It is with sadness that I share the passing of my dear husband, Jack, on October 14, 2023. Jack was a proud father and grandfather, brother, uncle, loyal friend and trusted mentor. He was predeceased by his parents, Cal and Isabelle Blachford. He leaves to grieve, me, Pauline, his wife of 47 years: his children, Jay (Annette), Dean (Stephanie), Tyler (Rachel), Sabrina (Rob), and his sisters, Bev and Corinne (Wayne). He was blessed by his six grandchildren, who adored their Grandad and brought him great joy: Jada, Sofia, Piper, Melah, Lennon and Jasper.
Jack was born in London, Ontario, raised in Kitchener and moved to Vancouver in 1971, where he worked as the Sales Manager of Pitney Bowes, the copier division. Aspiring to something more creative, in 1977, Jack founded Business Space Planners, which he operated until his retirement six years ago. Seeing commercial space transformed into productive, attractive offices and work stations was his passion. He was highly regarded for his integrity, creativity, great sense of humour and boundless energy.
Jack was a faithful member of the Anglican church families of St. Agnes, North Vancouver and St. Mark, South Surrey. He was very helpful in working with the Diocese in facilities planning, where he was highly valued for his advice and support. He was also a member of the Bishop’s Friends.
During his career, Jack belonged to two professional organizations, The Vancouver Executives Association (Vanex) and Sales and Marketing Executives (SME) of Vancouver. He served as President of both and many of the members became life-long friends. SME held its international convention in Vancouver in 1986 and Jack was honoured to chair the organizing committee for this very successful event.
Jack was an incredible conversationalist and known for his genuine interest in getting to know other people and helping them succeed. Jack will be greatly missed for his warmth, kindness, and compassion.
A Celebration of Jack’s Life will take place on October 26, 2023, at Victory Memorial located at 14381 28th Avenue in South Surrey, at 10.30 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Jack’s memory to either the Vancouver Executives’ Association Scholarship Fund (exec@vanex.com) or the Parkinson Canada (donate.parkinson.ca).
This weekend, there are many opportunities and events you can join to elevate your business and feel empowered. But first, if you’re interested in the growth of Black businesses in the Northern Region RSVP for the virtual info session by tonight!
The UNBCBlack Entrepreneurship Knowledge Hub(BEKH)information session is scheduled for Thursday, September 21st at 5:00pm PT on Zoom (link to be provided after RSVP). Come delve into the specific needs of Black entrepreneurship and celebrate the journeys and achievements of fellow Black business owners. Register here ASAP by sending tracy.hall@unbc.ca your name, email address, business name, and location (city, province/territory).
This virtual experience celebrates the remarkable strength, creativity, and determination of Black women entrepreneurs and will take place on Zoom (Meeting ID: 860 6022 4427, Passcode: 667385) so save your seat here!If you identify as a 19+ woman looking for an in-person event, you don’t want to miss out on Bigger Ideas Conference™️ (BIC) this Saturday at the Massey Theatre in BC! From 9am to 6:30pm, get ready to collaborate and invest in women’s education and advancement. This is your opportunity to connect with leaders and other great minds who can champion, empower, and support you along your journey.
Fuelled by Vancity, Odihi and Colour the Trails are excited to invite students, entrepreneurs, business owners and newcomers to come learn practical tools to succeed in life, career and business. RSVP here and use our exclusive code “BEBCBIC23″before it’s too late!
Saturday morning, we personally invite you to come to our 1stUNDPADmeeting. With the temporary programs set up by the government for the Black community ending next year in 2024, URGENT ACTION is required in Support of a Permanent Legislative Policy for Black Canadians. For the next couple of Saturdays, we are gathering together to determine how we can continue our journey to advance the rights of people of African descent.
HeadHeartHand Foundation (3HFoundation, www.3hfoundation.ca) is a registered non-profit located in Surrey, British Columbia, Canada and open to all members of the public.
Join us to discuss practical steps on Financial Management for Youthful Immigrants, organized by HeadHeartHand Foundation (3HFoundation) and sponsored by the Prospera Foundation, one of the largest credit union foundations in Canada.
