Profile of George L Powell

National Service. UK 1959. British West Indian

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.

Black Drummers of the 29th Regiment

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

Commonwealth Day

British Commonwealth family

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.

International Women's Day

Woman of the British Empire. Please remember them. Thank you

International Women's Day - 8th March has been observed since the early 1900's, and is now a global celebration with many countries marking the occasion with a national holiday.

There is at least one inspirational woman in every family. A Grandmother, Mother, Sister or Daughter. Sadly, all too often their contributions to life outside of family matters are either deemed unimportant or under-estimated.

"There is nothing stronger than the heart of a volunteer"

Jamaican Scientist celebrated in fight against Cancer

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

 

 

 

 

Pages

Subscribe to Why Are West Indians In This Country? RSS