“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)
Good day Joy and thank you for agreeing to this interview.
The 11 October is observed annually by the United Nations as the International Day of the Girl Child. As we observe this day, I would like for you to share your views on a few topics as a teenage student enrolled in high school.
Interviewer:In some countries including The Bahamas there are generally less teenager girls studying STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) subjects in high school and university. This results in fewer girls/women pursuing careers directly connected with STEM. Do you have any idea why and what can be done to change this?
Joy: Many girls in high school are not interested in those subjects. I myself find science and math in particular to be very challenging. Some of the main problems that affected the learning of mathematics were poor teaching and lack of facilities. We don’t get excited about numbers and formulas like the way we get excited about other subjects. We see math as irregular figures that are difficult to understand, and as for science I take biology, if I don’t want to study biology in high school why would I pick a career what requires me to study it more in college ?? I want to be a nurse but when I think about it, it’s not for me. Things like this really do mess up your career path.
Joy Knowles, Long Island, The Bahamas
Personally I feel like the best way to change this situation is for the teachers to change their attitude towards it. You can’t expect to be a teacher and want to have attitude when a student ask you to explain the topic more. If we don’t understand what you want us to do? That’s why you are here to make sure that we understand, to help us. Science and Math are already confusing. Try not to make it harder on us. Try to make learning fun, but us as students must also try to work along with the teacher it may be hard but we have to persevere. I think once you have a passion for these subjects in high school then it shouldn’t be no problem for you to pursue your career that are connected with those subjects .
Interviewer: On a scale of 1 to 100 with 1 being least important and 100 being most important, how important is it to you to have access to the internet in school and home to support your education?
Joy: It is 100% important to me to have internet access at home to support my education, because I want to graduate and excel in life, and if I don’t have internet access that will affect my attendance which will result in me not getting a high school diploma, and not graduating. I need internet to search for information related to curriculum, exams scholarships, universities etc…. Having access to the internet allows me to take charge of my education. If I don’t have internet access I feel like I will miss out on a huge educational opportunity, which will impact my future. The internet has been essential in the world today, everything is online now. I’ve realized that internet is no longer a luxury, but it’s now a basic necessity. I can’t begin to imagine my life without internet. Internet can improve the quality of education. It is the basic need of technological world, anything I need help with pertaining to school I can search the internet. I learn better off the internet compare to my teachers teaching me.
Interviewer: Do you and your female friends have any concerns about changes in the climate?
Joy: Yes, we do. We live in country, The Bahamas, where if global warming continues to occur, our country may cease to exist. We may be inundated with water. Also, global warming has strengthened hurricane intensity. We have experienced several major storms of Category 4 or higher in Joaquin which impacted my island and Hurricane Dorian which impacted Abaco and Grand Bahama. So, yes, we do have concerns with climate change.
Interviewer: Finally, is there anything that you would like added to your education experience that will help you or younger girls that are in secondary or primary school?
Joy: Yes, I would like for more Girls Seminars where issues concerning girls could be addressed in an open setting, and girls will realise that we all experience similar setbacks/joys. We can collaborate and learn from each other. We can strengthen each other. Also, there should be more vocational subjects added for girls who are not academically inclined. Subjects such as cosmetology, and sewing should be added where girls can learn a trade to ensure themselves an income post secondary school. These are a few things would like added to our education experience.
In my post dated 3 November, 2020 titled “Operating a Small Enterprise? – do not let this destroy your operations” I wrote that “[a]s a small enterprise operator you should take steps to avoid settling conflicts in court, avoid litigation. While litigation is a legitimate means of resolving conflicts it has some disadvantages that are not suitable for small enterprises. You are probably fully aware that litigation can be costly and time consuming. If you are operating a small enterprise to create additional sources of income then it is likely that you do not have a budget for litigation nor do you have time to dedicate to attending court. Litigation should be avoided and you should employ alternate forms of dispute resolution. I am referring particularly to Arbitration, Mediation and Negotiation.” – (Source: Smith, K. A. (2020, November 3). Kean Smith. Kean Smith. https://www.smithkas.com/?p=439)
In this post, I wish to take a deeper dive and focus on small businesses using arbitration to resolve their contractual disputes instead of litigation in national courts. For the purpose of this article, let us agree that a small business has 50 or less employees (generally the same number of employees used in the UK and the USA). This category will include business owners from various sectors of the economy including Construction, Professional, Retail, and Transport.
