To forget one's ancestors is to be a brook without a source, a tree without a root.

GEORGE ROBERT GOMEZ, MB ChB 2 June, 1896 - 7 September, 1931 (Restoration of original photo using Gemini AI - April 2026) Early Life and Education George was the sixth of nine children born to Joseph Gomez and his wife Christina Pereira, at their family home at Guanapo Street in Arima, Trinidad. My grandmother, Elsie Mabel Gomez, was his oldest sister, and he was a thirteen year-old school-boy when she married my grandfather, Charles S. T. Sheppard . George received his secondary education at St. Mary's College, Port-of-Spain - a school administered by the Spiritians (Holy Ghost Fathers), a Religious Order of the Catholic Church. It is modeled on the English Grammar School System. There his academic brilliance has been recorded in several of the school's various year-books. In the Year Book 1913, Cambridge Local Examinations, George is placed 11th in the whole of the British Empire ! In 1915 he not only won an Island Scholarship (a monetary value of £600) to continue his education at University, but was also awarded the Jerningham Gold Medal for his exceptional Upper Level Examination results, which placed him first in Trinidad. This was recorded on a plaque which still proudly stands in the grounds of the college today, along with other scholarship winners throughout the years. World War 1 was still taking place, and George chose to postpone going to university. Instead, he enlisted to serve with the Second Merchants' Contingent of Trinidad. At age 20 he left with the Trinidad contingent for England and after six months' training there, he was sent with the Devonshire Regiment to India. Two undated letters sent to St Mary's College by Private George Gomez from India make fascinating reading as they refer to several places where he has been and make comparisons with places that he knows from his school years. They also give the reader some idea about the tedium of army life and George's plans addressing this. These letters are part of a large compilation of letters from former students enlisted in the services. They are in the college's special edition year book, 'War Memorial Number', Dec., 1919 and can be seen here. After the war came to an end in 1918, George went to Scotland, where he commenced his studies in medicine at the University of Edingburgh, qualifying as a medical doctor and surgeon. About 1920 while on holiday in Oban on the west coast of Scotland with other medical students, he met Jessie Aitken Torrance, also on holiday there with her parents and her sister Margaret ("Peggy"). A romance followed and they became engaged. George graduated MB ChB in 1924 and the couple were married in October that year in Glasgow, Scotland. Dr. George Gomez and his wife Jessie Torrance 4 October 1924 - Glasgow, Scotland Colonial Service Dr. Gomez had been offered a post in the Colonial Medical Service in Nevis, (then British West Indies), and consequently they left Scotland for the Caribbean, visiting Trinidad to introduce Jessie to his family before going on to Nevis to take up his new position of Medical Officer at the Alexandra Hospital, Nevis on 21st December, 1924. Dr. Gomez became highly respected and loved in the community. George and his wife Jessie had three children born in Nevis - Euphemia, Joseph and Jessie. In 1927, George was transferred to the Cunningham Hospital in St. Kitts, and the family moved there and took up residence at "Stonehaven". In St. Kitts another baby was born, Audrey Christine, but sadly she died in 1930 - just months before the death of her father. Father and daughter share the same burial place and headstone in St. Kitts. It was a tragic time for Jessie, who also lost her father in Scotland around that time. This family portrait may have been taken following the death of baby Audrey about 1930. It was probably the last picture of Dr. George Gomez with his family. Untimely Death The dramatic story of Dr. Gomez dying at a young age while he conducted an appendectomy operation on himself in Nevis has been told and re-told in the family. However, we now know with certainty that this was not entirely factual. The Chief Medical Officer, Dr. E. R. Branch, who was stationed in the Cunningham Hospital, the major medical facility in St Kitts, though not qualified as a surgeon, performed the emergency operation, assisted by Dr. W. B. R. Jones of nearby Nevis. Other doctors and nurses, including his wife Jessie, were in attendance. His operation was successful in so much that he removed the appendix, but this was not enough. Tom Bannerman, son of Jessie Gomez (seated center with her father in this family photo) who lives in Australia, went on a fact-finding pilgrimage to his roots of Trinidad, St. Kitts and Nevis, in a quest to find out more about his grandfather. What he has found is astounding, and we must thank him for providing all this new information about our esteemed family member. In October 2014, Tom visited us here in Holland and brought with him a wealth of photos of newspaper clippings that he found in his research, which indicate that Dr. Gomez was a prominent figure who met with an untimely death when he was only 35 years old. In Tom's words: "The material I found leaves no doubt that the doctor’s death was a huge blow to the island. With his demise, the islands lost their only surgeon. Additionally, it is clear that he was held in considerable esteem by a great many in St Kitts and nearby Nevis. He was considered a generous and excellent physician to all, especially the many poor. His funeral was a very big event indeed for that place. Because of his services as a soldier in the recent Great War, his funeral included some military references. Additionally, masonic elements formed part of the occasion. I didn’t know he was a freemason." In the video below, Tom is in Holland at our home, and is reading the report of his grandfather's death and burial from a newspaper dated 8th September, 1931. See also: DR.GEORGE GOMEZ - PHOTOS THE GOMEZ SAGA - NEVIS

ST. ANN'S/GREYFRIARS CHURCH OF SCOTLAND Trinidad I am a descendant of Portuguese people - both Jewish and Protestant - who became religious refugees because of persecution for their faith, vividly recorded in the annals of history. I dedicate this page to the memory of my Madeiran Presbyterian ancestors. In 1834, Trinidad was a British colony, and many of the emigrants were Scots. That year, the Greyfriars Church of Glasgow sent newly ordained Alexander Kennedy to Trinidad to minister to them. Rev. Kennedy was from Ayrshire and arrived on the island in January 1836. By the following year work had begun on building a church. The foundation stone for Greyfriars Church was laid on 10th April 1837, and the church was completed in 1838. Eight years later, Sebastian (Sebastião) de Freitas arrived in Trinidad from the Portuguese archipelago of Madeira. He was my paternal great-great grandfather. Sebastião was among a group of Portuguese refugees desperately fleeing severe religious persecution in their homeland for daring to convert from Catholicism and practice their Protestant beliefs inspired by the Scottish missionary Rev Dr Robert Reid Kalley . Many of these immigrants who fled from Madeira had to leave behind their homes and possessions, determined to start a new life that promised to be free from the oppression and oftentimes cruelty that they suffered. The earlier Presbyterians in Trinidad, under the guidance of Rev. Alexander Kennedy of Greyfriars, greatly assisted the new arrivals from Madeira who didn't understand English. The Madeiran refugees were allowed to worship at Greyfriars and there was a small building to the east of the church which was used for the housing of some of the extremely poor of the congregation. It is said that during the Cholera (1854) many were attended to there. With sheer determination, hardwork and resilience, this small group of Madeiran Portuguese, now with freedom to practise their faith in Trinidad, set out to build their own church. In 1854, St. Anns Church of Scotland was completed and dedicated. At last the Presbyterian Portuguese community had their own sanctuary where they could be ministered to and enjoy fellowship in their own language. As described in the historical information published for the 150th Anniversary of the church: “They felt a particular pride in the new edifice, because their own hands helped in the building of it. Under the able superintendence and wise leadership of their pastor, the Rev. Henrique Vieira - who had a practical knowledge of building construction - many of the members labored willingly in the work: some bringing sand, stone and lumber, for making pews; while some of them arranged to join in paying for a pew between them.” As seen in the records of marriages, baptisms, funerals and other special occasions, this church has been central to the history of my Trinidad family for many generations. Because of its significance in the lives of so many of my predecessors, as well as many family members who still worship there, I have gathered some historical information giving a background about the church, and the Portuguese whose lives revolved around it. Sebastian (Sebastião) de Freitas (my paternal great-great grandfather) Madeira 1835 - Trinidad 1916 He was a founding member of St. Ann's Church of Scotland, Trinidad Back l/r: My great-grandfather Alfred Sheppard & Virginia De Freitas who, according to Alfred's own entry in the Family Bible, were "united in marriage at The Free Church of Scotland,on 25th June 1881". Virginia's father Sebastien (Sebastião) de Freitas is standing next to her on the right. Seated: l/r Alfred and Virginia's daughter Amalia (Amy) Sheppard with Audrey Gomez. Sources: The Portuguese Presbyterians by Rev. Clifford R.L. Rawlins St. Ann's Church of Scotland 150th Anniversary Historical Sketch The unfortunate fate of the historic Greyfriars Kirk on Frederick Street, Port-of-Spain, torn down by the greed for land, sloth of its elders, and comic nonchalance of the State, has signalled perhaps the death of the Scots Presbyterian Church in this nation which began its mission here in 1836, under the leadership of the Rev. Alexander Kennedy. 
