A permanent national Monument to the Windrush Generation was commissioned by the Ministry of Housing, Community and Local Government in the UK (now called Department of Levelling up, Housing and Communities) is expected to be unveiled at Waterloo Station, London today on Windrush Day, 22 June. The Windrush Generation originated from some of the then British West Indian Territories.
I take this opportunity to thank and honour those pioneers from that generation who made significant contribution to rebuilding the UK after the Second World War. My understanding is that they were humane, ambitious, intelligent, skilled, community mined and loved their country.
Well done to the Windrush campaigners and supporters who successfully secured this day and to the UK for honouring the Windrush Generation in this way.
Last week I had the pleasure of listening to Dr. Wanye Thompson’s weekly advice posted on Facebook.
In short he charged listeners to get up of their seats of complaint and do 7 acts of kindness to strangers. The idea is to start countering our environment from becoming more contentious as it is heavily polluted with derogatory words.
Friday 1 April, 2022 – was introduced to a new hire at work. At the end of the work day while leaving the office, I shared my experiences with the induction training and told him if he has any questions that I would be happy to help
Saturday 2 April, 2022 – left home with about 70p with the intention of giving it to someone. These were coins that I had accumulated for several months. Later in the day I saw a man sitting in front of a Marks & Spenser Store on Ealing Broadway while he was asking people passing for spare change. I placed the 70p in his cup and gave him a thumbs up. He gave me a “Thank you”
Monday 4 April, 2022 – On a few occasions over the past weeks I noticed a cleaner in the office building who works quietly and efficiently on small projects. So today, when I walked pass her I made eye contact and greeted her with a “Good afternoon”.She returned the greeting.
Tuesday 5 April, 2022 – While at the counter in a restaurant waiting to make a take away order, a young girl (I estimate to be about 12 years old) asked one the staff for a box cover. After several attempts, the server did not understand. When the server’s back was turned to the counter I suggested to the girl to ask for a cover for the bucket. The girl followed my suggestion and got the cover/lid she wanted. As she turned to walk away, she said “Thank you”
Wednesday 6 April, 2022 – While in a grocery store, a woman pretended that she did not see me in front of the queue. When it was time for the next shopper she looked at me as if she was confused. I smiled and gestured that she should proceed before me.
Thursday 7 April, 2022 – Wanted to buy a magazine to support a homeless vendor but I did not have enough money … so I contributed the money I had to her.
Above is my list. Join me and share one of your experiences in the comment section below.
During his speech at the Opening of the Legal Year on 12 January, 2022, the Chief Justice Sir Brian Moree, KT, QC shared details and plans of upcoming court reforms. One of those reforms that is likely to affect you as a litigants was raised in the following extract from his speech:
“A new system of court connected mediation will be introduced into the Family and Commercial Divisions during the first quarter. I have circulated a draft of the Practice Direction and Schedules to the key stakeholders and will be proceeding with this project during the first quarter. I have no diffidence in stating that a modern court system must have a mediation component as an alternative method of resolving disputes to reduce the number of cases which proceed to trial.”(emphasis mine)
In my blog dated 3 November, 2020, I shared some of the the benefits of Mediation with you. If you are a litigant or a potential litigant then you should take the time and learn a bit about Mediations. In my view they are not complicated and can be very useful for litigants who are open to exploring settlements.
Please note that this change in the Family and Commercial Division is expected to be implemented during the first quarter of this year, 2022.
So start informing yourself about this upcoming change and ask questions.
Please feel free to direct any questions or comments to me, Kean Smith at kean@smithkas.com
Earlier in December, The International Day ofPersons with Disabilities was observed. I was able to speak with the three individuals below about their views and aspirations.
I constantly remind myself that people with disabilities are equally people too, no more and no less.
Questions for BrendaCharles who has a physical disability
As a person with a disability, what is the significance of “the international day for persons with disabilities”?
To promote the rights and well-being of persons with disabilities in all spheres of society and development and to increase awareness of the situation of persons with disabilities in every aspect of political, social, economic and cultural life.
Brenda Charles
As far as you are aware, what are some of the major obstacles people with physical disability face?
Living with a disability is not easy and it’s made more difficult when the public at large is not aware or conscious that we need to have equal access and opportunity. Not having access to affordable transportation with a wheelchair lift is a necessity for those of us in the disabled community. The other issue for us is affordable health care. Not having insurance coverage to be able to afford surgeries and medical equipment it’s a huge hinderance.
Have these obstacles worsen since the COVID–19 pandemic started?
Please explain. During the pandemic many businesses were not able to be open and financially it became a strain for the average person and even more for persons with disabilities; what’s more prices increased tremendously.
As we plan to come out of this COVID-19 pandemic, what are your hopes and dreams for your community and The Bahamas?
My hope and dreams for my community and the Bahamas are: To provide hot meals for persons with disabilities who may not be able to afford it, employment opportunities, improvements to our healthcare system, and to improve the school system for persons with disabilities.
Questions for Patrick Pierrewho has a hearing disability
What should other people know about young people who are deaf or hard of hearing?