As part of managing your commercial risk you should consider using arbitration. This can be done in a way to avoid costly and time consuming hearings. This will definitely decrease your cost and allow you to resume your regular business more quickly than waiting years for a trial date in the national courts.
I have heard stories of multiple contractors operating small construction companies complain about their final stage payment worth tens of thousands of dollars being withheld because of a dispute which is being litigated. Issues like this can be resolve faster through arbitration rather than commencing litigation through the national courts.
The most effective way to have access to this arbitration option is to include it as a term of the contract. So in short, seek advice about including an arbitration clause in your contracts. I believe this will go a long way in mitigating the risk of protracted and costly disputes.
Theme for World Teacher’s Day 2021 – “Teachers at the heart of education recovery”
“World Teachers’ Day is held annually on 5 October to celebrate all teachers around the globe. It commemorates the anniversary of the adoption of the 1966 ILO/UNESCO Recommendation concerning the Status of Teachers, which sets benchmarks regarding the rights and responsibilities of teachers, and standards for their initial preparation and further education, recruitment, employment, and teaching and learning conditions. The Recommendation concerning the Status of Higher-Education Teaching Personnel was adopted in 1997 to complement the 1966 Recommendation by covering teaching personnel in higher education. World Teachers’ Day has been celebrated since 1994.” –(UNESCO website – World Teachers’ Day 2021)
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In this blog, we interviewed three education professionals about topics related to the theme for World Teachers’ Day 2021. The questions and participants are listed below (please click on the links to view/read their response):
Question for Yonell Justilien:
According to UNESCO Institute of Statistics, about 69 million teachers must be recruited to achieve universal primary and secondary education by 2030. What are three things you believe that education stakeholders can do to retain and attract teachers in The Bahamas?
The use of technology is expected to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of delivering services. As far as you are aware, have virtual classes improved the efficiency and effectiveness of the delivery of classes? In your view are students generally more at risk of being left behind? If so, then how and why?
What can local communities do to further support teachers during this COVID-19 pandemic?
What are some of the ways that teaching has changed for you and your colleagues since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic?
In your view, since the beginning of the pandemic, has there been a renewed appreciation of teachers and the role they play in supporting social and economic life of the bahamian society? Please explain.
In the following interview, we ask Francine McKenzie, an educator, about the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on professional training and what things can parents do to support teacher’s during this ongoing pandemic.
Interviewer: Has the COVID-19 pandemic impacted or changed your and/or your colleagues ongoing or annual professional training? How?
McKenzie: As a result of the covid 19 pandemic my colleagues and I have had mixed experiences during our professional development (PD) exercises. On the one hand there were certain topics of a technical nature where hands-on face-to-face training would have been more beneficial. For example, the virtual training in using the Ministry of Education’s Learning Management System was not beneficial to me because I need one-on-one and in-person training with such a technical topic. I felt completely lost during those virtual training sessions.
On a positive note, the virtual training platform means that a variety of sessions are located in one place, my computer, and therefore I have more session offerings available to me. For a special educator who teaches at both high school and elementary school levels, this is a huge benefit. In contrast when PD sessions are face-to-face, one is limited to staying in one physical location where sessions are subject specific and grade level specific.
In addition to having more flexible training the virtual platform enables us to interact with colleagues and trainers in the global environment. The virtual experience eliminates travel and living costs and increases the availability of experts in the field of education. We are thus able to participate in training opportunities not locally offered.
Francine McKenzie
Interviewer: As we observe World Teachers Day, what else can parents do to support teachers?
McKenzie: Whenever I host a parent-teacher conference I gently remind parents that they are their child’s first and primary teacher. The covid-19 pandemic has proven just how true this statement is. Parents have found themselves, some unwillingly, filling in the role of teacher or teacher’s aide during the virtual learning experience. I believe that this time is their opportunity to shine…for their child. I would love if all parents embraced this “newly-discovered” role with a passion that matches and even exceeds my own passion for teaching.
Every morning there is a particular parent who sends me a message that can brighten the gloomiest of days. Literally. I currently teach a widely mixed group of students and there are times when working as a whole group online is nearly impossible. After a disastrous lesson (in my opinion) I got the following voice-note: “Ms. McKenzie, you are doing an awesome job…..you can see that you are passionate about what you do………(student) is participating.”
A few words, when things seemed to be falling apart, went a long way in lifting my spirits. I realized in that moment that we teachers do benefit from encouraging words and actions as much as our students do.
