St. Thomas has long been a parish known for its strong sense of community and resilience. Among its bright beacons is Sheldon Hope, a dedicated educator, musician, and community leader whose contributions to the parish and beyond embody the spirit of We Gatherin’. As a member of the St. Thomas Parish Organizing Committee, Mr. Hope is deeply invested in preserving the values of togetherness, mentorship, and cultural appreciation.
Reflecting on his childhood in St. Thomas, he recalls the importance of family and community in shaping his character. “Growing up in St. Thomas, it was all about family. It was all about community,” he shared. “Learning to be content with what you had, learning to respect each other, and all the social skills that we often bemoan are kind of missing now were instilled in us as we were growing up.”
These early lessons in togetherness carried over into his passion for music, which has been a driving force in his life since childhood. “I knew that I wanted to do music from the age of seven,” Mr. Hope said. His formative years at Coleridge and Parry School, guided by music educators he solidified his desire to pursue a career in music education.
For Sheldon music is more than just an art form—it is a tool for social transformation. As a teacher at Parkinson Memorial School, he has made it his mission to support students, particularly those from St.Thomas, in understanding and appreciating music. “Everybody likes music, but everybody does not understand the theory of music. They are two very distinct things,” he explained. “Many students struggle with the technical aspects, and I felt it was necessary to give them an opportunity to learn and grow.”
Beyond the classroom, he has played a crucial role in nurturing the musical landscape of St. Thomas. He has worked extensively with local choirs, sharing his expertise and helping to foster a love for music within the community. His commitment extends even further, as he now serves as the Music Director for the United Holy Church of America, overseeing the musical direction of 12 churches, including the one in his home parish.
His dedication to mentorship has transformed lives, and he takes pride in seeing his students succeed. One such example is Shamar Coombs, a former student who overcame adversity to become one of the most recognized sound engineers in Barbados. “We held on to him, showed him a different path, and now he works with some of the biggest names in the industry, including Machel Montano,” he shared with pride.
Despite his many accomplishments, he remains humble, emphasizing that his passion lies in making adifference rather than seeking accolades. “I just want to be able to make a contribution and to keep doing the two things that I love most—anything involving music and culture, and being involved in the lives of young people,” he said. “If I can make a positive impact in someone’s life, that is what it’s all about.”
As We Gatherin’ continues to highlight the contributions of those shaping Barbados’ future, Sheldon Hope stands as a shining example of the power of community, mentorship, and cultural preservation. His unwavering commitment to St. Thomas and its people is a testament to the spirit of togetherness that defines the parish.
(PR)
Despite his many accomplishments, he remains humble, emphasizing that his passion lies in making a
difference rather than seeking accolades. “I just want to be able to make a contribution and to keep doing the
two things that I love most—anything involving music and culture, and being involved in the lives of young
people,” he said. “If I can make a positive impact in someone’s life, that is what it’s all about.”
As We Gatherin’ continues to highlight the contributions of those shaping Barbados’ future, Sheldon Hope
stands as a shining example of the power of community, mentorship, and cultural preservation. His
unwavering commitment to St. Thomas and its people is a testament to the spirit of togetherness that defines
the parish. (PR)