Hard to explain for other people know about young people who are deaf or hard of hearing. For me I’m as a hard of hearing it would be impossible for people to know if I’m hard of hearing or not. People will look at me they will think I seem like a normal person like other hearing people.
Please share how the COVID-19 pandemic affected their daily lives?
My experience during pandemic is difficult for me to understand people by reading lips, because of people wearing mask.
Questions for Juliece Mackey from Crooked Island who has is visually impaired
Article 9 of The Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disability “… seeks to enable persons with disabilities … to participate fully in all aspects of life and development. Are you able to participate fully in all aspects of life? If not then please explain some areas that you are not able to participate.
Because I am visually impaired I am unable to participate in some sports such as soccer and track & field. Sitting down listening to my fellow schoolmates participate in these sports made me feel left out. Some day I would hope that Crooked Island and The Bahamas will implement sport centres for disable children to become more active in their community.
“People arriving in the UK between 1948 and 1971 from Caribbean countries have been labelled the Windrush generation.
It refers to the ship MV Empire Windrush, which docked in Tilbury on 22 June 1948, bringing workers from Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago and other islands, to help fill post-war UK labour shortages.
“The Windrush scandal, which broke in April 2018, saw the UK government apologise for deportation threats made to Commonwealth citizens’ children.
Despite living and working in the UK for decades, many were told they were there illegally because of a lack of official paperwork.” – Windrush generation: Who are they and why are they facing problems?(2020, July 31). BBC. Retrieved November 24, 2021, from https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-43782241
“The Home Office said claims had sped up and that £20.4m has been paid to 687 people, with £9m offered to applicants.” – Symonds, T. (2021, May 27). Windrush compensation: £30 offered to victims so far, Home Office says. BBC. Retrieved November 24, 2021, from https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-57271540
If you are just joining us then I recommend that you read my blog posted 7 November, 2021 titled “Part 1 – Exploring Central London … the quest for family”.
Another eye opening experience
You may recall that after walking along Smith Street I arrived at my destination. I entered the building and after a few COVID-19 formalities, I was advised to follow the relevant signs like the one pictured below:
I do not know about you but the words “West Indian” always bring a feeling of familiarity, good energy and community to mind. Of course, where there is community one is likely to find family.
So look at this photo below … look at what I found!
“Excuse me?”
I had to take a pause and read every single word on these posters.
“Wow.”
A request for volunteers. Did anyone from your family or community volunteer?
War posters
I could not help but wonder whether my ancestors read those posters. What did they think or say? I can only imagine the conversations that followed at home, in the neighbourhood, and at work.
What about you? Were any stories shared with you about your family experiences contributing to the War effort?
Well, if that was not enough, I came across an intriguing photo and information that I had to record and share here.
Is this person family? My family or your family?
Carefully read the text in this photo below. Are you related to any of those individuals?
Who were Lance Corporal C.P. Bethel (Bahamas) and Private Edward Jones (Barbados)? Do you know? If you do then please share their stories with us.
Remembrance pin badge, metal, British West Indies Regiment, 2015Summary of the history of the West India RegimentsBadge designs of Turks & Caicos Regiment (left) and Cayman Islands Regiment (right)
Below is an interesting story about the West India Regiment.
It is obvious to me that the soldiers who were involved in this historic event had excellent critical thinking skills that they used for everyone’s benefit.
Very interesting story … reading about such sacrifice and determination encourage me to do my best at all times
Well, I did not find any family but I did find references to Lance Corporal C.P. Bethel (Bahamas) and Private Edward Jones (Barbados). These references may lead you and me to information about our families during the First World War.
If you have a story about Lance Corporal C.P. Bethel (Bahamas) and/or Private Edward Jones (Barbados) then please share it!
So until next time, I send you best wishes and the following photo.
Selfie with helicopter in the background … could not resist!
Today I wish to share with you a project that I along with some family members started in June of this year and recently completed. The Admiral Ferguson High School in Colonel Hill, Crooked Island was the beneficiary of the project.
As I begin, allow me to thank the project team members, stakeholders, donors and contributors for their support with this project. This was a fine example of Communities helping Communities.
Backgroundto Project
Do you remember Hurricane Joaquin?
According to a 2016 National Hurricane Center Tropical Cyclone Report authored by Robbie Berg, “Joaquin was a category 4 hurricane … whose strong winds and storm surge devastated Crooked Island, Acklins, Long Island, Rum Cay, and San Salvador …” It was also reported that “… Joaquin was the strongest October hurricane known to have affect [T]he Bahamas since 1866.
The said Tropical Cyclone Report reported that 70% of Crooked Island was flooded with at lease 5 feet of water and it was estimated that hurricane Joaquin caused more than B$ 60 million in damages on the affected islands.
During a conversation about teaching chess in Crooked Island, I was told about the high school not having books and was directed to speak with Michaela Thompson. I called Michaela and she confirmed that all of the reading books of the school were destroyed by Hurricane Joaquin and had not been replaced as yet. As a result of that conversation, the idea of the New Reading Books Project was born.
