TRIBUTE TO THE LATE
HERBERT SAMUEL BRODBER

Teacher with an entrepreneurial spirit, Herbert Samuel Brodber was born in Blackstonedge, St. Ann on March 31, 1911. This extraordinary teacher turned his business vision for teachers into reality when he joined the staff of the Jamaica Teachers' Association (JTA) as the first Business Services Manager in 1970.

Mr. Brodber led a life of service which spanned teaching, unionism, agriculture and the church. He served at various schools - including Sherwood Forest Primary, Nonsuch Primary, Clifton Primary, Boston Primary, Seaside Primary School and the Balmagie Primary School in St. Andrew where he worked for 8 years. He was the founding Principal. He started this inner city school in 1962 with a student population of 300 and by 1970 the school population grew to 1500. He was described by the Balmagie Primary School family as an outstanding educator who loved and cared for the teachers and children under his guidance. He felt that it was not enough to teach children the primary subjects. "We must also teach them spiritual values."

Seaside Primary School was a very special experience for Mr. Brodber as this was one of the first schools to introduce the comprehensive curriculum. Students were exposed to skill areas such as farming, woodwork and home economics. There was also a special skills training programme organized for community members. Students from neighbouring schools also went to Seaside Primary for the special skills subjects offered.

He had great dreams for the JTA to have a business services department catering to the needs of its members. The establishment of the JTA Housing Co-operative was his brain-child as he believed that teachers should be able to purchase affordable housing solutions. He also introduced the Teachers Tours which today form one of the important services to the teachers; and he was the mastermind behind the JTA acquiring property as a form of investment and also to house various services offered by the organization. It is no wonder that the building which houses the JTA Co-op. Credit Union Limited and the JTA's Institute for Professional Development and Research is named in his honour. He also started the Blue Cross Health Scheme for Teachers as one of the services offered by the Business Services Department of the JTA.
Some of his achievements are listed:

• was a member of the Jamaica Union of Teachers from 1935 and was three-time President for the Parish of Portland.
  
  
• was a foundation member of the JTA and was twice President of the St. Andrew Parish Association of the JTA. He was also a member of the Finance, Central Executive and Property Committees.
  
  
• introduced the 4H Club in St. Mary and served at various levels including President of branches in Portland and St.Mary.
  
  
• served the All Island Banana Growers Association.
  
  
• was a director of the Banana Board and was sent on special assignment to England to observe the quality of bananas received in England from Jamaica.

Mr. Brodber has received numerous awards, including the Prime Minister's Medal for service to Education.
He was a dedicated family man and a devoted Anglican and a catechist for many years.
He is survived by his wife Olive and five of his six children.

May his soul rest in peace.

For Further Information:
Contact: Mrs. Charmaine Gooden-Monteith
Telephone: 922-1385-7 Fax: 922-3257`