I hope this email finds you well! My name is Naomi Hudson and I am the coordinator for Operation Black Vote Canada’s newest and most exciting initiative – 1834 Global. I am thrilled to invite you to apply for this high-profile training program, designed to empower the next generation of Black Canadians interested in the field of global affairs, international development, and diplomacy. Applications for the program’s second annual cohort have recently opened and we are inviting young Black Canadians from across Canada to apply. We highly encourage you to share the following information, as well as the promotional material attached to this email, with your members, clients, staff and volunteers, as well as with any other Black Canadians in your circle who would benefit from this program:
🎉 Exciting News! Applications are NOW OPEN! 🎉
If you have ever dreamed of pursuing a career in international affairs and representing Canada on the global stage, then 1834 Global is your gateway to success.
🌐 About 1834 Global:
1834 Global is a transformative 9-week virtual program that brings together talented young Black minds from all corners of Canada. Through this immersive experience, participants will connect, learn, and refine their skills, all under the expert guidance of prominent global affairs leaders from across the country. The program will begin in January 2024 and we are proud to offer flexible training sessions that accommodate your school and work commitments.
🌍 Program Perks:
As a participant in 1834 Global, you will benefit from a range of exceptional opportunities:
4-day 1834 Global Summit, where you will engage with influential diplomats, ambassadors, and global affairs experts.
The chance to connect with various multilateral organizations and gain insights into their critical work.
The unique opportunity to present your research and ideas in front of senior-ranked government officials, making a real impact on policies and initiatives.
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We encourage dynamic and ambitious Black Canadians aged 20 to 30 years to apply, who demonstrate:
Excellent writing, research, and teamwork skills, as we believe these are vital in shaping future leaders.
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Ready to embark on this transformative journey? Email 1834global@obvc.ca to receive the application link. Our application deadline is October 13th, 2023, so don’t miss this chance to become a part of something truly special.
Some of today’s generations of a cruel British slave owner who had owned a string of sugar and other plantations in Guyana, are headed to the country this week to say sorry for the sins of the past.
Collaborating on this venture with the University of Guyana and several Afro organizations, the descendants of a planter named John Gladstone say the time is ripe for them to atone for the since of their fore parents and to help with healing and efforts to repair a horrible wrong as John Gladstone was a “vile and greedy man (BBC) whose wealth grew exponentially on the back of unpaid African slaves. One of Gladstone’s sons eventually became a four-time colonial era British prime minister. He is credited with owning more than 2,500 slaves in Guyana and Jamaica.
“The Gladstone family, which includes several historians, have today confirmed that they will in fact offer an apology given the role their ancestors had played here,” the university said in a weekend statement, unveiling its plans to engage with the family this week.
Local activists say they are unsure whether the Gladstones are reacting to pressure being mounted by Caribbean governments on former European slave trading nations to pay reparations, or by family consciences. It is unclear if similar plans are being organized in Jamaica.
The Guyana apology will be the latest in a string of significant similar attempts at remorse in the past year, starting with the one late December of last year by outgoing Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte for the role The Netherlands played in Suriname and other Dutch linkages in the Caribbean. He has also committed The Netherlands to future talks about slavery and reparations while offering $200 million to help with research about the lasting impacts of slavery.
Just about two months after, another United Kingdom family-the Trevelyans-traveled to Grenada to apologize for their ancestors owning more than 1000 slaves and six plantations in the Eastern Caribbean island which the US had invaded in 1983 after the government had collapsed owing to an internal rebellion among other factors. More than 40 of today’s Trevelyan family members have also signed a letter of apology for the atrocities of their fore parents. Former BBC journalist Laura Trevelyan who had made the trip to Grenada is also slated to be in the visiting delegation to Guyana. Laura Trevelyan says she is committed to helping with the reparations movement in the Caribbean.
Early last month, Dutch King Willem Alexander followed PM Rutte’s move and apologized for the Dutch’s role in the trans Atlantic slave trade, as he asked for forgiveness for that crime against humanity.
“Of all the ways in which a person can be robbed of their freedom, slavery is surely the most painful, the most degrading, the most inhuman.”
On the other hand, current Hindu Prime Minister of England Rishi Sanuk has stoutly refused to say sorry for Britain’s participation in slavery, taking a similar stance to that of former PM Dave Cameron when he had visited Jamaica eight years ago.
