NAPARIMA COLLEGE
FOREVER
The Founding of Naparima College


Excerpts from a journal of the Mission Council of the Canadian Mission, 1933

"East Meets West in Trinidad

"Naparima College, our secondary school for boys, with over 200 enrolled, of whom fifty are in residence, has contributed much to the prestige of the mission, and more to the creation of an educated Indian life and leadership, both Christian and non-Christian, in the colony. It grew naturally from a demand of the Indian community for a higher education than could be given in the elementary schools, and without the expense of sending the boys to Port of Spain, where they would also be without personal supervision.

"As early as 1883, Dr Grant spoke of the need for such a school. It began in his own home as he taught his own son and a few friends.... The class was recognized as a secondary school, and in 1889 application was made for affiliation with Port of Spain and for a grant in aid. Both requests were granted, and from January 1, 1900, Naparima College became a recognized factor in the educational work of the colony....

"In 1904, the first class graduated as holders of the Cambridge Senior School Certificate, issued by the Cambridge Examination Syndicate [in England].....

"In 1928, Mr James S. Sammy, an early graduate, was appointed Second Master.....

"In 1917, the College moved to new buildings at Paradise Savannah, on the outskirts of the town. Two large classrooms [blocks] and two dormitories were erected, together with a residence for the Principal.

"Since Mr. Walls' arrival (1925), there have been added a fine dining hall, an infirmary, secured by Mrs. Walls, a trained nurse, as a gift from Mr. J. W. Stevens, a Trinidad business man; and last of all, in 1931, the new college building, with a fine convocation hall and science laboratory, as well as classrooms and a library. The whole cost of this new building was secured locally, beginning with a gift of $5000 by Mr. T. Geddes Grant, the son of Dr. K. J. Grant....

"A playground of seven acres was secured in 1931, and it is hoped that 1934 will see it put into condition.....

"The college has grown until today there are over 200 boys enrolled, the graduating class numbering between 20 and 30 each year. Last year, the College secured the highest percentage of passes of any boys' college in the colony, at the Cambridge School Certificate examinations...."


Rev. Grant's founding comments