December 8, 1927 — May 12, 2001
Eustace Augustus Wilson was born on December 8, 1927 to parents Patrick and Princess of Eldorado Village, West Coast, Berbice (WCB). Eustace attended St. Alban’s Anglican Primary School, Belladrum, WCB and Enterprise High School – a private high school founded by the late R. B. O. Hart – Georgetown.
After high school Eustace taught at St. Stephen’s Anglican Primary School, Leguan, Essequibo Islands. Eustace identified the need for secondary education in the West Coast, Berbice area at a very youthful age. That need inspired him to establish Lincoln High School at Belladrum, WCB on January 4, 1948 at the tender age of 20.
That admirable accomplishment created an environment where many were able to acquire the rudiments of a secondary education. Around the year 1954, Eustace joined the staff of the Berbice Educational Institute (BEI), New Amsterdam. His pioneering spirit propelled him to establish his own secondary school — Victoria High School — in New Amsterdam. Subsequently, he established Manchester High School, Corentyne and Preston High School, Wismar.
His foray into politics earned him the coveted position of Mayor, Town of New Amsterdam, 1969 – 1970. Under the new Regional Government Administrative system, he was appointed the first Regional Executive Officer, Region #6, East Berbice/Corentyne. Eustace was also a budding poet.
One of his most notable works was a book of 33 poems titled, ‘Little Personal Things for my Children and their Children.’ Eustace and his wife, Iris Agatha Wilson, parented twelve children.
Their children have all distinguished themselves in public service to Guyana in the fields of law, medicine, veterinary medicine, agriculture, geology, banking/business, aeronautical engineering, and journalism. Only a few families can match such substantial contributions in so many disciplines.
