Edwin Allen

Edwin Leopold Allen (April 17, 1905 – February 19, 1984) was a Jamaican politician, representing the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP). He served twice as minister of education (1953-1955) and (1962-1972). He was the first and longest-serving minister of education of independent Jamaica. Early life and education Allen was born on April 17, 1905, in St. Andrew, Jamaica. He was the son of David Allen and Aneita Celestine Allen (nee Nugent). Allen was educated at Mico College and at the Institute of Education of the University of London, where he received a BA in History, Law and Economics, and was awarded a teaching professional certificate. Teaching career Allen served as head teacher (1928-1929) at Mt Felix Elementary School in St. Thomas, Chantily Elementary School, Manchester (1929-1930) and at Leicesterfield Primary School in Clarendon (1931-1950). Political career Allen was first elected to the House of Representatives from the Clarendon North Western constituency in the 1950 by-election. In 1953, he was appointed Minister of Education and Social Welfare in the Bustamante-led JLP administration, succeeding L. L. Simmonds. He served in this capacity until 1955, when he was succeeded by Ivan Lloyd of the People's National Party (PNP).