What are your earliest memories of Kingston?

Living at Dunoon Road, attending Holy Rosary Infant School, on Jackson Road, and

in the evening watching the lamp-lighter lighting the gas-operated streetlight.

What changes would you implement if you were mayor for a day?

Exercise greater control in protecting green spaces against housing developments. I would also demolish all structures for which no plans were submitted, and those not conforming to KSAC-approved plans.

What would be your recommendation for a first-time visitor to Kingston?

A tour of Kingston taking in Beverly Hills (to view the city), UWI, Hope Gardens, Devon House and Port Royal if there is enough time.

What motivated you to join the Royal Air Force (RAF)?

Hitler’s brutal behaviour in Europe, and his behaviour at the 1936 Olympic Games

particularly with reference to Jessie Owens. As a sports-loving person this had a severe impact on me. Also, the island of Jamaica was doing everything we could in the fight against Nazi terrorism. For example, we had subscribed sufficient funds to have a Jamaica Squadron in the RAF. There may have also been a certain degree of peer pressure, as almost all my class signed up for the RAF.

What were some of the challenges you experienced in the RAF?

Crossing the North Atlantic Ocean from the USA in a convoy of troop ships to England with the fear of being torpedoed by U-Boats (German submarines).

Take us back to your time spent serving as a radar fitter in World War II. How long did you serve, and what was the experience like?

Training included six months full-time at The Royal Technical College (now Strathyde University) in Glasgow, and at the RAF Radar School in Wiltshire, where we were not allowed to take any notes or information from out of class as radar at that time was on the secret list.

What were some of your most memorable experiences during the time you were in the RAF?

En route to the UK we stayed briefly in the USA at Camp Patrick Henry, where black American military personnel were segregated to an adjoining camp, but being members of the British RAF, we were billeted into the white section. The devastation in London from the German bombing, and the rationing of everything: food, clothing cigarettes, etc.

What memories do you recall relating to air battles and particularly as it related to the Battle of Britain?

My memories of those include being stationed on the East Coast and seeing wave after wave, after wave of bomber planes going over.

What important life lesson did you take away from this experience?

War is dreadful and should be avoided at all costs.

What do you miss most about those days?

Very little, except for the comradery.

How have you maintained a connection between yourself and other veterans since then?

Through the Royal Air Forces Association Jamaica (580) Branch, of which I am a vice-president.

What do you think has been the RAFs biggest contribution to Jamaica?

One of the biggest contributions I feel that the RAF has made to Jamaica is the returning servicemen providing a cadre of professionals and experienced technicians, which was so badly needed at the time. Also an influx of clergymen, including a bishop, doctors, lawyers, judges, engineers and politicians.

What piqued your interest in civil engineering?

I guess my technical training at Kingston Technical, where I had a scholarship.

How smooth was your transition from the military to becoming a civil engineer?

My training as a radar fitter greatly helped in the transition.

What directed your path towards philanthropy?

Although not a philanthropist per se, I have always had the desire to help mankind in any way I can. For example, my work with the Lions Club International ­– of which I have been a member for 45 years, and am a past president of the Kingston Club. I am also a Melvyn Jones fellow, and a director of the Heart Foundation of Jamaica, which was formed by the Lions Club of Kingston.

What would you say to encourage Jamaican youths to take a greater interest in nation-building?

To belong to service clubs, eg Leos, Rotary, et cetera, and to participate in sports, et cetera, and reach out through government community centres. This should commence from the school level.

Finally, what is your life philosophy?

Give and you will receive. Try to help others — when people come to work with you, teach them both professional and life skills.