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Ancestral Safari – the Monarch Butterfly

And so the safari home continues.

Since last week, I continued my desk research.

I drew on information shared with me by my mother and grand uncles, now deceased, and my siblings and cousins. In addition, I found a few gems through targeted internet searches – yes the internet.

My initial research has lead me to the following conclusions:

  • my maternal great great grand mother’s name was Dianna; and
  • my safari will take me through Crooked Island, The Bahamas and Liverpool, England.

I located a story that involved Crooked Island, the then Governor of The Bahama Islands and 10 Downing Street, London. Fascinating right? It appears that the story in question took place when Dianna’s daughter was alive. While this may not be connected with Dianna, I am relying on my instincts which are “telling me” to research the Governor/10 Downing Street path. As far as instincts go, I am inspired by the Monarch Butterfly.

The Monarch Butterfly
Photo by Kathy Servian on Unsplash

These butterflies 4,000+ miles migration span three countries (Mexico, The United States and Canada) and unfolds as follows:

  • In the spring, monarchs fly north from Mexico, and breed in the southern United States;
  • the next generation flies father north up through southern Canada and breeds again; and
  • Then in the fall the next generation flies all the way back to Mexico for the winter.

So I will follow my instincts. I intend to conduct additional desk research at the National Archives at Kew, Richmond, England. I am very hopeful that this will take me closer to my maternal home.

As always, I will keep you posted about my journey. If you have done this already then please feel free to share your story or any recommendations in the comment space below.

Many thanks.

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Ancestral Safari

And so it begins.

Today I am starting my maternal ancestral safari.

I have been inspired by many people over the years but most recently I was reminded about this intended safari after viewing a video clip from a movie I saw some years ago.

I wrote a blog about the video clip on 2 August, 2022 titled “When Professionals deliver … reflection comes easily”.

The blog was focused on words that were spoken by Actor Djimon Hounsou, while playing the character Cinque, in the 1997 movie, Amistad. Those words and the context in which they were spoken resonated with me once again.

So now I am up and moving, seeking the answer to the following question:

“Where is home of my maternal ancestors?”

I will keep you posted about my journey. If you have done this already then please feel free to share your story in the comment space below.

Many thanks.

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When professionals deliver … reflecting comes easily

Read the quote below.

These words were spoken by Actor Djimon Hounsou, while playing the character Cinque, in the 1997 movie, Amistad.

Once you have read the words, listen to the short 2 minute video clip of Hounsou delivering his lines at the link that follows.

“We won’t be going in there along.“

…

“I meant my ancestors.

I will call into the past.

Far back to the beginning of time and beg them to come and help me at the judgement.

I will reach back and draw them into me and they must come .

For at this moment I am the whole reason they have existed at all.”

A Call to the Ancestors

Keeping our ancestors memory alive.

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Windrush Day – 22 June

Point of interest …

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.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/newsround/61891772

https://www.bbc.co.uk/newsround/61891772

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Activation – 7 Act of Kindness to Strangers

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.

So I took up the challenge.

Photo by Brett Jordan on Unsplash

Below are my results so far:

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.

All the best.

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New Court Reforms … Affecting You in 2022

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)

Photo by Toa Heftiba on Unsplash

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

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Looking forward – International Day of Persons with Disabilities 2021

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 Brenda Charles 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 Pierre who 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.

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Windrush Compensation Scheme: £30m offered to victims so far

“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 ship carried 492 passengers – many of them children.” – 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 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

For more information go to www.gov.uk

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Part 2 – Exploring Central London … the quest for family

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, 2015
Summary of the history of the West India Regiments
Badge 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!