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My Background
Born in the West Indies
I am British, West Indian born of a middle class Anglican conservative family.
I attended a Church of England Primary School and completed a secondary
education to a high British standard.
Came to the UK in 1956
I entered the UK in October 1956 and worked as a stenographer and private
secretary. I completed State Registered Nursing and post basic training and
worked as a Ward Sister and District Nursing, Queen’s Nursing Sister, prior to
my appointment as Sister-in-charge of the Burns and Plastic Surgery Unit,
Mount Vernon Hospital.
Appointed Sister-in-charge of the Mount Vernon Burns Unit
It was at Mount Vernon that I achieved the most in my nursing career. It was
a very responsible post, demanding but very rewarding and I made a debut
writing, presenting and publishing papers, nationally and internationally. I was
the winner of the Plastic Surgery Award and a Burns and Plastic Surgery
Nursing Scholarship to America.
On my return to the UK I worked as a Hospital Liaison Officer and Manager
for a medical company.
Went Self-Employed as a Consultant Nurse in 1980
In 1980 I embarked on a new venture of self-employment as a Consultant
Nurse Specialist, specialising in cancer research, advice and counselling and
treatment of mastectomy patients. I since set up and ran clinic facilities for the
post operative care of these patients.
Political Service
During this period, due to my working commitments, my participation in
political and community work was limited, but since I became self-employed I
immediately threw myself into active involvement in these areas. This has
been made possible by the support of my husband and family.
The caring role of my profession prepared me for community work and a
commitment to work with and for people in general so together with my
political communication and enthusiasm I feel well able to rise to the challenge
of managing the needs of the people of London.
Being Black
Being black neither renders me worthy of special treatment – I hate political
correctness with a passion – nor should it invite prejudice in other people’s
opinion of me. However, this subject has created tension over the last 40
years, during which it has been the elephant in the room.
I would welcome a grown-up debate on the issue of ethnicity and gladly lead
the arguments in favour of simply judging everyone and anyone on their merit.
I believe the political class would be enhanced by an open discussion of this
subject, not just in how it applies to the country but how it currently weakens
our political institutions.
Philosophy Borne of my Experiences
During 30 years of living in England I have worked my way up a ladder of
experiences – successes, failures and a wealth of character-building
challenges. My approach to politics is from the bottom up, not from some
patrician or privileged head start.
My views and opinions have been formed through caring for the dying, the
bereaved and looking after people who work day by day to support and
provide for their family. I do not want to see division – we have seen clear
evidence of this on 7/7.
I want to start the process of mediation and bridge building between all groups
and communities. Not only does this have an urgency, today, from a security
point of view, there has been a long-standing urgency to address these issues
from a moral point of view. I would relish the chance to serve.
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