Sir John Eustace Theodore Brancker was a former President of the Senate of Barbados.

Early life

Born on 9 February 1909, Sir John Eustace Theodore Brancker was a Barbadian politician and lawyer who fought for black rights, particularly suffrage, while a member of the Barbados parliament, 1937-76.

Career

Sir Theodore built a reputation as one of Barbados' finest criminal and traffic lawyers, and has the unique distinction of being the only Member of Parliament to preside in both Houses of Parliament.  He was Speaker of the House of Assembly from 1961 to 1971, and President of the Senate from 1971 to 1976.
He served 29 unbroken years in Parliament – 34 as an elected MP for St. Lucy, have been elected to the House of Assembly in 1937 under the double member constituency system,; and the final five years in th eupper Chamber (the Senate).

From the era of annnual elections through to the five-year terms from 1961, he contested and won 11 elections.  In a 1991 interview, he reflected: "In politics I have never known how to be defeated."
Sir Theodore was initially a member of the Barbados Labour Party, but later joined the Democratic labour Party in 1956.  He served as Leader of the Opposition from 1956 to 1961.

Honours and awards

In 1969, he was made a Knight Bachelor in the Queen's Birthday Honours for his public service.

Personal life

His son, George, was a lawyer and Clerk of Parliament.

Death

Sir Theodore died on 28 April 1996 at the age of 87. His body is interred in the St. Clements Church cemetery in St. Lucy, Barbados.

The Theodore Brancker roundabout in Fairfield, St. Lucy is named in his honour.