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Born
in BrownÂ’s Hall, St Catherine in Jamaica, Bernard Westcarr
came to England in 1960 on a direct BOAC flight. His reasons were
two-fold - to visit his parents who were already here and to study
for an agricultural degree. He aimed to return to Jamaica within
four years.
On
arrival was advised to seek advice at Gloscat. He did not get
further than the receptionist. He put this down simply to the
colour of his skin and records the incident as his “very
first experience of racism in England”.
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| Bernard
Westcarr |
Before
leaving he got hold of a prospectus for a college in Surrey and
on arrival was advised to seek advice at Gloscat. He did not get
further than the receptionist. He put this down simply to the colour
of his skin and records the incident as his "very first experience
of racism in England".
He
visited a number of colleges running courses in agriculture but
had no success. Not wanting to claim benefits he got a job with
Birmingham City Corporation on the buses for about a year until
he decided to return to Gloucester with his fiancée Millicent,
whom he married in 1962.
Saddened
by racism
However
there are two things which sadden him. Firstly "that prejudice
and discrimination against black people is still inherent. Although
it may now be more subtly practiced it nevertheless still concerns
me. I fear for the future of my children and grandchildren growing
up in a society that is alien and hostile to them and denies them
equal opportunities and a secure future.
"And
secondly," he continues, "in recognising that many Jamaicans
came here intending to stay only a short while to find the means
to better themselves, the fact that many are now facing spending
their retirement here not having achieved their dreams also saddens
me.”
Active
in the community
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| Bernard's
father, Daddy West, was a founder member of the West Indian
United Action Group |
Bernard
has always been active in the life of the community, involving himself
in a wide range of activities benefitting not only his fellow countrymen
and families but also the wider society.
As
with his father ‘Daddy West’
community members approach him with a wide range of problems. He
was a founder member of the West Indian United Action Group which
was very active from the mid-70s and 80s addressing the needs of
the black community and has been involved in numerous other groups
since.
Justice
of the Peace
In
1978 Bernard was appointed a Justice of the Peace, the first JP
from the Black community in Gloucester. He is a committed Christian,
worshipping and involving himself in the life of his church St GeorgeÂ’s
in Tuffley.
Also,
with 30 fellow ex-pupils, he has raised thousands of pounds for
BrownÂ’s Hall School back in Jamaica.
"I
believe we only pass this way but once and any good deeds we can
do should be done diligently and without seeking reward," he
said.
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