Remembering distinguished Jamaicans – Rudolph Burke

Rudolph Augustus Burke was a planter, sportsman and politician. He was born in St Thomas on June 13, 1899, the son of Charles Simeon Burke, a farmer, of Llandewey, St Thomas. He attended Wolmer’s Boys and Jamaica College between 1909-1916. At JC, he was a champion athlete setting a record in the 100 yards dash. He also played cricket and football.

At age 19, on the death of his father, he took over the management of the family estate. On February 10, 1921, Rudolph married Edna Hermina Ramsay. Their children included Phyllis, Rudolph, Keith, Ludlow and Carmen. It is said that he had 6 children.

He began his political career at age 22 when he became the youngest member of the St. Thomas Parochial Board (Parish Council).

Rudolph Burke had a sterling career in agriculture. It is reported that he stressed the importance of developing local agriculture, recognising its economic value to the economy. He also supported small farmers.

He was the first native-born president of the Jamaica Agricultural Society, elected at the annual general meeting in 1944. He was responsible for starting the Denbigh Agricultural Show in 1953. Burke was involved in the founding of several agricultural organisations, such as the All-Island Banana Growers Association and the Citrus Growers Association.

TRADE NEGOTIATIONS

He also was involved in trade negotiations enabling Jamaica to export orange juice concentrate and bananas to the United Kingdom.

Burke, among other positions held, was a director of Jamaica Welfare founded by Norman Manley to improve life in rural communities.

He was an early member of the People’s National Party, the political party founded by Norman Manley. In the general election of 1944, he unsuccessfully ran as candidate for western St Thomas. He was appointed to the Legislative Council from 1951 and as minister without portfolio from 1955.

In 1957, he was honoured by the colonial government with the Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE). Rudolph Burke died on February 2, 1972.

His contribution to Jamaica in agriculture and in politics is well documented. He has the honour of having a road named for him in Denbigh, Clarendon, Rudolph Burke Avenue. A grandson, Paul Burke, followed him into politics. His other, grandson, Michael Burke, has kept his memory alive with his articles in the Jamaica Observer and online. Their parents were Keith Constantine Burke and Shirley Maynier Burke.

With Jamaica now focused on promoting agriculture and food security, I see the value of having men like Arthur Thelwell and Rudolph Burke.

Contributed by Marcia Thomas