Thomas Risely Griffith
Thomas Risely Griffith (born 1848, d. unknown) was a British colonial official. He served as Administrator of the Seychelles from 1889 to 1895.
Colonial service[edit]
Griffith was an official in British colonial service. He served in the Gambia, where he was Acting Administrator of the Gambia from 27 November 1887 to 6 June 1888.[1] He was appointed as the first Administrator of the Seychelles in February 1889, and served until 1895.[2] During his first six months, Griffith realised that religion was a key social factor for the 16,000 inhabitants of the island, especially in relation to education. His main concern was the creation of a non-denominational school, in which the language of instruction would be English. However, as Griffith was a Protestant, it was impossible to convince the Catholic church that he was not biased.[3] In 1890, Griffith wrote to Sir Daniel Morris to suggest that an experienced botanist come to the Seychelles to run an experimental botanical garden, if finances allowed it.[4]
References[edit]
- ^ "The Gambia". World Statesmen. Retrieved 12 July 2018.
- ^ "Seychelles". World Statesmen. Retrieved 12 July 2018.
- ^ Mathiot, Tony. "The first Catholic Bishop of Seychelles". Seychelles Ministry for Youth, Sports and Culture. Retrieved 12 July 2018.
- ^ "Letter from Thomas Risely Griffith, Administrator of the Seychelles to Sir Daniel Morris; from Government House, Seychelles; 14 June 1890; four page letter comprising two images; folio 271". JSTOR. Retrieved 12 July 2018.