The Gladstone saga is significant in British and Caribbean history as he was one of those who had campaigned for slave owners to be compensated for losing their “property” when slavery was abolished in the 1830s. Records show that he was awarded nearly 100,000 pounds at the time. Historians reckon that this is equivalent to about Sterling 10 million today.
The effort to atone for their colonial era coincides with the 400 year anniversary of the August 1823 slave rebellion in coastal Demerara, Guyana. It was led by a black slave named Jack Gladstone in keeping with the practice of slaves taking the name of plantation owners and his dad, Quamina. More than 200 slaves were killed along with some whites, while about 50 were sentenced to death. Guyanese activists say surviving slaves were brutally tortured, heads slashed off and planted on poles to frighten others from rising up again. In all more than 10,000 slaves had revolted.
William Gladstone: family of former British PM to apologise for links to slavery
Story by Jonathan Smith and Paul Lashmar •1d
The family of one of Britain’s most famous prime ministers will travel to the Caribbean this week to apologise for its historical role in slavery.
Six of William Gladstone’s descendants will arrive in Guyana on Thursday as the country commemorates the 200th anniversary of a rebellion by enslaved people that historians say paved the way for abolition.
The education and career of William Gladstone, the 19th-century politician known for his liberal and reforming governments, were funded by enslaved Africans working on his father’s sugar plantations in the Caribbean.
As well as making an official apology for John Gladstone’s ownership of Africans, the 21st-century Gladstones have agreed to pay reparations to fund further research into the impact of slavery.
John Gladstone was the fifth-largest beneficiary of the £20m fund (about £16bn today) set aside by the British government to compensate planters when the Slavery Abolition Act was passed in 1833.
Early in his career, William spoke in parliament in defence of his father’s involvement in slavery and also helped calculate how much his father would be compensated.
John Gladstone owned or held mortgages over 2,508 enslaved Africans in Guyana and Jamaica. After emancipation he was paid nearly £106,000, a huge sum at the time.
The Demerara rebellion in August 1823 began on one of his plantations. It was led by Jack Gladstone, an enslaved man forced to take his owner’s name, and his father, Quamina, who had been transported from Africa as a child.
About 13,000 Africans rose up in Demerara, a British colony that later became part of Guyana. Conditions for the enslaved were particularly brutal there. The plantations were the most profitable in the British empire, with an enslaved person in Demerara worth twice that of one in Jamaica.
John Gladstone held more than 2,500 enslaved people on his plantations.
More than 250 enslaved Africans were killed and a further 51 sentenced to death when the uprising was crushed. Many of the convicted were tortured, decapitated and had their heads impaled on poles as a warning to others. Quamina’s body was hung in chains outside one of John Gladstone’s plantations.
Charlie Gladstone, 59, who lives in Hawarden Castle, the north Wales home of his great-great grandfather William, said: “John Gladstone committed crimes against humanity. That is absolutely clear. The best that we can do is try to make the world a better place and one of the first things is to make that apology for him.
“He was a vile man. He was greedy and domineering. We have no excuses for him. But it’s fairly clear to me that however you address it, a lot of my family’s privilege has stemmed from John Gladstone.”
The Gladstone family plans to apologise at the launch of the University of Guyana’s International Institute for Migration and Diaspora Studies, which they are helping to fund with a grant of £100,000.
They are members of the Heirs of Slavery, a group of families who can trace their ancestors back to the enslavement of Africans. Others include the Trevelyans, whose ancestors owned more than 1,000 enslaved people, and the Lascelles, who built Harewood House in Yorkshire with proceeds from slavery. In February, the aristocratic Trevelyan family made reparation history by travelling to the Caribbean and publicly apologising. The former BBC journalist Laura Trevelyan said: “If anyone had ‘white privilege’, it was surely me, a descendant of Caribbean slave owners.” She made a £100,000 reparation payment.
Eric Phillips, chair of the Guyana reparations committee and vice-chair of the Caricom Reparations Commission, said he was very happy that the Gladstones were visiting to apologise: “It is an example to others and means a great deal on the anniversary of such an important event.
