Keepsakes of Leadership: Orette Bruce Golding
- tcollins66
- Jul 29
- 3 min read
Updated: Aug 14
From Jamaica College to Jamaica’s Leadership: The Early Years and the Vision of Bruce Golding
Orette Bruce Golding exemplifies a journey rooted in service, resilience and a deep commitment to his country. His formative years at Jamaica College and the inspiring message he delivered as Head Boy in 1966 provide profound insights into the qualities that shaped his leadership style and his enduring contribution to Jamaica.
Early Educational Foundations
Orette Bruce Golding was the third of four children in a family with a strong political legacy; his father, Tacius Golding, was a noted politician and Member of Parliament. Bruce’s educational journey began at Watermount Elementary School at age five, under the guidance of D.R.B. Grant, a pioneer in early childhood education. During his early childhood, he also spent time at Skibo Elementary School in Portland and later attended Macca Tree Elementary School in St. Faiths District, where his father was principal.
In January 1955, his mother, Enid Golding, was employed at Alpha Primary School, leading to his enrollment there. Demonstrating early initiative, he sat the Common Entrance Examination in 1957 and was successful. However, he was not admitted to St. George’s College due to his young age. Undeterred, at age 11, he went to St. George’s College without his parents’ knowledge to plead his case, and the headmaster, Fr. Edward Donahue, admitted him as a first-form student on the condition that his parents could pay the tuition, a testament to his confidence and determination.
Academic Excellence and Leadership at Jamaica College
He sat the Cambridge Examination, which he passed before reaching the age of 15. A year later, he transferred to Jamaica College, where he studied Religious Knowledge and demonstrated leadership as he was chosen to serve as Head Boy.
His leadership role culminated in his memorable message to the student body, which reflects his character and vision. Delivered during his tenure as Head Boy, his address, documented in the school's yearbook, emphasised community, loyalty and personal responsibility.
He challenged his peers to ask themselves, “What have I done for Jamaica College?”, urging them to see the school not merely as a place of learning but as a vibrant society where each individual must contribute actively.
Excerpt from the Jamaica College Magazine 1966. Credit: Jamaica College
Orette Bruce Golding’s message emphasised that every student was a vital link in the school’s 'great chain,' urging his peers to play their part and to set higher goals, avoiding complacency and striving for continuous improvement. His words highlighted qualities of service, collective effort and setting an example, traits that would define his leadership style.
Academic and Political Roots
Mr. Golding’s academic pursuits culminated in a BSc. in Economics from the University of the West Indies in 1969. His early involvement in politics stemmed from his family background. His father’s election to Parliament in 1949 and his participation in political campaigns from a young age laid the groundwork for his future political career.
As a student at Jamaica College, he was involved in setting up and operating public address systems at political meetings. During his university years, he temporarily suspended his studies in 1967 to manage his father’s constituency campaign as boundary changes created political upheaval. His leadership resulted in his father’s victory, securing the West St. Catherine seat, which demonstrated his strategic insight and dedication to public service.
Leadership Traits and Enduring Legacy
Orrette Bruce Golding’s early years offer an enduring portrait of a leader-in-the-making. His 1966 Head Boy’s message is particularly significant; encapsulating a mindset centred on service, loyalty and collective responsibility. His call for students to see themselves as contributors to the school’s vitality and to strive for higher ideals reveals qualities of foresight and purpose that would serve him well as a national leader.
His leadership at Jamaica College, especially through his compelling message, foreshadowed his future roles, first as a parliamentarian and eventually as Prime Minister.
Sources:
Jamaica College 1966 Yearbook
The Daily News, April 7, 1974
The Herald, January 11, 1996
Daily Observer, September 26, 2011
Daily Observer, September 4, 2007