 Around 1845-46, there was considerable turmoil in Madeira in 1845-46 when the good and charitable works of the Rev Dr Robert Reid Kalley caused the conversion of over 5,000 natives from Catholicism. These refugees sought the shelter of British warships in the Madeiran area which took them to St Vincent and Trinidad. In the latter island, they were taken into the bosom of Rev Kennedy’s Scottish Presbyterian Church, but were looked down upon by the established local Madeiran community which saw them as heretics. These first Madeirans in the island had originally come in the post emancipation period around 1836-38 as indentured labourers, but the vicissitudes of tropical climate had decimated them and many walked off the estates and became merchants and tradesmen in the poorer parts of the city. This first Madieran group was staunchly Roman Catholic. About 500 of the Protestant arrivals did not stay long in the island and immigrated to the USA shortly before 1850. Those who remained sought to build their own church as a symbol of their piety. They had the support of Henrique Vieira of Madeira who was himself a victim of persecution. He searched for a site for the church and located one on St Ann’s Road (upper Charlotte Street was then called St Ann’s Road because it led directly to St Ann’s via Queen’s Park East) which cost $800. By dint of fervent and heartfelt pleading, Rev Vieira raised the sum for the purchase of the land and set to work building a small chapel of stone and wood which was called the Portuguese Church, United Free Church and Free Kirk, but was officially the St Ann’s Church of Scotland after its location on what was then St Ann’s Road. It was opened in 1854 just before a cholera epidemic ravaged Trinidad and swept away many of the faithful who had laboured in the construction of the chapel. The founding of the church was described in 1887 as follows: “In 1848 it was reported to the General Assembly of the Free Church of Scotland that there were 900 Maderenses in the island. Mr de Silva, a catechist at first, was at length ordained as their pastor. His ministry, however, cut short by death, lasted only for a year. He was succeeded in 1850 by Mr Henry Vieira, in the first instance, as catechist, but in 1854, having been ordained by the Free Church Presbytery of Glasgow, he became pastor. In 1872 Mr Vieira accepted a call from a number of Maderenses who had settled in Illinois, but during his ministry in 1853, the Free Church in St Ann's Road had been built. In 1873, the Rev D M Walker, minister of Port Elizabeth, South Africa, a very worthy man, was selected as pastor, and accepted the appointment. For a time Mr Walker preached once every Sabbath in the Portuguese tongue, he having rapidly learned the language.” By 1890, the chapel was showing signs of dereliction and one of the parishioners was none other than George Brown, the famous architect and builder who had come out to the island in 1880, and to whom Trinidad owes its archetypal ‘gingerbread’ house architecture. Brown designed a simple yet elegant stone building, larger than the old one. Some of the stone used in building the walls was obtained from The Cottage which was the residence of the Governor, built at the end of the 18th century and which stood on the grounds of the present Hilton Hotel. This structure was the official residence until the erection of a new one in 1876 which is now called President’s House. In 1912, the church acquired a nearby building once used as a Masonic Lodge and a pipe organ. A fine stained-glass window was added in 1919 in memory of Ernest W Havelock, a young minister who enlisted as a soldier in World War I and who was killed in action in 1916. The St Ann’s Church of Scotland is still a quaint yet important reminder that with willpower, teamwork and leadership, great things are possible. (Article reproduced with kind permission of the late author's aunt, Patricia Bissessar ) THE ST. ANN'S FREE CHURCH Historian Angelo Bissessarsingh The Havelock Memorial is a stained-glass window depicting The Sower, installed at the church in 1919 to the memory of the much loved Rev. Ernest W. Havelock, the seventh Minister. Rev. Havelock ministered from 1910-1916, when he left to serve in the Great War where he was killed in active duty at age 33. A newspaper report of his memorial service can be seen here . Following in the footsteps of several generations of family members, my cousin Carol-Lyn Hart is a member of the congregation. Here she is pictured with her beautiful painting of The Havelock Memorial, which she donated to the church. Carol-Lyn Hart née Johnson is the daughter of Florence Johnson née Sheppard and Colin Johnson. Carol-Lyn's 2021 painting of St. Ann's Church of Scotland The beautiful painting of Greyfriar's Church by Michel Jean Cazabon This historic building was demolished in November 2014 In this article, historian Angelo Bissessarsingh explores the historic significance of Greyfriars and its founding, in an attempt to raise consciousness over what can only be described as a severe blow to national heritage The demolition of Greyfriars Church Most Trinidadians today associate the Presbyterian Church with the Canadian Mission to the Indians which began in 1868 and was quickly associated with the conversion and education of thousands of indentured labourers and their descendants. There was, however, a very much older Presbyterian mission which began in the very last days of slavery and at the dawn of Emancipation with the ostensible aim of working among the many former slaves in the British colonies. Trinidad was one of the first colonies selected for this movement and the energetic Rev Alexander Kennedy and his wife were sent forth to the island. The Reverend was born in Ayrshire, Scotland in 1804 to a farmer and was educated at Edinburgh and Glasgow. He married Mary (daughter of a merchant) and was ordained in 1835. On January 25, 1836, after an intense sea voyage of six weeks, the Kennedy family arrived in Port-of-Spain, though not without some discomfort. As recorded in Alexander’s journal: “We gladly record our gratitude to Almighty God for preserving us amidst the dangers of the deep, and upholding us amidst much personal affliction. Not many days after sailing, Mrs Kennedy was taken dangerously ill, so that for several weeks we scarcely dared to cherish the hope that she would survive so long as reach the land whither we went: but He, whose we are and whom we serve, heard our prayers, disappointed our fears, and has now restored her to almost wonted strength. It is God only that can bring back from the gates of death—that can turn the darkness of sorrow and affliction into the light of joy and health." The arrival of the Kennedys was heralded in the Port-of-Spain Gazette with warmth and they were immediately embraced by a large and supportive cadre of people, including many Scots who were merchants, planters or planting attorneys. The first sermon was preached on February 9 in a rented house, and shortly thereafter, a search for a permanent place of worship began. Rev Kennedy hired a building that was formerly a playhouse and known as the “Old Theatre” on Cambridge (now St Vincent) Street, north of its intersection with Park Street. While the structure was being retrofitted as a church, service was held at the Hanover Methodist Church. Referring to the makeshift “church”, Rev Kennedy himself remarked: “It was not the most convenient and appropriate place that could be wished for the worship of God,” Shortly thereafter, he began searching for a site for a proper chapel. He investigated a plot of land opposite Brunswick (Woodford) Square. This land was acquired from the Cabildo (Town Council) for the princely sum of 300 pounds and on April 10, 1837, a foundation stone was laid. With Rev Kennedy’s direction and energy, a fine building with stone walls rose rapidly on the site opposite Brunswick (Woodford) Square. So rapidly did the construction take place that the tenders advertisement was soon succeeded by this proud advertisement: “NOTICE: Greyfriars Church will be opened for divine service on Sabbath the 21st current. Public worship to begin at eleven o’clock am and at four pm. A meeting of the subscribers to the Trinidad fund for the erection of a Presbyterian Church in Port-of-Spain, to be occupied by the Reverend Alex Kennedy, will be held in Greyfriars Church, on Friday the 19th current at 5 o’clock pm, when a statement of the expenditure of the funds will be read, and receipts for the amount submitted at the meeting.—Port-of-Spain, January 12, 1838.” The cost was over £4,500, which was entirely provided by subscription. In an example of true resilience and self-reliance, the congregation declined an offer of assistance from the colonial government. A short description of the original building was penned by H J Clark in 1887 as follows: “As most of you are aware, the church was originally considerably shorter than it is now; it was a plain oblong building with a low porch in front and a small vestry at the back. The seats were of the most approved Presbyterian pattern, unvarnished, straight-backed and with doors, all duly numbered in the home style of olden days.” In 1841 a manse was erected for the accommodation of the Kennedys near the kirk at the cost of £1,000, which was raised entirely in Scotland through the diligence of the Rev Kennedy. The completion of the manse was marked by sorrow, however, since the year before, the Kennedys had returned to Scotland for a short visit, when Mrs Kennedy gave birth to a girl named Margaret Tannahill. The child died very soon after the family returned to Trinidad and was interred under a small marker in a little enclosure along the south wall of the church compound. Alongside little Margaret’s grave, another marble plaque was inserted that simply read: “Laurence—Infant son of Alex. And Jane Sprunt.” Laurence was the child of Mr Alexander Sprunt who was treasurer of Greyfriars in the time of the Rev Kennedy. The third and last burial in this cemetery of the innocents at the Kirk occurred on September 11, 1868, when George Mac Farlane Brodie, another baby boy, was laid to rest. In the details of the recent sale of Greyfriars to developer Alfred Galy, no mention has been made of these graves, so we may safely assume that if the church falls victim to a bulldozer’s blade, as many now fear, the last resting place of these three infants will suffer a similar fate. In 2014, the 176-year-old Greyfriars Church in Port-of-Spain was demolished by the businessman who owned it. (Article reproduced with kind permission of the late author's aunt, Patricia Bissessar) The historic Greyfriars Church before it was demolished Photo Credit : Iere Aerial Photography Greyfriars, which was demolished in 2014, was home to the first Portuguese refugees who arrived in Trinidad in 1846.

Sheppard Family Archive Albertha Walcott Bertha - A Saint A Tribute written on 28 October, 1986 by my father, Andrew D. Sheppard (transcribed from personal family memorabilia) She was born in Barbados and died in Trinidad. Her name was Albertha Walcott and she was always known and called by the name of Bertha. I was born in Trinidad and live in Barbados. When my eyes were first opened I saw Bertha and she took care of me until I was able to fend for myself. Bertha was my nurse, my religious teacher, my strength and has been a great influence on my character. Bertha, you see, grew up from childhood with my family in Trinidad. She arrived in that beautiful but impoverished island with her mother, who died, and Bertha was adopted by my father and mother. Yes, she was brought into a family which grew from two to twelve children with predictable regularity. Bertha was included in the family, but true to her Barbadian upbringing and good sense, she maintained her dignity and individuality. Truly, Bertha looked after all of us – I was number ten (10) child in this large family of twelve Sheppards. Albertha Walcott always wore her blue Salvation Army uniform because she joined the Army as a young girl and was one of the Army’s most loyal and faithful followers and she never went anywhere unless she proudly wore her uniform and badge. She wore her uniform with great pride. She sang praises to our Lord all day and every day. She worked constantly, day and night. Bertha was always there. Bertha started the day by waking all of us up and made sure that we were all ready for school and that we had a good breakfast before we left home. You must be wondering. Where was the mother of these children if Bertha was doing all this? It was a glorious situation. My mother, Elsie Mabel , was always there, supervising, tending and caring for her large flock, planning and directing meals, clothing and cleaning. A powerful woman. A faithful woman. A lady in every way. A saint unclaimed. A very religious lady who insisted in strict adherence to God’s word and we all grew in love and faith and with God’s Holy guidance. Mama depended on Bertha to assist her in this tremendous task of raising so large a family. What a wonderful and strange alliance it was. Two women of completely different backgrounds living under the same roof and brought up under different circumstances in different islands – now with a common goal. To love and care and help these little helpless people to grow in Christian love and charity under extremely difficult conditions. At first all appeared to be going well with our family. Our father was a successful businessman. We lived in one of the largest houses in the city of Port-of-Spain – ten bedrooms, six upstairs and four downstairs. The usual complement of maids, cooks and yard boy – labour was extremely cheap at that time and jobs were indeed rare. Then it happened. The disastrous depression of the late 20’s early 30’s. Our father made a wrong business decision which was a calamity. Debt clouded his thoughts and the Devil showed him comfort in alcohol. Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. A king of a man, thoughtful and kind and considerate for all – now broken and heading downhill. Where were his “friends” when he needed them most? You ask? You know!! – they disappeared. His health deteriorated until he died at 45 leaving a widow and twelve children. Eldest 22, youngest 4 years old. Poor Mama. What would she do? Pray and pray and work and plan. Money was scarce but faith and love were in great abundance. With Bertha’s help and care – we survived. When the family was growing up, of course Christmas was a big thing. Jesus was everywhere. We were all members of the St. Ann’s Church of Scotland and we were Presbyterians. Ma and Bertha saw to it that we attended Sunday School and Church regularly. Mama was a pillar of the Church and chief organizer of fund-raising soirees and fairs, etc. We were prepared fully to celebrate the birth of Christ in a truly Christian spirit. After the fuss and bother of shopping, cooking and waiting for Santa Claus, we looked forward to mid-night on Christmas Eve. We were supposed to be asleep but were really barely sleeping. Then in all its glory came the sounds of a heavenly choir – oh, I’ll never forget it!! – “O, Come All Ye Faithful”, “Silent Night”, “Sweet Chiming Christmas Bells”, “While Shepherds Watch Their Flocks by Night” – those marvelous inventions of inspired minds. How they can move you! – We all dashed out of bed to see what was the matter – No Santa Claus! – Just Alberta Walcott – Bertha – and the entire Salvation Army Choir from Port-of-Spain with all their musicians sounding “Glory to God in the Highest – for unto Him is born this day – our Saviour Jesus Christ". Mama and Bertha made our Christmas. Happiness in being alive and well and to participate in this wonderful celebration was sufficient for us. We had God on our side and all will be well. As we grew, we married – all twelve – and produced 58 children for Grandma, who loved all of them and wanted them around her all the time. We loved to see Mama with her grands and they all loved her. Always present everywhere and at every function – who picked up the last glass and washed it and swept up? – Bertha. Never requested but always volunteered, was Bertha’s assistance in every way. Her Army uniform had four pockets, two higher and two at arms’ length. Bertha always kept “extra-strongs” (peppermint) in one upper pocket and regular sweets (candy) in the other. The left lower pocket had dry biscuits and the right – sweet biscuits. Something for everyone. The dry ones were for Bertha – a diabetic. Bertha was known and loved everywhere in Port of Spain. On Sunday afternoons - traditionally – she took us for walks in the parks and socialized with everyone she met – she was proud of her family. Bertha knew everyone and with the slightest hint of a request, she would burst out in song – singing all the famous hymns she knew and some that she made up too. Bertha refused to be ill – her faith kept her going. She insisted in massaging our necks to relieve tension and we would give her a shilling, which she promptly turned over to the Army. Bertha was an inspiration to all of us. She saw Mama pass away – her good friend and confidante. And still she stayed on – with our eldest sister, Jessie. She also helped to raise her four children to adulthood. And then her turn came. Bertha went to meet her Master in a geriatric hospital at age 85. Go thou, sweet angel, your work is through, so well and truly done.

