Johnson Smith urges continued attention on Windrush concerns

AS JAMAICANS continue to reflect on the significant contributions the ‘Windrush Generation’ made in the past 75 years, Kamina Johnson Smith, minister of foreign affairs and foreign trade, reiterated to the United Kingdom (UK) a need for continued attention on concerns stated by the local community.

Speaking at the panel discussion ‘Windrush 75 Reflections from Kingston Harbour’ which began on Thursday at the offices of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade at the waterfront in downtown Kingston, which is located mere metres away from where the HMS Empire Windrush ship departed with hundreds of Jamaicans for England on May 27, 1948.

While meeting with foreign, Commonwealth and development affairs secretary, James Cleverly, during his visit to Jamaica last week, Johnson Smith said that she urged timely completion of the implementation of redress mechanisms under the compensation scheme.

“As recently as last week, Windrush featured on the agenda of two meetings with my UK counterpart. While we acknowledged the efforts made by the UK government to address the wrongs, I reiterated the need for continued attention ... I also spoke of the importance of our ensuring that the word ‘controversy’ does not eclipse the victories and positive contribution of this generation. It’s a belief I hold very deeply and personally, and so it is that I believe that this series of events planned to commemorate Windrush 75, are so very important,” Johnson Smith said.

“The ministry remains committed to the achievement of just outcomes for the Windrush Generation and their descendants and we commend the Jamaican diaspora in the UK for their active role in achieving the positive outcomes that have served thus far to reaffirm their sense of belonging and identity,” she said.

The minister said the government is pleased that since 2017, different resolutions have been achieved in Britain in relation to the Windrush Generation.

“Earlier this year, funding in the amount of £3.75 million was dedicated to the Windrush Grant Scheme, building on last year’s £500,000 allocated to 35 groups across the British territories,” she said.

Johnson Smith also said that the Windrush Generation not only answered Britain’s call for help to stabilise and fix the nation’s post-war economy, but also made immeasurable contributions towards enriching the social, cultural, political and religious life of Britain.

“Today, that journey made by almost 600 people who joined from Jamaica, in addition to others from the Caribbean, remains synonymous [for] the sacrifice, nation-building with community ... With hopes of personal, family and community development edged deeply in their hearts, the Windward Generation left behind all they knew and loved in Jamaica and the Caribbean. In Britain, they were critical to the significant rebuilding efforts following the disruption caused by the Second World War, including the labour shortages and serving in critical jobs, such as bus drivers, nurses and factory workers,” she outlined.

“It was the Windrush Generation that revitalised many towns and areas in Britain, including in London, the now vibrant Notting Hill. It was our culture, our energy, our beings that changed the flavour of Britain. The historic migration of Jamaica nationals laid the foundation for the development of what is now a robust Jamaican diaspora in the UK spanning several generations,” she said.

The Windrush Generation arrived in Tilbury, Essex on June 22, 1948.

Jamaica started hosting a series of events in memory of the Windrush Generation with a national service at the Kingston Parish Church on Wednesday.

Thursday’s panel discussion focused on implications of the Windrush experience, migration and the cultural outflows which have benefitted Jamaica’s development.

ainsworth.morris@gleanerjm.com