AN OXFORD college will unveil a new portrait honouring an influential politician and the first person of African-Caribbean descent to be elected President of the Oxford Union.

The oil painting of Sir James Cameron Tudor hangs in the college’s dining hall to celebrate the college alumnus, who was elected to the position in 1942.

Sir James went on to become one of the Caribbean’s most influential diplomats and politicians.

He was a founding member the Democratic Labour Party of Barbados, which led the country to independence in 1966.

He also served as Deputy Prime Minister, Education Minister, High Commissioner to Britain, and Ambassador to the United Nations.

Born and educated in Barbados, Sir James came to Keble College in 1940 to study Philosophy, Politics and Economics.

The occasion for tomorrow’s unveiling is St Mark’s Day, which is the day of John Keble’s birth in 1792, and also of the laying of the Keble Foundation Stone in 1868.

The nearest Sunday in Term is an annual event on which the college celebrates its founders and benefactors.

Warden of Keble College, Sir Jonathan Phillips, said: “The college is very pleased that the achievements of such a distinguished individual are being recognised in this way. It signals the wish to celebrate the diversity of its alumni and student body.”

The portrait is being unveiled by the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Barbados, Senator The Hon Maxine McClean. She said: “We are very proud of our former Deputy Prime Minister’s achievements during his time at Oxford. Sir James was a trailblazer who has left an important legacy. We are delighted that Keble College is recognising the contribution he made.”