I SPEAK today for myself, my family and a host of others at home and abroad who live in fear of the possible outcome of the WINDRUSH GENERATION OF THE COMMONWEALTH OF CITIZENS WHO HAVE REPORTEDLY BEEN DENIED HEALTH CARE AND THREATENED WITH DEPORTATION.
We are extremely heartened by Prime Minister Chastanet has found it fitting to make the time from April 16th-20th 2018 to address this pressing matter in a meaningful way.
Based on what we have witnessed thus far on social media, televised news and on the British press the current PM Teresa May intends to deal with this nightmare in a very positive manner.
When we compare what transpired with THE DREAMERS in the US versus the positive actions taken in the UK, we consider ourselves extremely fortunate.
The thousands of West Indians who migrated to the UK between 1948 to 1971 contributed greatly to the UK and by extension to our native lands by way of monetary repatriations in the form of salary remittances, pensions and work compensation settlements in the billions of pounds sterling which we have used to construct homes and additionally applied the expertise derived in the UK to our various islands.
Once more we wish to extend our sincere gratitude to our St. Lucia PM for his initiative and collaboration with Prime Minister Holness of Jamaica for their tremendous efforts.
Hardly anyone in the Caribbean would have ever imagined that the day would come when such a negative initiative could have surfaced where thousands of West Indians would be part and parcel of a system that extended over 30 years.
We remain thankful to the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom who was able to visualize the contribution of the West Indian folk and convince her ministers of the necessity to respond in a human fashion, thereby putting the minds of thousands at peace with themselves.
There is no doubt that there will be some T’s to be crossed and I’s to be dotted but we are hopeful that our government will continue to fight for what is right.
Regardless of the direction, we as a region must remain cognisant of how quickly this world is changing and must adjust our minds to such unforeseen situations less we be caught in any unfortunate predicament.
By: Charles Arlington
(UK Resident)