Click here for my RELATIONSHIP CHART Click here for the story of my ancestors DANIEL LOBO and ELIZABETH STOUTE Click on the image to watch Gwenneth's Barbados story For more, click on this link: Barbados Nation Newspaper Article

The Archer Family Barbados John Anthony Keith (Tony) Archer 23 March 1939 - 14 July 1984 Gertrude Louise (Sis) Mahon 1913 - 1996 Tony's parents Hubert Keith Archer 1912 - 2004 Introduction - John Anthony Keith (Tony) Archer Childhood and lineage I begin this story with Tony, as he was my husband and father of my five children. Tony Archer was the only child of Hubert Keith Archer and Gertrude Louise Mahon. Everyone knew his parents as Keith and Sis Archer. He was born on Thursday 23 March 1939 at their home built by Keith’s father Norman Archer. It was set back from the road at the end of a long driveway and had a spacious back yard where they grew fruit trees and kept a few animals. Their home was named “The Nook”, situated near Rockley beach on the far end of Dayrells Road in Barbados. Tony’s paternal grandparents were Norman Lidney Archer and his wife Eleanora Isabel De Rouvière Greaves. She was the daughter of Anthony Desse Greaves, a planter, and his wife Ellen Pembroke Spencer. Anthony Desse Greaves, known as Desse, was the son of Naboth Greaves, a planter who was also Magistrate for the Parish of St. Lucy. Ellen's mother Mary de Rouvière Agassiz was descended from the prominent Agassiz and de Rouvière families of Switzerland and France. Her father was Rev. Robert Agassiz, Rector of St. Patrick and St. David in St. Vincent, West Indies. Tony's grandfather, Norman Archer, was a well-known druggist and entrepreneur in Speightstown, St. Peter. He was 40 years old when he married 22 year old Eleanora Greaves, (known as Norah) at St. Mary's Church, St. Michael, Barbados, on 10 April, 1910. The couple lived at Mile-and-a-Quarter, St. Peter in a house called "Newstead", where their first child Norman Stanley was born. By the time their second child, Hubert Keith (Tony's dad ) was born on 25 April 1912, Norman and Norah had purchased and moved into a house on the seaside in Queen Street, just two doors down from the present Archers Hall building. They then purchased the large property at the corner of Queen Street and Godding Lane across the street in Speightstown. According to a handwritten note by my children's grandfather, Keith Archer, the house was called "Buckingham". It was there that their great-grandfather Norman established and ran the Archer Pharmacy situated on the ground floor of their family home. The Archer family also ran schooners, a chandlers and copper works from that property before establishing the pharmacy business. It was there that their only daughter Thalia Eleonora (Nell) was born on 1 July 1915, and in 1917 another son named David who died in infancy. Tony's father Keith followed in his father's footsteps and qualified as a Druggist when he was 23 years old. Father and son worked together at their pharmacy business in Speightstown. Keith fell in love with a red-haired beauty, Gertrude Louise Mahon. She was the only daughter of William Greaves Mahon and Gertrude (nee Thornton). The couple wed at All Saints Chapel, St. Peter on 26 February 1938. They are pictured below, Sis was 25 and her dashing groom Keith was 26 years old. Sometime after 1938 and before Tony's birth in March 1939, Norman Archer sold his property on Queen Street, Speightstown to his friend and fellow druggist Noel Roach, who opened his own pharmacy on the same premises as the Archer Pharmacy. Norman Archer purchased two houses on the Hastings coast. One was called "Charleston" where he relocated his family. The other was the property next door called "Camelot", where he established the Alpha Pharmacy. Norman and his son Keith continued to work together in their newly established enterprise on the south coast. Norman Archer subsequently built two houses - "The Nook" and the next door family home "Newstead", so called after the home of the same name where he had lived at Mile-and-a Quarter in St. Peter, prior to moving to his property in Queen Street, Speightstown. Keith, Sis and young Tony Archer lived at "The Nook" and Norman and Nora moved into "Newstead". Tony's grandparents lived at "Newstead" until Norman's death in 1956. After his death, his wife Nora moved back to "Charleston" on the coast with her two unmarried adult children and lived there until she passed away in 1975. Keith and "Sis" Archer celebrating their 50th Wedding Anniversary - 1988 Built in the early 18th Century. This is the property when Norman L. Archer, his wife Norah (nee Greaves) owned it and lived there with their family. The property occupied the corner of Queen Street and Godings Alley, Speightstown. Norman Archer and his son Keith Archer were druggists and operated the Archer Pharmacy on the street level. There were several outbuildings in the back yard. A horse and carriage can be seen in quiet Queen Street. Steps and a side entrance gate to the home in the wall surrounds the front yard and garden. The property included a seafront area across the road. The above photo belongs to the Archer Family. Other photographs of this well-known heritage home can be seen by clicking on this link . Norman Archer with his grandson Tony at his home "The Nook", Rockley, Christ Church, Barbados. The next door property "Newstead" can be seen on the right of the photo. Ten years after the death of Norman Archer, "Newstead" became the home of his grandson Tony and myself, our first home after we were married on 16 July 1966. Our first two children were born when we lived at "Newstead". Eleanora (Norah) Archer nee Greaves with her grandson Tony at their home "Newstead", Rockley, Barbados - 1939 I'm not sure where Tony first went to primary school, but it's quite likely that he attended one of the small private schools run by ladies at their homes, such as Miss Hart's, in Worthing. Later he attended Harrison College where he enjoyed his school days. Upon completing his Oxford & Cambridge examinations, he applied for and got a job as a Junior at Barclays Bank DCO, as many youngsters did in those days. Working Days and Marriage Around 1960 he went to London, where he spent a year working with the airline BOAC as a baggage loader at the airport. Tony returned to Barbados in 1962, and on 5 December 1963 he and his father registered the firm J.A.K. Archer & Company Ltd., manufacturers' representatives. Tony and his father worked together to build up their business which started off in premises rented from "Poor Bob" Parravicino in Coolridge Street, Bridgetown. As the business grew, they moved their offices to Speedbird House, Bridgetown, and later to Tweedside Road. Further development and expansion led them to purchase a property in Fontabelle, by which time the Trinidad firm of Angostura Bitters Ltd. had become significant shareholders. Tony was the Managing Director of the company, later also heading the holding company Archer and Company Limited as Managing Director. He was also a director on the boards of Arrow Developers Limited which owned a residential development at Waterhall, St. James. He also served as a Director of Aero Services Limited. I had not long moved from Trinidad to Barbados with my parents when I first met Tony. I had just turned 18, he was 27. Young and passionate love swiftly blossomed into marriage for us on 16 July 1966, just nine months after we first met. It was an exciting time of life, as we got to know each other's family and I was introduced to Tony's friends and his world of equestrian sports. The Archer family has a long and interesting history, originating from England to the northern part of Barbados, especially in Speightstown. The story is currently being researched and developed. This page will be updated from time to time. See also: J.A.K. (Tony) Archer - Barbados Turf Club J.A.K. (Tony) Archer - Barbados Polo Club

Charles Albert (Bertie) Sheppard and his wife Lena Joyce de Sousa Bertie Sheppard - Our Brother Written by my father, Andrew Sheppard Bertie was born in Trinidad on 6th August 1914 and passed away in Grenada at the St. George’s Hospital shortly after 1.00 p.m. on Saturday 13th August, 1988. He was baptized in the Scottish Presbyterian religion, at the St. Ann’s Church of Scotland in Port of Spain, Trinidad. His name was Charles Albert Sheppard. He was the fifth child and the second son of Charles Sebastian Theodore Sheppard and Elsie Mabel née Gomez of Trinidad. I am the last (born the tenth child) of the male sex of a family of thirteen children. Our youngest brother, Arthur, died as a baby in 1928. At that time, there were six boys and six girls. Our father died in 1931 at the young age of 45. Bertie grew up with a strong Christian upbringing and was educated at Queen’s Royal College in Port of Spain, where he proved a person of exceptional ability and dedication to purpose and principle. He gained the Senior Cambridge School Certificate at the very young age of 16. Of necessity, Bertie had to seek gainful employment so as to supplement the family treasure, which was depleted after the premature death of our father. At that time, only two of the twelve children were working. Bertie was employed at one of the largest companies with diverse interests - George F. Huggins & Co. Ltd., which was founded by a young entrepreneur from St. Vincent. After graduating from Office Boy, Bertie was selected for the Stevedoring Department of Huggins & Company, which ran the largest shipping agencies, including Canadian National Steamships among several other important lines. Bertie remained faithful and loyal to his employers from 1931 until 1961 when he was promoted from Head of the Stevedoring Department to become Manager and Managing Director of George F. Huggins & Co. Ltd., of St. Georges, Grenada, from which company he retired, to continue living in Grenada, in 1964. Bertie was employed with Huggins for a period of thirty-three years of unbroken and dedicated service. Bertie was married to a beautiful lady when she was quite young. She was Joyce, daughter of Robert and Alice de Sousa. It was love at first sight and the couple have lived a life of bliss, love, understanding and caring from 1939, when they were married at the Grey Friars Church of Scotland in Port of Spain. They were both Presbyterians and they brought up their three children of two boys and one girl in Trinidad with a similar religious persuasion. In November 1988, they would have been married for 49 years.* As a young man growing up in Port of Spain was not easy for ambitious Bertie, whose income was mainly contributed to the cost of raising a large family of mother, brothers and sisters of school age, but Bertie did it with flair. He was always a stylish person, from boyhood. The way he spoke and carried himself under all circumstances indicated that he was a gentleman of the highest order. With scant resources and good taste, Bertie was assimilated into the society of Trinidad with ease. He was a natural sportsman. At school he played football and cricket and afterwards became a very good hockey player. He also loved tennis. Best of all though, was his love of the sea. He loved fishing, rowing and mostly, sailing. With the help of his good friends, Eddie Symonds, Jimmy Ingles and others, he built a beautiful yacht of the “Snipe” class which won many races and provided all of us with a great deal of pleasure. When the Trinidad Volunteers required young men for military training, Bertie volunteered and rose to the rank of Corporal in the Second or Reserve Battalion of the Infantry. Bertie and Joyce lived a happy, simple life and their interests were similar. They did the best they could for their children. Richard was champion racing cyclist of Trinidad for years until he was involved in a bad accident, which caused him, his parents, family and friends a great deal of grief, pain and expense. Bertie sent him to England for expert medical attention. Richard is now one of the best and most experienced oil drilling supervisors to be found anywhere. He is married to the former Elizabeth Nothnagel and has three children, two girls and a boy. Kathleen, a beauty, after attaining her School Certificate in Trinidad, was sent to Denson Secretarial College in England, where she graduated with first class honours. Kathleen was married to Bernard D'Abreu of Trinidad, but poor Bernard died soon after the birth of their third daughter. She eventually married Denis Henry, a lawyer and Queen’s Counsel, of Grenada, who later became Sir Denis Henry. They lived in Grenada where the three girls of the first marriage were joined by two boys of the second marriage. This period was probably one of the happiest for Bertie and Joyce. They loved their daughter and grandchildren and the feeling was mutual. when Sir Denis and Lady Henry decided to go to England to reside, it was quite a blow to Bertie and Joyce who were now left without any relatives in Grenada. They turned to gardening - his second love. Brian lives in Trinidad and is the Managing Director of a successful finance company - Caribbean Finance Co. Ltd. He is married to the former Diana Mouttet and they have two children. Therefore, Bertie and Joyce have a total of ten grandchildren. Their beautiful home is at L'anse Aux Epines. When Bertie and Joyce and their children lived in St. Augustine in Trinidad, their beautiful home in Carmody Road, which stood on an acre of fruit-bearing land, was the social and athletic centre of the district. Young and old congregated there to socialize, plan and discuss the interests of the day, which were mainly sporting activities. Bertie was always the Chairman, offering criticism and advice when required or requested. He loved and supported winners but tried his best to help the losers or under-dogs. He was an extremely kind person, whose charity was well known. We will never know how many unfortunate people he has assisted in a variety of ways. Bertie joined the Masonic Lodge as a very young man and remained a member of the Prince of Wales Lodge in Trinidad until his passing. He was also a member of the Lodge in St. Georges, Grenada from the time of his transfer to Grenada up to the 13th August, 1988. He was an excellent ritualist and a very successful Master on several occasions. He attained most of the highest degrees in Free Masonry and was always regarded as a man of sterling character. He loved to tease young people and so they loved him in return. His presence was a stimulant to otherwise dull company. Bertie had a special way about him. Everyone who knew him respected him. He turned Huggins in Grenada from a rather dull and losing operation into a viable, vibrant Company with a sensible variety of interesting innovations, including a dress shop and automobile agency. Bertie’s variety of interests were legend. He was an active community worker and helped organizations such as the Family Planning Council and the School for the Deaf, among several others. He was a member of the Rotary Club and the St. George’s Club. I recently had the pleasure and privilege of meeting the Prime Minister of Grenada and told him I was Bertie Sheppard’s brother and asked him if he knew Bertie, to which he replied: “You are Bertie’s brother? Who does not know Bertie? He’s a great fellow. When last have you seen him or been to Grenada? Please come over and often. You are Bertie’s brother - most welcome!” This describes our dearly beloved brother Bertie, who has suffered silently for so long without complaining. This gracious, kind, caring and loving gentleman, father and grandfather and friend of so many adoring people, will be sorely missed by all who knew him - including his brothers and sisters. God, please take him into your loving arms and take care of him forever. This and much, much more from your baby brother, who loved you and admired you very much. Goodbye, dear Bertie. To Joyce , his faithful and loyal widow and his children - Love and Peace. Andrew Sheppard Barbados Sunday 14th August, 1988 - 4.10 a.m. * (Note: In fact, they would have had their 50th Wedding Anniversary three months later) Bertie and Joyce are grandparents of well known Trinidad soprano Wendy Sheppard.