Genesis of the Project
So after consulting with some of my family members, we agreed to start a new reading book project to replace some of the destroyed books. The project started in the summer, June 2021. After consulting with the High School, its Parent Teacher’s Association, Librarians, Researchers and non-profit organisations directly connected with Crooked Island, we began our project called New Reading Books Project (Summer 2021). We fundraised for two months and then started to purchase books. Below are pictures of some of the new books we bought as the project progressed.
First inventory check of the new reading books (photo by Tashann Morally)Second inventory check of the new reading books (photo by Hugh Morally)
Mini Project
During the New Reading Books Project, we found out about a student at the High School who was blind and did not have a cane that could be used to improve her mobility and independence. So we added a cane to the list of deliverables.
Completion of the Project
I am happy to report that the project is complete. The new reading books and cane were shipped by mailboat to Landrail Point, Crooked Island. The package arrived on Saturday 6 November and later transported to Admiral Ferguson High School, Colonel Hill and received by Ms. Lise-Mae Dolce, Principal of the High School.
From left to right: Ms. Shandera Paul and Ms. Lise-Mae Dolce with new reading books
A complete list of the reading books and genre donated to the High School is listed below.
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From left to right: Ms. Shandera Paul, mother of Juliece, and Juliece receiving the cane from Ms. Dolce
I am hopeful that present and future students of the Admiral Ferguson High School will use these books to continue improving their literacy skills that will help build their self esteem and overall quality of life.
Today, I will share an experience from last month.
On 16 October, I went on a quest in Central London, starting at Sloane Square. As you may be aware, Sloane Square is located in the Borough of Kensington and Chelsea.
Bus Stop in Sloan near Sloane Square Underground StationThe Venus Fountain, Sloane Square -“… consist of the kneeling figure of Venus in bronze holding a vase and pouring water from a conch shell …” Source: https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-entry/1391739
After viewing this bronze fountain of Venus I followed the instructions of my mobile phone’s “GPS app” and headed along King’s Road
Although King’s Road looked like a great place to get some weekend shopping but I was not on a shopping mission. The shopping mission will be shared on another post.
King’s Road is considered Chelsea’s trendy shopping street
It was a little wet so I moved along as quickly as possible trying to avoid the possible morning showers. I was hoping that these uninvited showers did not ruin my plans.
According to my “GPS app”, I was to continue straight along this sidewalk until I came across a street on the left with a familiar name. So I asked myself, “A familiar name?”
Public map of the area
Well, it is not that I do not trust the “GPS app” but I needed to confirm my location and bearing from my destination. So I stopped at the public map pictured above.
Having done that then it was “forward and onward!”
Smith Street
So the “GPS app” was right! Familiar indeed. Smith Street.
Smith Street (taken from the middle of the street before determined drivers entered from King’s Road)
The rain had now abated and I moved south along Street Street.
About 3 minutes later, there it was just to the right across the street … my destination.
I did not know what information was waiting for me inside but I was on a quest for family in Central London. This quest led me to the West Indian Soldier.
To be continued in “Part 2 – Exploring Central London … the quest for family”.
Is extreme poverty really a moral outrage? Do we care enough to collaborate and end extreme poverty in our families, in our neighbourhoods, in our communities or in our country?
Did you know that “[e]ven before the pandemic, the 22 richest men in the world had more wealth than all the women [on the African continent?]” – Antonio Guterres, UN Secretary-General’s
“The observance of the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty can be traced back to 17 October 1987. […] Since then, people of all backgrounds, beliefs and social origins have gathered every year on October 17th to renew their commitment and show their solidarity with the poor.
…
Through resolution 47/196 adopted on 22 December 1992, the General Assembly declared 17 October as the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty and invited all States to devote the Day to presenting and promoting, as appropriate in the national context, concrete activities with regard to the eradication of poverty and destitution. The resolution further invites intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations to assist States, at their request, in organizing national activities for the observance of the Day, and requests the Secretary-General to take, within existing resources, the measures necessary to ensure the success of the Day’s observance by the United Nations.” – United Nations website
“On December 19, 2011, United Nations General Assembly adopted Resolution 66/170 to declare October 11 as the International Day of the Girl Child, to recognize girls’ rights and the unique challenges girls face around the world.
The International Day of the Girl Child focuses attention on the need to address the challenges girls face and to promote girls’ empowerment and the fulfilment of their human rights.
Adolescent girls have the right to a safe, educated, and healthy life, not only during these critical formative years, but also as they mature into women. If effectively supported during the adolescent years, girls have the potential to change the world – both as the empowered girls of today and as tomorrow’s workers, mothers, entrepreneurs, mentors, household heads, and political leaders. An investment in realising the power of adolescent girls upholds their rights today and promises a more equitable and prosperous future, one in which half of humanity is an equal partner in solving the problems of climate change, political conflict, economic growth, disease prevention, and global sustainability.” – (UN website: https://www.un.org/en/observances/girl-child-day)
