Wilfred Ebenezer Jacobs (19 October 1919 – 11 March 1995) was an Antiguan administrator who served as the first governor-general of Antigua and Barbuda from 1981 to 1993. Prior to his tenure as governor-general he was the administrator of Antigua from 1966 to 1967.
Early life and education
Wilfred Ebenezer Jacobs attended Codrington College.
Career
Queen Elizabeth II appointed Jacobs as the Attorney General of the British Leeward Islands on 31 March 1959.
David Rose was succeed as administrator of Antigua by Jacobs in 1966, and he held that position until its abolition in 1967. He became governor-general of Antigua in 1967, the first person to hold the position after the country gained its independence.
Riots broke out in Antigua for two days starting on 17 March 1968 due to labour union disputes between the Antigua Trades Labor Union and the Antigua Workers' Union. At least ten people were wounded in the riots. A state of emergency was declared by Jacobs on March 19 at the request of Premier Vere Bird's cabinet.
Jacobs suffered from poor health near the end of his term and underwent surgery in the United Kingdom in the 1990s. James Carlisle was appointed to succeed him as governor-general. James Carlisle succeeded Jacobs as governor-general on 10 June 1993.
Personal life
Jacobs married Carmen, with whom he had three children. Carmen was involved with a leper colony.
Jacobs died on 11 March 1995 after suffering from a terminal illness. A state funeral was held for Jacobs at St. John's Cathedral in St. John's.