Sharon's blog

George Lushington Powell was born in Manchester, Jamaica on 26th September 1934. He spent his childhood and youth in St Elizabeth with his family and became inseparable from his cousin Clifton Mahon, two years his senior.

When Clifton applied to work in the USA in agriculture, it was natural for George to apply, however he failed the farm work test. Upset that his friend had left, he asked the family to pay his passage to England where he could embark of a new career of his own.

The first mention of black drummers in history is in 1759, when 8 or 10 boys taken at the surrender of Guadeloupe were presented by Admiral Boscawen to his brother who was commanding the 29th at that time.

However, it appears that even if these drummers arrived as slaves, they enjoyed a respectable standing within the regiment and retired as free men.

Further reading can be found at:

http://www.worcestershireregiment.com/black_drummers.php

Empire Day was first introduced in Canadian schools in 1898 and celebrated on the last school day before 24th May, Queen Victoria's birthday.

Empire Day was adopted by the UK in 1904 and extended throughout the countries of the Commonwealth.

In 1958 Empire Day was renamed Commonwealth Day, in accordance with the new post-colonial relationship with the nations of the former Empire.

The Commonwealth of Nations consists of 54 countries across all six inhabited continents.

Jamaican Scientist Dr Lawrence Williams is being celebrated on the international stage for finding an effective treatment for some types of cancer. Following more than 13 years of study the Jamaican's discovery has the potential to fight various kinds of cancers, including melanoma, lung cancer, and breast cancer.

Read more at http://jamaica-gleaner.com/gleaner/20101202/lead/lead4.html

For generations West Indian women have followed a calling to care for the sick and weak. Despite a lack of credit or recognition, we thank you for turning the other cheek.

NANNY OF THE MAROONS possessed a wide knowledge of herbs and other traditional healing methods practiced by African and native Islanders.

Just some of the British & Caribbean Veterans who have fought and continue to fight for democracy and freedom.

Thank You All

DID YOU SPOT THE OBVIOUS MISTAKE?

No?

The answer...

Few people ever read the small print.

The declaration on the inside cover on the passport on the left reads ....

Following America's entry into WW2 in 1941, they made a request to Britain for  workers - under the heading of Manpower & Agriculture on a fixed term appointment.

Britain looked to the Caribbean and in response over 40,000 British West Indians volunteered. Permission granted, they worked in factories and on farms all over the USA. Jasper Powell was one such worker and this is his story....

Ex Serviceman, Royal Warwicks.

A well deserved award in recognition of services to Community fundraising and poppy appeal.

Thank you to Lerel and the Royal British Legion