10/26/2026
Saturday, 17 October 2026, marked another significant milestone in the history and continued development of the Allied Masonic Degrees in the South and East Caribbean, with the Installation of W.Bro. Maurice Ian Athelston Gaskin, JP, Deputy District Grand Prefect, as the new District Grand Prefect for South and East Caribbean. The solemn and distinguished ceremony took place at the Masonic Centre, Salters, St. George, Barbados, and was conducted by Most Worshipful Brother Thomas Firth Jackson, Grand Master of the Allied Masonic Degrees, assisted by a distinguished assembly of Grand Officers.
The Installation formed part of an extraordinary series of Masonic ceremonies held in Barbados, bringing together senior Grand Officers from the United Kingdom and Brethren from across the Caribbean to celebrate the growth, strength and enduring traditions of the English Constitution Companion Orders.
The Installing Grand Master and Assisting Officers:
The ceremony was conducted with dignity and distinction by the Most Worshipful Grand Master, supported by the following Grand Officers, who discharged their respective ceremonial duties:
1. R.W.Bro. Paul R. Clement, OStJ, P.Dist.G.Pref. (Severn) — Grand Senior Warden
2. R.W.Bro. Andrew C. Sweeney, P.G.S.W. — Grand Junior Warden
3. W.Bro. Llewellyn Gill, SLMM, P.G.S.D. — Grand Chaplain
4. R.W.Bro. Daniel M. Heath, P.G.J.W. — Grand Secretary
5. R.W.Bro. Kessick J. Jones, P.G.S.W. — Grand Director of Ceremonies
6. R.W.Bro. Richard Mayers, GTE, JP, P.Dist.G.Pref. — Deputy Grand Director of Ceremonies
7. W.Bro. John Aspinall, MBE, P.G.S.D. — Grand Sword Bearer
8. W.Bro. Wendell Walker, JP, P.G.St.B. — Grand Standard Bearer
9. W.Bro. Major Alfred A. Taylor, ED, JP, P.G.St.B. — Grand Organist
10. W.Bro. Geoffrey S. Ifill — Grand Inner Guard
11. W.Bro. Jerome Herrera, Dist.G.S.W. — Grand Tyler
The participation of these distinguished Brethren reflected the importance of the occasion and demonstrated the strong fraternal relationships that unite the Allied Masonic Degrees across the United Kingdom and the Caribbean. Their collective experience, dedication and ceremonial excellence contributed to a memorable Installation worthy of this significant milestone.
A New District Grand Prefect Takes Office: Following his Installation, R.W.Bro. Maurice Ian Athelston Gaskin, JP, assumed responsibility for the leadership and continued advancement of the Allied Masonic Degrees throughout the District of South and East Caribbean.
In his first official act as District Grand Prefect, he appointed W.Bro. Jerome Herrera as his Deputy District Grand Prefect. This appointment marked an important beginning to the new administration, establishing the senior leadership entrusted with guiding the District, supporting its constituent Councils and encouraging the continued development of the Order throughout the region.
A Distinguished Grand Rank Appointment: Another notable highlight of the proceedings was the recognition of a deserving Brother by the Most Worshipful Grand Master.
W.Bro. Dr. Achirri Darren Adams received a Field Appointment to the Grand Rank of Past Grand Standard Bearer, conferred by M.W.Bro. Thomas Firth Jackson, Grand Master.
This distinguished honour represented an important personal milestone and an occasion of pride and celebration among the Brethren.
Heartiest fraternal congratulations are extended to W.Bro. Dr. Adams on this recognition and elevation in Grand Rank.
Strengthening the Allied Masonic Degrees in the Caribbean: The Installation of a new District Grand Prefect represents far more than a ceremonial transition in leadership. It provides an opportunity to reaffirm the principles, traditions and shared commitment upon which the Allied Masonic Degrees continue to flourish.
With Councils and Brethren united across the South and East Caribbean, the District is well positioned to build upon the foundations established by those who have laboured diligently in its development.
The presence of the Grand Master and distinguished Grand Officers further demonstrated the close and enduring relationship between Grand Council and its Districts overseas, reinforcing the importance of unity, effective leadership, mentorship and fraternal cooperation.
An Enduring Legacy of Leadership and Brotherhood: The historic Installation in Barbados will be remembered as another proud chapter in the development of the Allied Masonic Degrees throughout the Caribbean.
We extend our heartiest fraternal congratulations to R.W.Bro. Maurice Ian Athelston Gaskin, JP, on his Installation as District Grand Prefect, and to W.Bro. Jerome Herrera on his appointment as Deputy District Grand Prefect.
We also express our sincere appreciation to M.W.Bro. Thomas Firth Jackson, Grand Master, and the distinguished Grand Officers whose participation and exemplary ceremonial work contributed to the success of this memorable occasion.
May the newly installed District Grand Prefect and his Officers be blessed with wisdom, strength and unity as they guide the District towards continued growth, excellence and enduring fellowship.
United in purpose, strengthened by fellowship, and committed to preserving the traditions and advancing the future of the Allied Masonic Degrees throughout the South and East Caribbean.
