Governor-General Says History Must Be Experienced, Not Just Studied 

By S.Browne. Updated 4:27 p.m., Monday, July 13, 2026, Atlantic Standard Time (GMT-4).

Governor General of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, His Excellency Stanley Kendrick John, KC, has underscored the importance of experiencing history firsthand, saying visits to historic places can deepen understanding of the nation’s heritage in ways that extend beyond the classroom.

The Governor General made the remarks as he welcomed an educational delegation from The University of the West Indies (UWI), Cave Hill Campus, to Government House on Saturday, July 11, 2026. The delegation is participating in the Constant Carmichael Study Tour, a historical learning initiative that exposes students and researchers to sites and artefacts of historical significance.

According to an Agency for Public Information (API) press release issued on Monday, July 13, 2026, His Excellency expressed his strong support for the initiative and said Government House was pleased to facilitate the project.

He emphasised that visiting historical sites is one of the most effective ways of bringing history to life for students, scholars and the wider public. Experiencing historic locations and artefacts firsthand, he said, helps foster a deeper understanding of St. Vincent and the Grenadines’ rich history and cultural heritage.

The Governor General also expressed hope that the initiative would enrich students’ learning experiences while raising public awareness of the nation’s historical legacy. He said the research and materials gathered during the project could contribute to a greater appreciation of the country’s heritage and provide valuable insight into an important chapter of St. Vincent and the Grenadines’ historical development.

The visit formed part of the History and Legacy of the Constant and Carmichael Plantations Project, a three year research initiative led by UWI Cave Hill. Supported by a US$1 million grant from the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation, the project examines the history of the Constant and Carmichael plantations in Barbados and their links to Sylvester Manor on Shelter Island, New York, during the 17th century.

Researchers are exploring the economic, social and human connections created through the transatlantic slave trade, including the experiences of enslaved Africans, while also examining the movement of goods and people between the Caribbean and North America.

The initiative combines academic research with study tours, fieldwork and public engagement activities aimed at deepening understanding of Caribbean history and heritage. Over the three year life of the project, 60 UWI students, including 20 each year, are expected to participate in study tours and field research alongside academics and heritage institutions, examining historical records and sites connected to the project.

The Governor General thanked Co Investigator of the Constant Carmichael Project, Dr Cleve Scott, and the participating students for visiting Government House and wished them every success as they continued their research.

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