Page 90 - UWI Class of '74 Memory Lane

Memories
Memory 1
In October 1968, weeks after arriving on campus, I was persuaded to join the student march in protest at the deportation, by the Jamaican Government, of Walter Rodney, a fellow Guyanese. I, like the hundreds of students who marched from Mona to Kingston singing and enjoying what seemed like a fun day out, was unprepared for what later happened at the Racecourse where we assembled to hear speeches from Ralph Gonsalves and other student leaders. We were attacked by police wielding batons and enveloped in tear gas. I was fortunately unharmed in the stampede to the turnstiles. An unforgettable, terrifying experience.
Memory 2
As a member of Mary Seacole Hall’s Entertainments Committee, my guests at dinner one Wednesday evening were an English Professor and his wife. We sat at the “High table” with the “Seacolites” below and all was well until we finished the main course. My female guest extracted a plastic bag from her enormous handbag, and scraped the contents of her plate, mine and her husband’s into it, watched by the entire student population. I was praying so hard for the floor to open and swallow me, I barely heard her say “we always take our scraps home for the dogs”!
Memory 3
Carnival preparations started in Mary Seacole Hall in November 1968, generating a buzz of excitement which escalated over the weeks. Marching behind the bands as I joined in the celebration of my first Carnival on Campus, in February 1969, was truly exhilarating - the entire student population seemed to be involved in the event. If my memory serves me correctly, Mary Seacole’s band was called “Campus Clowns” but the most stunning costumes were in the “Festival of the Aztecs” band which was the winner that year.
Life Highlights
v Adopting my daughter, Denika, 20 years ago.
v Contributing to Medicine’s future – Medical School Admission Interviews 16 years.
v Going on a Pilgrimage to the Holy Land.
Page |90