I was born in the village of St. Catherines in Jamaica in 1932. I was one of the early wave of West Indian immigrants chasing the dream of a better life. In the former colonies the British government were advertising heavily to attract migrants to work in the nationalised industries. I worked in the steel industry for many years. We were made welcome by some people but life could be difficult in those early years. There was plenty of work but quality accommodation was difficult to find. There were still signs in the windows of rented properties reading ‘No dogs, Irish or Niggers’. British women who fell for our exotic charms faced as much prejudice as we did. My wife was spat on in the street for her acquaintance with me.

Over the years as populations have integrated life has become easier. My child has gone from being described as a mongrel to being just one in a rapidly expanding group of coffee coloured people with interesting hair.

I have been a businessman for over 30 years. In addition to being a landlord I have a successful trading business based on Abbeydale Road. I’m 84 years old now. The initial hardships are a long way in the past. I have enjoyed my life in England and achieved so much. I may have been born in the West Indies but Sheffield is my home.

Outside his shop on Abbeydale Road