“Because Britain was so central to life in the Caribbean, it has a premier role to play in terms of reconciliation and acknowledgement. The British prime minister’s indifference is quite a worry, especially given what the Heirs of Slavery are doing.”
The Church of England, the Dutch and Belgian royal families and the Dutch prime minister are among those who have apologised for their countries’ role in slavery. Rishi Sunak has refused to apologise.
A print of Gladstone in the Commons: he is known as one of the 19th century’s great liberal politicians.
Phillips said: “Sunak knows what has happened with social justice throughout the world and with Black Lives Matter. To be that indifferent is frightening. It shows that he’s not fit to lead a multi-ethnic society like the UK.”
Charlie’s brother, Rob Gladstone, 54, said: “Reparative justice starts with an apology. It would be a more positive thing if more people did it and help build for the future. I think the British government could do something. It’s not massively controversial and it makes sense. Why not?”
The government denies that the prime minister is indifferent. David Rutley, a Foreign Office minister, has said that No 10 believes “the most effective way for the UK to respond to the cruelty of the past is to ensure that current and future generations do not forget what happened, that we address racism, and that we continue to work together to tackle today’s challenges, such as climate change”.
Please note the normal State Park fee of $10 per vehicle applies to the Lake Sammamish State Park but this is covered with a discover pass: https://discoverpass.wa.gov.
The Guyana Picnic has traditionally been a high point of the Guyanese community in WA State where we meet, socialize, indulge in good Guyanese food and snacks, and participate in competitive sports. We urge all Guyanese to come out and bring along your friends to enjoy all the activities.
We plan to have food in the two main categories: “GENERAL” and “VEGETARIAN”. However, because of the 3 year Covid hiatus and time constraints, we have had to scale back our usual food preparations. So,this year we will follow a more traditional picnic where you are encouraged to make use of the barbecue grills available in the park.
But as is customary, we also invite you to prepare a suitable Guyanese dish of your choosing and/or to provide snacks/drinks to share with others. Shared food items will be served at the food booth.
Consider preparing enough for 5-10 or more persons.
And as is also customary, we will have a donation box at the picnic to help defray the Park, music equipment, etc. rental and incidental costs.
Some suggested Foods and Snacks:
Vegetarian:
Plain rice,
Dhal,
Roti,
Dhall Puri,
Fried Plantains,
Veggie Chowmein,
Veggie Fried Rice,
Channa
Veggie Curry
Non-Vegatarian:
Chowmein,
Fried rice,
Curry
PepperPot
Metemgee
BBQ
Bake and Saltfish.
Snacks:
Plantain Chips,
Mettai
Baked goods
All traditional Guyanese foods are welcome.
Please respond to this email letting us know what you are bringing so that we can coordinate the menu. Also, please bring an ingredient list with any food items you bring to share.
The Lord saw you getting tired and a cure was not to be so He put His arms around you and whispered “come with me” With tearful eyes we watched you suffer and saw you fade away although we loved you dearly we could not make you stay.
August 2, 2023, Major Roland Gaston DaSilva C.C.V., 86, of Georgetown,Guyana, passed away peacefully at home with his beloved wife of 46 years,Jennifer DaSilva (Rodrigues) in their home in Margate, FL.
Roland was diagnosed with ALS in November of 2022 and fought bravely against the odds for 9 months. His wife, Jenny never left his side and cared for him in their home. She was the truest example of an angel here on earth.
He is survived by his wife – Jenny, his two brothers – Peter and David, his three daughters – Lisa Blick, Paula Forsyth, Tina Herald and his son – Roland DaSilva Jr., as well as his grandchildren – Sasha, Colby, Skylar, Dakotah and Zoey and his 5 great-grandchildren.
Weeks before his passing, Roland’s most recent accomplishment – which he was blessed to be here to receive the news in person – was an official letter from the President of Guyana commissioning a commemorative stamp as a tribute to his exceptional valor in a mission in defense of their Country’s territory. His daughter, Tina designed the artwork for the stamps.
Roland DaSilva was born on November 27, 1936 the firstborn of four sons to Gaston DaSilva who was a first-generation Guyanese of Portuguese descent, and Angelina Mekdeci who was born in New York, USA, of Lebanese parents, who moved to British Guiana via New York and Cayenne, French Guiana.