"Our Mother" (26 May 1888, Port of Spain, Trinidad - 2 April 1969, Diego Martin, Trinidad) Wife of Charles Sebastian Theodore Sheppard A Tribute, written about my grandmother on February 26, 1988 by her youngest son - my father, Andrew Sheppard (transcribed from personal family memorabilia) Andrew with his mother, Elsie Mabel She was a natural beauty, unspoiled by cosmetics. Her complexion radiated good health and internal peace with her Creator. Elsie Mabel could have been of royal stock. She was indeed a queen. She never would admit poverty, for God had blessed her with many riches for which she so dearly loved and cared – her large family of thirteen children, the last of whom joined the band of angels before he could speak or walk. So there she was, “Queen” Elsie Mabel, with her flock. She had lost her beloved husband and father of these beautiful children, just over three years of her last baby’s demise. What to do? “Mama”, as everyone called her, or “Ma”, turned to her best friend and Saviour without whom we would all surely perish. She believed in the power of prayer and prayed day and night, usually in the absolute privacy of her bedroom, and her very Christian upbringing that she passed on to her children has stood us all in good stead. This very special person was left with many hostages to a fortune that did not exist. Truly, there was the very large house with 10 bedrooms, which our father had deemed very necessary to accommodate such a large family. And a soft drink factory, complete with horse-drawn trucks, motor trucks, hand-carts and some 25 employees. Elsie Mabel did not have a clue. You see, domestic affairs took up all of her time, so when Charlie left her in a hurry on 17 June, 1931, she had no business experience to that date. But, live we must, and the show must go on, and so it did. How could she leave her beautiful home filled with precious gems to administer the Record Soda Water Factory? And so far from home? She sold the building and had another built in the yard of our home so that she could see everything from the kitchen and bedroom windows, when her time had to be so divided. The factory was now part of home. We all loved Mama dearly and stood by her at all times. We really respected her and would never deliberately do anything to hurt her, or say anything rude. Bad words were not allowed at home. Meal times were serious times and to be sure, competition was furious, so we were always on time. Everyone had a task and we did our chores cheerfully. It could not work otherwise. Of course, Elsie Mabel’s religion was of paramount importance, and she insisted that we all observe Sundays by attending Sunday school and church. It was so tempting and certain friends tried in vain to persuade Mamma that she should attend the church just 3 buildings from home. But no, we could not. You see, we were Presbyterians and the church next door was Roman Catholic. In those bad old days you just could not attend a church other than your own – you would be ostracized. So we journeyed to the St. Ann’s Church of Scotland , a beautiful, strongly built church which was constructed by the European victims of religious persecution, and who arrived with their faith intact in Trinidad, in spite of Cromwell’s detestable and cruel policy. So be it. Mama was a pillar of the church and main organizer of fund-raising events. She was a powerhouse and a charming persuader. With good help all around, she prevailed. Of course, necessity being the mother of invention and money being of great importance for our survival, in addition to running a large family and a soft drink factory, and tending her beautiful garden, Mama decided that we needed a few boarders, so this genius of improvisation created additional bedrooms with the help of a carpenter and cellotex partitions. Returning from school daily was facing unexpected surprises. Space was reduced to accommodate paying guests, so we had to squeeze. I almost forgot, additionally we had 10 cousins who lived in the distant Sangre Grande, many of whom were of similar ages to ourselves and they needed to be accommodated in Port-of-Spain in order to attend school. Of course, where else but the No. 30 Richmond Street. So there we were with 6 cousins at a time sharing our single beds with us – head and toe – the pillows a problem, but we soon solved that by waiting for one or the other to fall asleep and then zoom, pillow gone! Ten boarders, 6 cousins, 12 of us, Mama and “poor” little friends (usually 2), say 28-30 people to be fed each and every day, breakfast, lunch, tea and dinner. We all ate a lot of bread, so Ma employed Harris, Barbadian baker who had a problem with testicular hernia always getting in his way. Harris would arrive home and start baking between 3:30 and 4:00 a.m. He supplied us with 100 hops loaves, and 6 pan loaves, plus other sweet breads for tea. He also baked some 30 other pan loaves which had to be delivered to the customers before 7:00 a.m. These were friends of the family who lived the general neighbourhood. Ma had several bread bags made, some to hold one or two or more pan loaves. Each customer had a nail on the back or front porch to hold the stringed bread bag. The empty bag would be replaced by the full one. Each bag had the customer’s name. Problem – transportation. Andrew, Robert, George borrow Boysie’s, Bertie’s and John’s bicycles, surround the bicycles with bags of bread and make sure you return for the owners to get their bicycles to get to work. We “students” had to eat breakfast quickly and walk to school – and get there in time. Many times we failed as evidenced by the black and blues on our hands or backsides as administered by our school masters. But this was all part of life. We loved Mama and understood the situation. The miraculous thing about this wonderful lady called “Mama”, “Ma”, or Elsie Mabel was her abundant optimism and love of her children, which was reciprocal. Of course, we all got married and produced 55 grandchildren for her – all of whom she loved, some in the USA, some in Trinidad, and the largest contingent in Barbados. My wife, Barbadian born, had 7 children. We would not reach a dozen. All through the rough and tough times happiness and sadness were shared by a grateful, lovely Mama, with her tribe. In 1960, her worst blow to date was George’s death. He was number seven – “all good children go to Heaven”. Everyone looked forward to Mama’s Christmas parties, which combined food, drinks and entertainment by the children – all 50 or more. The tradition continues with the grands and great grands. She invented the “Mama pool”. This was a devise to lighten the load on your pocket, whereby everyone brought presents for their own, which Santa distributed. In addition, through stipulated donations, other gifts were purchased along with food and drink. All good things must end. As we have become older and wiser, we all know that whatever strength and courage we have had to possess over the years to survive and achieve in this mind-boggling world, has come from our Divine Creator and this faithful servant, Elsie Mabel, “Mama”, “Ma”. You will never be forgotten. We all hope to eventually join you in Paradise where you went with a smile on your face on April 2, 1969 Elsie wrote a short, touching memoir about herself and her family. Click on the picture below to read it. Click HERE to see more photos of Elsie Mabel (Gomez) Sheppard

Henry Garnet (Harry) St. Hill 1921 -1993 Eulogy delivered at his Service of Thanksgiving in Kingstown, St. Vincent Henry Garnet (Harry) St. Hill was born on September 4, 1921, in Barbados, the son of Henry Garnet St. Hill and his wife Emee D’Azevedo Lobo. He joined Cable and Wireless and worked in many of the Caribbean islands, but when he arrived in St. Vincent in 1940 as a vacation relief, he knew that this was his favourite. Soon after his arrival he met the Fraser family including Agnes, whom he married in 1945. Harry's wife Agnes St. Hill née Fraser 1919-1994 Harry was a very keen cricketer as a young man and played for the Hairoun Cricket Team here in St. Vincent. In later years, for relaxation he was a very active Radio HAM operator and took part in the local weather net. He made HAM friends from all over the world. He also helped with the instructing of new HAMS in their hobby. After many years working for other people Harry decided, with Agnes’ great support, to start his own company and St. Vincent Insurance Services opened in 1964. He built this company into a thriving success; and when he sold this business and retired he was approached by his London colleagues and he agreed to set up Trident Insurance in Barbados. After returning home, he was encouraged and persuaded by friends and business associates to reopen and St. Hill Insurance Company was formed. Until his illness last year, he played an active role, but was forced to retire in July. Harry built a reputation not only among the businessmen of St. Vincent and Barbados, where he operated his companies, but also in London, as being a man of total integrity and honesty while maintaining his sense of fair play to both his customers and London colleagues. Six years ago he built the present family home at Rutland Vale to accommodate his ever increasing family of grandchildren. He loved the peace and quiet of the countryside and always looked forward to having that peace shattered by the arrival of his children and grandchildren coming home for a visit from all corners of the world. Harry leaves to mourn, his wife of 48 years, Agnes, three sons, three daughters, six grandsons, four granddaughters, three sisters and many friends and colleagues all over the globe. Harry and Agnes St. Hill with their family - some time in the 80's Below: The family home at Rutland Vale, Layou, St.Vincent

Friendships~Partnerships~Family Ties Unravelling the Connections - Part II Co-founder of Char les McE nea rney & Co. Ltd. The Ford Dealership, Trinidad Robert de Sousa, better known as Bobby, was a most interesting man. Born on July 4 1880 in Trinidad, he was educated at Boys’ Model School (later Tranquility School). In 1904 when he was 24 years old, he married Alice Fer r eira, daughter of Moses Ferreir a and Isabella de Freitas. Moses owned and ran the Vista Bella Coal Mine in San Fernando. At that young age, Bob by was already the Branch Manager in south Trinidad of a business owned by Albert Mendes . (Incidentally, Alb ert's wife Mary Periera was my great-grandmother Christina Pereira's sister.) Alice and Bobby had six children They were Leslie , Grace, Kathleen, R ichard (Neville), Lena (Joyce) and Stanley. Two of his children, Leslie and Joyce, married two Sheppard siblings, my aunt Ida and uncle Bertie. The de Sousa family lived in a beautiful home situated near the Savannah in Port of Spain. Robert was a Freemason, having joined the Prince of Wales Lodge in Alexandra Street, Port of Spain in 1918. Robert (Bobby) de Sousa was the co-founder of the Ford dealership in Trinidad, Charles McEnearney & Co. Ltd. , and became the sole own er of the firm when Charles M cEnearney left Trinidad and returned to the USA. When Bobby decided to move to Grenada, he sol d the company to brothers George and Melville de Nobriga who, like himself, were Trinidadians of Portuguese parentage. After selling his interest in McEnearneys to the de Nobrigas, he joined Geo. F. Huggins & Co. Ltd., becoming one of the Directors of that company. In Grenada, he becam e Managing Director of George F. Huggins & Co. Ltd., the largest trade and commercial concern in Grenada at the time. Bobby de Sousa purchased and managed a large group of estates in Grenada and is said to have owned a small island in the Grenadines. He had a keen interest in horseracing and owned many famous racehorses. He also became one of the founders and directors of the cinema business in Grenada. The family relates that his wife Alice did not want to uproot her family to move to Grenada, so she continued to live in their family home in Port of Spain so that the children could continue their schooling there. The couple never divorced and Robert enjoyed the rest of his life in Grenada. Robert's daughter Joyce and her husband Bertie Sheppard also moved from Trinidad to Grenada. Following in his father-in-law's footsteps, Bertie became the Managing Director of Huggins & Co. Ltd. there. Robert (B obby) de Sousa Painting of "Bagshot" - the de Sousa Family home where Alice de Sousa lived with the children in Trinidad (Courtesy Joan (de Sousa) Bodu) l/r: Bertie Sheppard, Kathleen de Sousa and her father Robert de Sousa, in his garden over looking the harbour, Grenada Robert de Sousa and his son Stanley, Grenada Robert de Sousa died in Grenada on 21 July 1966 when he was 86 years old and was laid to rest there. Alice predeceased him in 1962 and her gravesite is in Mucurapo Cemetery in Trinidad. Their descendants are now spread far and wide - from the Caribbean to as far as Peru, England, Canada and America. CHARLES McENEARNEY & CO. LTD, TRINIDAD The McEnearney - de Nobriga - Gibson Connection Melville de Nobriga married Amy Gibson, whose brothers Ralph and Robert "Bunny" Gibson also joined the firm of Charles McEnearney & Co. Ltd. In 1925 Robert was transferred to San Fernando where he ran the branch there, while his younger brother Ralph worked his way up from the bottom at the Richmond Street headquarters in Port of Spain, having started working the petrol pumps as a schoolboy during vacation time. Ralph's brother "Bunny" Gibson died in a tragic accident in 1961, and in that same year within a short space of time, his brother-in-law Melville de Nobriga also passed away. In 1962, following those unfortunate deaths, Ralph became McEnearney's Chairman and Managing Director. Ralph held those positions until his retirement in 1982. Here again we see family ties, as Ralph Gibson married Charles McEnearney's daughter. I find it interesting to note that Ralph Gibson's grandfather had come to Trinidad from England and worked with the prison service attached to the St. James Barracks where my English great-grandfather Alfred Sheppard also served, first with his Regiment and later with the Trinidad Police Force. Charles McEnearney himself was an Irish-born immigrant. The de Nobriga brothers and Robert de Sousa were of Portuguese ancestry. In Barbados, Charles McEnearney's business partner Charles MacKenzie was of Scottish ancestry, all of his children bearing the family middle name Straghan. The Caribbean is truly a melting pot of intertwined families and people from different nations. Click to see Unravelling the Connections - Part I The Synchronicity of Life . . . I find that tracing the intertwining of families and events is fascinating. This story was first compiled by me on 17 October, 2021. On 4 November, following the death of my former husband David MacKenzie on 17 September 2023, I added the chapter about him. All of the newspaper articles are from my own collection. With thanks to:- Ryan de Sousa and family for providing family photos My cousins Joan (de Sousa) Bodu, Kathleen (Sheppard) Henry, and Bernie Henry for sharing oral family history J. David S. MacKenzie who gave me the book "The History of the ANSA McAL Group of Companies – 125 Years of Business" published in 2006. (David was a contributor of information and photos for the publication.) Douglas S. MacKenzie for providing information Genealogy sites on the internet for research My father Andrew Sheppard for his handwritten memoirs about the Portuguese in Trinidad.

