pioneering Grenadian-born figure who achieved prominence as a physician, politician, and international advocate for social justice. His groundbreaking career included becoming the first Black chairman of the Greater London Council, and his work left an indelible mark on global discussions concerning equity and governance. The archive comprises extensive personal papers, correspondence, and professional documents that chronicle his profound intellectual and practical contributions.
Dr. Oliver Benoit, Professor in SGU’s Department of Humanities and Social Sciences, highlighted the collaboration’s significance. He stated that the university had undertaken crucial steps in curating the materials and that their transfer to the museum is a pivotal move toward future public exhibitions. These initiatives aim to educate citizens about Grenadian heroes and the core values they championed.
Accepting the donation on behalf of the Grenada National Museum, Chief Curator Lorna Dale L Charles described the act as more than a simple transaction of items. She emphasized it constitutes a profound transfer of memory, legacy, and responsibility. The museum pledges to preserve this record of a citizen whose influence resonated throughout the Caribbean, the Commonwealth, and worldwide dialogues on dignity and public service.
SGU’s interim provost, Dr. Mark Clunes, expressed honor in celebrating Lord Pitt’s extraordinary life, noting his journey exemplifies how an individual’s impact can transcend continents. This donation underscores SGU’s deep-rooted commitment to Grenada’s historical narrative and ensures the legacy remains at the heart of the nation’s cultural heritage for generations to come. The partnership is hailed as a powerful model for institutional collaboration in strengthening national identity and historical authority.