Roland’s father Gaston managed the Polar Bear rum shop at the corner of Regent and Light Street, inherited from his parents. Roland was the eldest of four sons that included Michael (deceased), David a physiotherapist in Vancouver, Canada and Peter in Naples, Florida who is a captain for USAir.
Roland attended St. Mary’s Roman Catholic School on the corner of Brickdam and Camp Streets, opposite the Cathedral of Immaculate Conception (Brickdam Cathedral), and then on to Central High School on Smythe Street. Roland excelled at cycle racing and became the Georgetown High School Champion, eventually moving on to motor racing.
First Flight
Roland showed keen interest in flying at an early age often spending much of his time reading about airplanes and building models that he flew at the sea wall. When Roland was 18 his dad decided to buy a four-seater Auster Mk 5 British Built aircraft; registration VP-GAM, from Booker Sugar Estate and they engaged the services of John Rix as the instructor; Roland’s first flight was on December 30, 1954. After seven hours Roland performed his first solo flight accompanied by British Guiana Airways Captain Julian Pieniazek (Czechoslovakian). His final check ride was with Alec Phillips the then Director of Civil Aviation (DCA) and he was issued his pilot’s license; PPL #14, on March 21, 1955.
Roland’s father then sent him to Britain’s Air University in Hamble, Southampton where he obtained his commercial and instrument rating license; CPL #26, issued on 7/15/1957.
Cacique Crown of Valor award For his faultless planning and execution of Operation Climax, Roland was informed by letter from President Arthur Chung dated May 22, 1970 about his investiture with the Cacique’s Crown of Valor to be awarded on May 26, 1970, the fourth anniversary of Guyana’s independence.
The inaugural investiture of Captain Roland DaSilva by Guyana’s first President Mr. Arthur Chung, with the Cacique’s Crown of Valor was held on February 23, 1971, the first anniversary of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana. The inaugural investiture was held at Guyana House Georgetown, Guyana.
Roland DaSilva became the first and only Guyanese to have received Guyana’s highest award the “Cacique’s Crown of Valour” for bravery of the highest order in defense of Guyana in circumstances of great danger involving serious risk of life. The award was bestowed upon Captain Roland DaSilva Guyana Airways Corporation Operations Manager and Chief Pilot for the military mission flown during the Rupununi uprising in January 1969 and the retaking of Guyanese territory from Suriname at Camp Jaguar, New River Triangle in August 19, 1969.
The Golden Arrow of Courage was awarded to Captain Michael Eugene Chan-A- Sue, Captain Philip Desmond Jardim and Corporal Looknaut Singh of the Aurora Police Station for bravery of a high order in defence of Guyana.
Last Flight
Roland’s last flight flying the Mallard for Chalks was December 1999 to a surprise tumultuous water canon salute. On his final flight into Fort Lauderdale International Roland noticed that the fire trucks were sitting at the end of the runway and wondered if there was an accident or if they were waiting for an expected emergency. As he approached the taxiway the 2 fire trucks were positioned on either side of the taxi way and water cannons opened up; streams of water soared into the sky, bringing to close an illustrious career of a true Guyanese and international hero.
Roland’s flying career was from 1953-2006, a total of 49 years with 36,151 flying hours. Roland had a number of firsts: · First Guyanese to join British Guiana Airways as a pilot · First Guyanese to hold a commercial license · First Guyanese to qualify as a captain on a DC3 · First Guyanese along with Tony Man-Son-Hing on the Twin Otter · First and only Guyanese to be awarded The Cacique Crown of Valour
Roland was qualified captain of all Guyana Airways aircrafts and 2 Guyana Defense Force aircrafts during his tenure: Grumman Goose, DC3, DHC4 Caribou, DHC6 Twin Otter, HS-748, Beechcraft Super King Air, Cessna 310, All Guyana Defense Force aircraft, including BN Islanders and the Helio Courier Roland credits his near perfect record to “I always plan to ensure I have a way out of any situation.”
To quote Roland, “Fear only exists when you have an alternative.”
Roland is considered a pioneer aviator. His exploits in the field of aviation arewell-known, respected and legendary. His name is forever etched in the history of Guyana’s defense of its territorial integrity. His legacy will live on.
guyanabc.ca 