George Vincent Gonsalves husband of Mary Marjorie (Madge) Sheppard In Memoriam VIN GEORGE VINCENT GONSALVES 13th July, 1914 to 4th September, 1988 A Tribute written on 4th October, 1988 by my father, Andrew D. Sheppard (transcribed from personal family memorabilia) Vin bore the hallmark and stature of the perfect gentleman. I shall never forget his first visit to our family home, obviously to court our beautiful sister, Marjorie (Madge) . One must have had great courage and love to confront such a large group for the first time – 12 brothers and sisters and our mother. But Vin did it and with great success. Vin’s brothers and sister and himself had recently arrived from Antigua to settle in Trinidad. On this momentous occasion, Vincent Gonsalves conducted himself so diplomatically and with such good manners that he was accepted by all of us instantly. When he shook my hand, on being introduced, he said, “Andrew, I am delighted to meet you and hope we will see a lot of each other”. I was only 14 years of age and a shy and unsure No. 10 in our family. Vin made me feel like an equal. Therein lay his talent. Vin was very proper in his general appearance and his speech was flawless. He resembled a famous English film star of the period, Leslie Howard. If he so desired, he could have become a famous actor. He had the good looks and decorum. But Vin’s ambitions lay elsewhere. He wooed and married beautiful Marjorie (he never called her otherwise). They enjoyed marital bliss for 48 years until that very sad day whence was called to greater service on 4th September, 1988, at the age of 74, at the home of their daughter, Virginia Ryan and her husband, in Miami, Florida, U.S.A. We all grieve his loss and remember Vin fondly for all the good he had done during his stewardship on earth. Vin worked with Esso, an American Oil Company, in their accounting department, and rose to the position of Comptroller of accounts for the Caribbean area. His employment took Vin, Madge and their three children to reside in Santo Domingo, Cuba and Miami, where he finally retired to reside with his wife and family. This, apart from an initial spell of duty in Trinidad. Vin was highly regarded by his employers, who depended on his utter reliability. All of his employees and business acquaintances and friends regarded him with respect and endearment. On his last foreign assignment as Chief Accountant for Esso in Havana, Cuba, Vin, Madge and their three children were among the huge crowd to welcome and congratulate their new leader, the victorious Fidel Castro, when he arrived at the Havana waterfront on the famous boat “Granma”. Meticulous Vin, who kept detailed records of certain events, also had a comprehensive library of home movies which included his 16 millimeter movie recording of that memorable occasion, which clearly shows George, Virginia, Douglas and of course, Fidel Castro. I saw this movie at their Miami home. However, it was soon afterwards that Mr. Castro declared his real intentions of transforming Cuba into a communist state. Panic set in. All who could, left hurriedly – for Miami. Vin sent his family, excepting George, to Miami to await his arrival there. George offered to stay with his daddy, which was very good; but this is called love. Noble Vincent gallantly decided to remain in Cuba to try to complete his job as chief of Esso’s office. You see, Castro had ordered his army to confiscate all American and foreign property – but why make the transition easy. After shipping most vital information in files, etc., to Miami, it was decided to destroy all remaining records. This Vin did. All the Cubans got was confetti and ‘shreddies’. Vin and George had to run for their lives and caught one of the last flights from Havana to Miami. This was the kind of stuff of which Vin was made. Vin was Roman Catholic and Marjorie, Presbyterian. They were married at the Roman Catholic Sacred Heart Church in Port of Spain on 14th September, 1940. According to the dictates of the Church, their children had to be instructed in the Catholic religion. This was accomplished without discord and with understanding and love. They were a beautiful family. Both parents were strict, loving and mostly, caring, not only for themselves but for others less fortunate or in need. Acts of Christianity and charity simply flowed from the hearts and minds of Vin and Madge. For example, when my wife and I were faced with a financial embarrassment in our early married life, it was Vin who came to the rescue, unsolicited. He only heard of it and promptly dispatched an envelope to me containing $100.00, which saved the day. With it came a note stating simply “Glad to be of some help, old boy. Forget repayment – just stop worrying.” Was not that wonderful and extremely kind? How could anyone forget someone like Vin? Vin and Madge made many fast friendships all over the world and whenever any of their friends visited their home they just knew they were welcome. Vin was always the gracious host and Marjorie the wonderful hostess. They were a great couple. Vin possessed an aura of goodness that shone through. What he spoke was truth. Whatever he promised was fulfilled. Love ruled the day – each and every day. When poor Madge began to be affected by the serious problems of her cardio-vascular system, which necessitated intensive e-care treatment and surgery on her heart, her beloved husband was always at her side, praying with her and encouraging her. A most faithful and loyal person he was. In her delicate state of health, Vincent had, and accepted, the great responsibility for Marjorie’s care, treatment, diet and mobility, without complaining. Vin very conscientiously attended to her every need and they always tried to be pleasant in company, in spite of their constantly stressful situation. Vin and Marjorie were encouraged and persuaded by Virginia Ryan, their daughter, to give up by sale or rental, their lovely home on a lake, and to live with her husband and herself in an apartment within their home, which would comfortably accommodate them. This was gratefully accepted by the two senior citizens, who were glad to be with their daughter. Things to be considered included the fact that they would be leaving their love-nest of many years where they were quite happy. And who would go twice or more daily to call and talk to and feed the fish in the lake? They really knew Vin and poked their heads out of the water in the lake next to their house and made fish noises – and he would feed them. And the birds – they arrived right next to him and chirped and whistled happily. He was their friend. I witnessed this scene time after time and it was the same incredible happening. But, if you knew Vin, it was easy to understand. God knows, he was a very special person. Less than one week after removing to Virginia’s home, Vin suffered a heart attack and was rushed to hospital where he was kept for a week and returned home. Two weeks later, Vincent suffered a fatal heart attack and died at Virginia’s home. I recently received a friendly note from Vin informing us of their new address. Vin never got the chance to mail it. All of their friends and family were to have received such a friendly note. We must never question the works of God Almighty. In retrospect, when one remembers that Vincent Gonsalves entered and was immediately accepted by our large, complicated but friendly family, it could better be appreciated that Vin always had that rare gift of being able to relate to and mix well with persons of all ages and types, which must have been a far different scene to his former Antiguan environment. But he made so many friends so easily and there was always mutual respect. During their early married life in Port of Spain, accommodation was scarce and so was food. It was a challenging time, but they succeeded and produced three lovely children, George, Virginia and Douglas, who are married – George living in Canada and the other two in U.S.A. Vin was an ardent oarsman and enjoyed rowing his boat and sailing, as well as fishing. He soon was called “Nautical Vincent” – a term of endearment. He loved healthy habits and took his daily choice of vitamin pills. This attracted another nickname ‘ “Vitabs”. All of this Vin endured or enjoyed with good humour, of which he was adequately endowed. He knew that we all loved him and admired him for his great spirit and excellent qualities. All good things and people must end but what we must remember is that we are on loan to prepare ourselves for membership of the Divine Club and when we are called to join that Blessed Band of Angels, we must go. We pray that our dear, kind, Vincent is at peace, as he so well deserves. Madge, George, Virginia and Douglas, accept our deepest sympathy and emulate Vin’s sterling example. Andrew Sheppard (Brother-in-law) Barbados – 4th October, 1988 Tribute to Vin written by his son, George Gonsalves 13 July, 2021 Vin and Madge Gonsalves née Sheppard with their children Virginia, George (centre) and Douglas April 1953 Our Dad, George Vincent (“Vin”) Gonsalves was born on the 13th July 1914 in the Great House at Marble Hill, near St. John’s, Antigua. He was the third child and second son of Planter, George Reginald (“Reggie”) Gonsalves and Adele Matilda Harris, the first to be born in Antigua. His elder siblings were both born in Jamaica, as was his mother. Dad attended Antigua Grammar school until he was ten, when dark clouds changed the family’s life drastically. Our grandfather sold one commodity, cane sugar and he dealt with Redpath Sugar Company in Montreal. He had a sister, Sarah Mildred, in Montreal. Her husband, Reggie’s brother-in-law, António Rodrigues Anjo, appears to have handled some of his business there. In the early 1920’s. cane sugar became a depressed commodity. Beet sugar was produced cheaper than cane sure could be. Cane sugar production was very labour intensive. The two family estates ran up huge debts. Then disaster happened, Reggie died in 1924. Our grandmother had no business experience and, with the help of her brother-in-law, had to liquidate the estates for little or nothing in return. Adele decided to move to Trinidad with her five children. Life was not easy for them, but they were able to survive on little,. The depression started early for them. By 1931, the eldest of my father’s siblings, Mary Louise, married a wealthy Venezuelan and went to live in Caracas. At this time, Adele, our grandmother became ill with cancer. In those days, this disease was considered to be a curse, and people treated her as though she were a leper. By then, her second son, Stanley, was hired to work in a lime estate in Montserrat. I am not sure what his function there was. After school and on Saturdays, Dad worked for Canning’s as a messenger delivering groceries. He was also responsible for assisting with the upbringing of his younger brothers Herbert and Patrick. Adele died in January 1933 and the remaining children were split up. Dad went to live with the family of Suzanne Ferreira on Belmont Circular Road and completed his education, having signed up for an accounting course in which he excelled. His younger brothers went to the Martin family. By 1937, Dad was proficient enough to obtain a job with Esso in their accounting department. He was earning enough to strike out on his own the next year and rented a room at our Grandma Sheppard’s Boarding House on Richmond Street in Port of Spain. At this time, he was also supporting his two younger brothers. Dad soon became closely involved with his adopted family. The affection they had for one another always impressed him. He loved Grandma and called her Ma. (He always referred to his own parents as “Father” and “Mother.”) He provided guidance to Uncle Andrew and my mother once said that Dad “put Andrew in long pants.” If you have not done so, you must read Uncle Andrew’s beautiful eulogy and biography of my father. Of course, it was here that my parents met and fell in love. They were married on 14 September 1940. Dad had a long career at Esso (Standard Oil Company of New Jersey) Caribbean. He had a troubleshooting job and travelled throughout the operation from Bermuda, the Bahamas, Puerto Rico to British Guiana and Suriname. In 1953, Esso decided to move him to Santo Domingo (then called Ciudad Trujillo, named after the dictator. Rafael Leónidas Trujillo Molina), which was more central to the area than Trinidad was. In 1956, he was promoted to the ESSOSA head office in Havana, where we lived for four years, until the company was intervened by the Castro government. In 1960, we moved to Coral Gables, FL, where Dad remained until he retired and subsequently passed away. Dad would have been 107 years old today. He was an amazing gentleman, a perfect husband and father and he was everybody’s friend. He was generous to a fault. We love him and miss him today and always. It is thirty-three years since he left us and there are still occasions when I wish I could pick up the phone and talk to him. Rest in Peace, Dad.

St. Patrick's Cathedral & The Ursuline Convent Barbados The history of my family and that of many other families seems to be intertwined in one way or another with religion. My family history includes Presbyterian ancestors in Madeira fleeing to Trinidad and Jewish ancestors in Portugal fleeing to Amsterdam because of religious persecution. In Barbados, my mother's parents, Esmée and Garnet St. Hill, who were baptised in the Anglican Church, converted to Catholicism sometime circa 1928. From then on, all baptisms, marriages and funerals of my immediate family took place and are recorded in Catholic churches. St. Patrick's Cathedral was central to family life for several generations. My Trinidadian father was Presbyterian, but since my mother was Catholic, in order for the marriage to take place at St. Patrick's in 1943, he was required to make a vow to raise his children in the Catholic faith. I was educated at the Ursuline Convent, as were my mother, aunts, siblings and several cousins. Altar boys at St. Patrick's Church, circa 1933 = my uncle Harry St. Hill holding the Bible CATHOLICS IN BARBADOS by John Prideaux Transcribed from an article appearing in The Sunday Advocate, Barbados - 14 July, 1950 The Roman Catholic community in this Island is in a minority, and the arrival of “Our Lady of Fatima” has brought it into the limelight. Barbados, due to its being English from the first settlers, and not having been occupied by the French or Spanish, is the most Protestant of the West Indian Islands. It is, therefore, not surprising to learn that the Roman Catholics were the last of the four leading denominations in this Island to have a Church. The first Churches were erected by the Anglicans, the religion of the State, then came the Moravians in 1767, and built their first Church in 1794. The Wesleyans were the next on the scene and when Thomas Cook, the founder of the Methodist Missions in the West Indian Islands arrived at Barbados in 1788, he found a nucleus of Wesleyanism in existence, formed by some of the soldiers who had formerly served in Ireland. Their first Church was destroyed by a mob of young men of the upper classes in 1823. Persecution Religious persecution came to an end whilst the Duke of Wellington was Prime Minister; Lord John Russell succeeded in carrying a Bill, which enabled dissenters to hold municipal or Government offices. At last, through the fear of civil war in Ireland, similar relief was given to Catholics by the Catholic Emancipation Bill of 1829. It was not, however, until ten years after the passing of the act by Parliament that the first records of the Roman Catholic Church in Barbados are found. On the 24th of February 1839, the gentlemen of Roman Catholic belief held a meeting and a resolution was passed to petition the Roman Catholic Bishop at Trinidad for a resident priest, and they engaged themselves to subscribe, and immediately subscribed £400 for his annual salary. In reply to this petition the Right Rev. Doctor MacDonnell appointed the Rev. Wm. Rogers to the mission. On his arrival here he was welcomed by the congregation, he proposed to build a church as soon as possible. This idea was unanimous with the congregation who opened a subscription list and Father Rogers went through the Islands to raise subscriptions from other Catholic communities, which were stronger than the one at Barbados, for it is found that in 1871, twenty-two years after the completion of the Church the Catholics in this Island only numbered 513. Committee On the 1st of September, 1893, a meeting of the congregation was held and a Committee was appointed to consider the purchase of a spot of land, just over an acre in extent, belonging to Mary Walcott, and situated in Jemmott’s Lane. This situation was considered as admirable and the land was purchased for £1,500, of which £1,000 was paid down. The most active member of the congregation appears to be Mr. Edward B. Haly, of whom his Lordship Bishop MacDonnell spoke most highly in his letter to the Committee on his decision to send a Priest. Other names found on this Committee are Mr. P. Didlon (whose son afterwards became Comptroller of Customs), Mr. Drinan and Mr. Thos. Stevens. The plan of the Church was made by Major Hart of the 81st Regiment, then stationed at Barbados. This Church was to have been dedicated to St. Edward the Confessor. The cornerstone was laid on December 24th 1840, but due to the lack of funds, Father Rogers would not continue with the construction. The next record is in November 1847, when Rev. M. O’Donnelly entered into a contract for the construction of St. Patrick’s Church. More money had been contributed in the meanwhile, and the names of officers and men of the soldiers stationed here appear in the list of donations. Progress appears to have been very slow, and it was not until 1849 that this Church was completed. An address was presented to the Rev. Father M. O’Donnelly on the 1st of August 1849, congratulating him on the completion of the Church. Father O’Donnelly did not live long enough to enjoy the fruits of his labours, and he was buried in the Church itself on the Epistle side of the Altar. Bishop’s Visit On the 20th of March, 1850, the sacred congregation of De Propaganda Fide put the Church at Barbados under the Vicar Apostolic of Demerara, the Right Rev. Bishop Haynes, who paid his first visit to the Island on the 14th of July, 1851. He again visited the Island on the 12th of May, 1854. After the death of Father Nightingale, who had succeeded Father O’Donnelly, there was no resident priest, and the Bishop promised to do all in his power to induce one of the Religious Orders to take over the Mission. In 1854, it is recorded that Father Henry Segrave of the Society of Jesus, was in charge of this Church, and since then the Mission as been served by the Jesuit Father of the English province. Fickle Fate Father Strickland, who was in charge of this Church in the eighties of the last century, had the great desire to get a Convent. He maintained that there was much work to be done by nuns in Barbados. He managed to raise funds enough to build the Convent in the Churchyard, and succeed in getting Rev. Mother Ursula to be the founder. She came with another sister, and opened a school. Later she was called by His Lordship, Bishop Butler, to found another Convent at British Guiana. In 1894, Bishop Butler requested Rev. Mother Stanislaus of the British Guiana Convent to take over from the Sisters of Mercy in Barbados. She started the Convent again and under her zeal and administration the numbers grew. Her successor Rev. Mother Angela Daly, an educationalist with thirty years experience, built up a reputation for the Ursuline Convent in the West Indies. Fire Fate again struck on the night of 13th June 1897, when St. Patrick’s Church was destroyed by fire. Services were then held in the Schoolroom at the Garrison, which was loaned for the occasion; the Church was soon rebuilt, due to the energy of Father Hogan. The Legislature made a grant of £200 in aid of this, and subscriptions and donations were given not only by Catholics, but by Protestants and Jews alike. The Convent was outgrowing the size of the buildings in the Churchyard and when the residence of the late J.H. Stokes Esq. came on the market, it was purchased and the Convent removed there. Thus the lovely residence known to many as “LINDEN” became the home of the Ursuline Convent of Barbados. This lovely building soon proved to be too small, and the residence “Somerville” was purchased and added to it. Today this lovely Convent is the home of many school children not only from the other West Indian Islands but from places situated on the continent of South America, and is recognized as one of the leading educational institutions in this area. The rear or apse of the cathedral, 2024 Click on the photo below to view a photo gallery of The Ursuline Convent The Ursuline Convent in 1950 - formerly "Linden", the home of Mr. J.H. Stokes The above video documentary was researched, written and presented by Professor Emeritus Sir Henry Fraser, and shown on CBC-TV, Barbados on April 9th 2013 Sketches by Sir Henry Fraser See also: ST. ANN'S/GREYFRIARS CHURCH OF SCOTLAND, TRINIDAD

Frances Elizabeth (Betty) St. Hill (1925 - 2024) Wife of Andrew Desmond Sheppard Betty at "Sweet Sixteen" Our Mother Introduction As I begin to write this on 8 June, 2021, my Barbadian-born mother, Betty, is in her 96th year. E verything that I know about her has been rela ted to me by her during her long life. She speaks of a very happy childhood growing up in a family of five, and loves to recall those times. Barbados w as a Briti sh colony back then, and life for her was simple, filled with special family occasions, home-cooked meals, and always, always - music. School days segued into working days and then into a marriage which would take her to live in the neighbouring island of Trinidad and away from her parents and Bajan way of life for the first time. Betty and all her siblings came into this world at their family home "Ypres", 1st Avenue, Belleville, in the parish of St. Michael, Barbados. She was born on 16 September 1925 to Esmée Ione D'Azevedo (Lobo) St. Hill and Henry Garnet St. Hill. Betty was the fourth of their five children and bears the names of both of her great-grandmothers - Elizabeth Frances Stoute and Elizabeth Frances (Amey) Tryhane. Her older sisters were Thelma (St. Hill) Burns (1915-2009), Clem (St. Hill) Mosher (1917-2000) who married Canadians in the forties and moved to Canada. Her older brother was Harry St.Hill (1921-1993) and her youngest brother was Louis St. Hill (1931-1992). Louis and his Barbadian wife Sylvia Boxill eventually settled in Canada, and Harry in St. Vincent with his Vincentian wife, Agnes Fraser. Betty was the only one who remained in Barbados for most of her long life. Childhood and Teenage Years Like her mother and sisters, (and up to a certain age her brothers) Betty's schooling was at the Ursuline Convent in Collymore Rock, which was just a short walk away from their home. In our mother's case, it was more of a hop, skip and jump down 1st Avenue, Belleville! She recalls being told by one of the nuns that it was not befitting of a young lady to be frolicking in the street, and one afternoon she was watched by one of the nuns from the window of the convent to make sure that she walked every step home like a proper young lady. . . (or else!) Young Betty was bright and distinctly musica l. She took lead parts in all the school plays and concerts, starting when she was just four years old. Not only did she tap-dance, she played the musical saw and the piano. She was first taught piano lessons by Miss Adele Barnes, and later Miss Alice Armstrong, a popular pianist who played at parties, dance schools and musical productions. Miss Armstrong wasn't a music teacher, but Betty begged her to teach her the swinging stride style and chord progression that she loved - and she did! Similarly, Mum saw Mr. Ben Gibson perform at a concert and was mesmerized watching him play the saw. She asked him to teach her and so said, so done. He would come to their home in Belleville to teach her how to play the saw. Like most middle class homes of that time, the piano was a central feature of family life in the St. Hill's drawing room. From a very young age, she took part in shows organized to raise funds for deserving causes in Barbados, such as the Girl’s Industrial Union, The Girls’ Friendly Society, The Old Gentleman’s Home and Madam Ifil’s Baby Crèche. It was at those concerts that she met Miss Armstrong and Mr. Gibson who were also performing, and she asked them to teach her. Our mother became accomplished at playing the musical saw and performed on stage with this unusual instrument. Hers was an ordinary carpenter's saw, and she never used a handle (as is used nowadays) to bend it, she just held the end of the saw firmly with her fingers. That technique of playing the saw requires a strong hand and a perfect ear for music. I remember being amazed at how she held the wooden handle of the saw between her knees and, while pulling the bow at the S-bend of the saw to make the note, one of her legs was creating the vibration to produce the ethereal sound. It was captivating. Her parents had a green cloth case for her saw custom-made for her. It was the exact shape of the saw with a pocket to hold the violin bow and another little pocket to carry blocks of rosin that she would rub up and down the strings of the bow. Her name "Betty" in her father's ornate handwriting was embroidered in red by her mother on the front of it. One of her favourite songs to play was "The Moon of Manikoora" - a 1943 hit. How I wish we had a recording of Mum on the saw. Betty in costume for a school play Our mother's Lobo grandparents lived at "Raeburn", Hastings . It was a large, traditional Bajan home on the south coast, situated on the beach, very close to the Ocean View Hotel. Her grandfather, Isaac Clement Lobo was of Sephardic Jewish descent and worked in the shipping business. Her recent childhood recollections of visiting her grandparents, in her own words: "Grandad Lobo would dress up with gold studs, straw hat and his cane, and with Grannie we would go down to the Ice House in Bridgetown. Victor Goddard was the eldest one*, he was in charge then and there was the grocery on the basement. And then there was the cold storage counter where they had plums and grapes. He would say 'Bring Betty over let her choose something.' He would slide back the door and say 'What would you like, dear? Have a plum or an apple or a peach'. Victor and his wife - that’s the old Goddard parents - were very friendly with V.B.C Hart." * (of the Goddard family who owned The Ice House on Broad Street, Bridgetown.) V.B.C. Hart was Vivian Bertram Clyde Hart, who was married to Millicent Louise Boyle (Millie). Millie was my mother's great-aunt, sister of her grandmother Lillian Lobo. He was the Proprietor of Chelston Lime Works on Culloden Road, a member of St. Michael's Vestry and, for a time, Churchwarden. He was also an officer of the Barbados Volunteer Force for over twenty years. They lived at a house called 'The Shrubbery' in Collymore Rock. My mother often visited her and went to stay with Aunt Millie for a couple of months. She fondly recalls one of her treasured dishes that belonged to Aunt Millie - a heart-shaped dish for serving stuffed eggs. "Millie loved anything at all that had a heart, all her linen was embroidered with V.B.C. and a heart. Aunt Millie was very ah … well in those days… I wouldn’t say she was wealthy but she was well-to-do. She had a car and a chauffeur to drive her out at night and she would put on a Spanish shawl. She lived in 'The Shrubbery' - as you came out of George Street. It was a real sin when that beautiful property was demolished in the middle of the night to make way for some commercial enterprise." l/r Betty, her cousin Denis Hart, and fiancee Gloria Melizan (Denis was one of her Great-aunt Millie's sons) Betty's father Garnet St. Hill had a fine tenor voice, and was himself a well-known entertainer on the local amateur stage. He was a talented bones player - a skill he taught my brother Peter. He gave of his talents in shows at the Empire Theatre and at other fundraising events for charity. His parents were Henry Graham St. Hill and Annie Wall Bourne. My mother recalled that her Grandma Annie was also musical, she played the piccolo, as did Betty's father. She was short lady, always dressed in long skirts and boots, Mum remembered. We wondered how the ladies of that generation ever managed to wear such attire in the warm Caribbean! Working Days in Barbados After leaving school, Betty got a job as an operator at Cable & Wireless. This is where she was working when she first met my father. She recalled: "The wireless station was in F ontabelle near Mannings. I used to have to work at three places - Dover whe re the cables came in, Bridgetown office where the cables and wires were received and sent out, and the wireless station where the wireless was received and sent on if it had to go by wire. I didn’t do wireless, I did the cable line at the wireless station. I was only 16 and working with big men like Louis Weatherhead (Peter's father), and Harold Bowen - all big grown married men. I got the job through Uncle Colin.* He was the Officer in charge of the town office and was friendly with Mr. Douglas who was the General Manager for Cable & Wireless. Minnie Alleyne and me - her father was the Officer in charge of Dover. I worked the Port of Spain circuit at Dover." * Uncle Colin Lobo was Betty's mother's brother. British West Indies Airways (BWIA) was established in Trinidad and began operating on November 27, 1940 flying between Trinidad and Barbados. Their agents in Barbados were S.P. Musson & Co. Ltd. located on the Bridgetown wharf. In early 1943, seventeen-year-old Betty joined the small BWIA operations staff. She remembers those early days in detail: "The Manager was Percy Taylor, the Accountant Mr. Parkinson, and an old lady called Annie Bayne who was Mr Taylor’s secretary. There was Mr. Medford - the operations man who saw about the airport and so on. Three of us worked at the front desk: Barbara Farmer, a young fellow called Gibbs and myself. The two messengers were King and Austin. BWIA operations were in a small place before they opened their office in Cavans Lane. We had to book reservations. In those days a lot of workers were going down to Trinidad. We had to arrange for Dears Garage to pick them up at such and such a time. It was like a little travel agency. We had to see about their ticket and give them their receipt to go on the taxi when it came." Courtship and Marriage World War II was declared on 3 September 1939, and Andrew Sheppard , the tenth child in a family of 12 children in Port of Spain, Trinidad, enlisted to serve in the army. He became a Lieutenant in the Royal Corps of Engineers, Trinidad. In 1942 he went on a short vacation to Barbados. The friend with whom he was staying took him to the YMPC to see a rehearsal for an upcoming variety show to be performed at the Empire Theatre in Bridgetown. It was there that he first laid eyes on seventeen year old Betty St. Hill who was practicing her tap dance routine for the show. He always said that he was struck b y her shapely legs and vivaciousness. As cliché as it may sound, it was simply love at first sight. They were introduced and later that week Betty asked her mother if she could invite him to a party they were having at her grandmother's beach house "Kalcachima", which was next door to where is now the Accra Beach Hotel on the south coast. And so the romance started. A brief courtship by letters and a couple more visits ensued. On July 16, 1943, 20 year-old Andrew wrote to Betty's father, "Dear Mr. St.Hill . . ." declaring his undying love for his daughter and asking for her hand in marriage. In the beautifully penned letter which our mother kept all these years, he expressed the uncertainty of the times: “We must all appreciate the glaring fact that the destiny of this World and its peoples is being decided in what undoubtedly is the most widespread and horrible War the World has ever known, and we must also accept conditions as they are, making the best of everything and improving them when possible.” 
 He also wrote a touching letter to Betty's mother. "You know that all Bets and I want now is each other, and until we are permanently together we will never know real happiness. I honestly do not feel that I could continue without Betty’s constant love and companionship, which means life to me.” Neither Andrew nor Betty had yet reached the legal age of consent when they were wed at St. Pat rick's Church Barbados on 31 July 1943. Our father had given the St. Hills two weeks notice to prepare for the wedding. He had won them over with his sincerity and charm. Not only had Betty fallen in love with this handsome young man, but so had all of her family. "Quiet Wedding" - Barbados Advocate, 4th August 1943 (transcribed from the social column "" Caribbean Calling") A quiet but picturesque wedding took place on Saturday afternoon last at the St. Patricks R.C. Church when Miss Betty St. Hill of Ypres, 1st Avenue, Belleville was married to Lieutanant Andrew Sheppard son of Mrs. Elsie Sheppard of Trinidad. The ceremony was performed by Father Shorrocks, and a reception was afterwards held at the residence of Mr. and Mrs. St. Hill. The bride, who looked very attractive and charming, wore white organdie over satin and was attended by her sister Miss Clem St. Hill, whose costume was gold, with hat and shoes to match. Mr. Leighton Yearwood performed the duties of Bestman and Mr. Harry St. Hill was usher. They were the recipients of many useful presents and after the reception they left to spend their honeymoon at Powell Spring, Bathsheba. Lieut. and Mrs. Sheppard leave today by plane for Trinidad. Betty and Andrew started off ma r ried life at Mrs. Rappard's Boarding House in Port of Spain, Trinidad. They didn't have much, but they had each other. They were young and mad ly in love. Betty found Trinidad to be an exciting place, very different from her home, and quickly adapted to a new way of life. She found the Sheppard family warm and welcoming and couldn't get over how beautiful all her sisters-in-law were. Dad wrote in his memoirs: "It was war-time and everything was in short supply but we were grateful for the availability of certain consumables from the NAAFI (British Navy, Army & Airforce Institute) and the US Army Post Exchange." In later years they would reminisce about those happy days, and tell us about the batman assigned to Dad when he was in the Army. He would proudly show us all his army buttons and badges that he kept in the same leather gun holster he used, and we all knew the heavy khaki-coloured "army blanket" that would come out to cover us when we were sick. In May 1944 Betty and Andrew moved south to San Fernando, where our father got a job in the Personnel Department of Trinidad Leaseholds Ltd. in Pointe-à-Pierre. It was there, at the Pointe-à-Pierre Hospital, that their first three children were born: Stephen, born on 20 November 1944, then in 1945 a little girl who sadly, only lived one day. They were living in Vistabella, San Fernando, when I was born on 10 September of 1947. By 1949 they had moved to Barbados, where their next child Peter was born. Andrew got into the life insurance business and became a very successful salesman for Confederation Life and later for Crown Life. But he was restless, and this was to be just the first of many moves and several jobs as we lived between the two islands, Trinidad and Barbados After a gap of seven years, their next child Lillian was born in Trinidad, where we lived at 9E Hart Street, Mon Repos, San Fernando. My father managed the San Fernando branch of the Singer Sewing Machine Company there. In the fifties they moved back to Barbados where Frances (1958) and Alan (1962) were born, then back to Trinidad where their youngest child Audrey-Mae was born in May of 1964. It was in Barbados that we finally settled and where they made their permanent home. We could say we lived the typical expat life, only that it was limited to two neighbouring Caribbean islands. Through all of the uprooting and moves, our mother was good natured, supportive and happy. She totally believed in our father and loved him endlessly. He was her everything. Dad and Mum loved to dance, and during the days when my brother Alan was the lead singer with Spice & Co., and when my sister Audrey-Mae danced in the show, they could often be seen on the dance floor at the popular Plantation Spectacular run by Joyce Straker. Neither of them had real hobbies to speak of, as their family of seven children took up all their time. Betty was artistically gifted, and sewed all her own dresses and clothes for all her daughters. She made all our school uniforms. costumes and wedding gowns for me and for my sister Audrey. She taught me how to sew my own clothes, and how to do embroidery - skills I used to make baby clothes when my children came along. Mum would knit woollen baby booties in her own special design whenever a new grandchild or great-grandchild came along. Dad collected music records, we always had the latest. And we almost always had a piano. Those were their simple pleasures, as Betty played the piano at home every single day, well into her nineties. Every family party or visit became a sing-along around the piano. In later years, Mum played the piano at the Ocean View Hotel in Hastings, and for those memorable afternoon teas at the Casuarina Hotel in Dover, run by our friend Bonnie (Western) Cole. Sandals Resorts now stands on the site of the once beautiful Casuarina Hotel. Perhaps Betty Sheppard is best remembered by hundreds of locals and visitors who enjoyed the lavish Sunday Planter’s Buffet lunches at Fisherpond Plantation House, St. Joseph, run by John and Rain Chandler. There “Birdie” as she is affectionately called, became the sweetheart of everyone, playing special requests of oldies and goldies in her own sweet style. She played by ear and had the gift of smoothly segueing from one tune to the next, guided by her heart. She never prepared a set-list, but had a huge repertoire, and her own signature start to every session. Mum continued to play lunchtime gigs at Fisherpond up until she was 87 years old. Betty was always gentle, polite and gracious in her manner, and this endeared her to everyone who knew her. Those who knew her well enjoyed her sharp sense of humour which could often diffuse a sticky situation! I cannot remember our mother being really sick or being hospitalized, except for her stays in the maternity ward. She loved to go walking and in later years enjoyed going to aquacise with her friends. But Dad developed heart disease, starting in 1966 and ending tragically in 1991. The unspeakable happened in Venezuela, where we had arranged for him to be seen by a cardiology surgeon there. He had suffered a heart attack in Barbados and was languishing at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital I.C.U. with no improvement. So we made arrangements for him to go by air ambulance for treatment in Caracas, accompanied by our brother Peter who speaks Spanish fluently. Sadly he suffered another heart attack upon arrival at the hospital, and that one was fatal. His beloved Betty was waiting for her flight from Barbados to Caracas to join him when she received the news of his death. She was devastated. The love of her life, gone at age 68 after 47 years of marriage. Her Andy was like the song she loved to play - "Unforgettable". Betty was crushed with grief, but continued on bravely without her soul mate. However, just two years later, she again suffered the loss of her eldest child Stephen, who died in January 1993 at just 48 years old. Again, she bore her pain with grace, always surrounded by her other six children and family, and always with her faith and her music to comfort her. I know how much her heart and soul endured and her capacity for unconditional love and forgiveness has set an example we can only just strive towards. The union of Andrew Sheppard and Betty St. Hill in 1943 produced a family of seven children, 23 grandchildren and 25 great-grandchildren who are spread across the world. Our beloved mother, Frances Elizabeth (Betty) Sheppard, affectionately called Bird, "Birdie", Granny Bird, peacefully slipped away to her eternal rest in her 99th year, on Thursday 25 January, 2024. She was surrounded by all of her children, in person and virtually for those who live abroad, as we bid her one last goodbye. This kind and gentle soul who touched the lives of many through her joyous music and gentle manner knew how much she was loved and cherished. Valerie Sheppard Friday 26 January, 2024 On 8th February 2024 a Service of Thanksgiving for her life was held at St. Dominic's Church, Maxwell, and afterwards she was laid to rest beside her very own Andy at the Military Cemetery. Mum has left us with a song in our hearts As part of a musical tribute to her during her Service of Thanksgiving - our brother Alan's rendition of "Smile" - a song she loved. It captures her beautiful spirit. Smile Alan Sheppard 00:00 / 03:59 "When you are sorrowful look again in your heart, and you shall see that in truth you are weeping for that which has been your delight." - Kahlil Gibran Betty at Fisherpond Plantation House with great-granddaughters Mahlea and Kayla Archer See also: St. Hill Family Barbados St. Hill & Lobo Families Forever in my heart, my mother