Born in Browns Hall, St Catherine in Jamaica, Bernard Westcarr came to England in 1960 on a direct BOAC flight. His reasons were two-fold - to visit his parents who were already here and to study for an agricultural degree. He aimed to return to Jamaica within four years. 
On arrival was advised to seek advice at Gloscat. He did not get further than the receptionist. He put this down simply to the colour of his skin and records the incident as his very first experience of racism in England. | | Bernard Westcarr |
Before leaving he got hold of a prospectus for a college in Surrey and on arrival was advised to seek advice at Gloscat. He did not get further than the receptionist. He put this down simply to the colour of his skin and records the incident as his "very first experience of racism in England". He visited a number of colleges running courses in agriculture but had no success. Not wanting to claim benefits he got a job with Birmingham City Corporation on the buses for about a year until he decided to return to Gloucester with his fiancée Millicent, whom he married in 1962. Saddened by racism
However there are two things which sadden him. Firstly "that prejudice and discrimination against black people is still inherent. Although it may now be more subtly practiced it nevertheless still concerns me. I fear for the future of my children and grandchildren growing up in a society that is alien and hostile to them and denies them equal opportunities and a secure future. "And secondly," he continues, "in recognising that many Jamaicans came here intending to stay only a short while to find the means to better themselves, the fact that many are now facing spending their retirement here not having achieved their dreams also saddens me. Active in the community
 | | Bernard's father, Daddy West, was a founder member of the West Indian United Action Group |
Bernard has always been active in the life of the community, involving himself in a wide range of activities benefitting not only his fellow countrymen and families but also the wider society. As with his father Daddy West community members approach him with a wide range of problems. He was a founder member of the West Indian United Action Group which was very active from the mid-70s and 80s addressing the needs of the black community and has been involved in numerous other groups since. Justice of the Peace
In 1978 Bernard was appointed a Justice of the Peace, the first JP from the Black community in Gloucester. He is a committed Christian, worshipping and involving himself in the life of his church St Georges in Tuffley. Also, with 30 fellow ex-pupils, he has raised thousands of pounds for Browns Hall School back in Jamaica. "I believe we only pass this way but once and any good deeds we can do should be done diligently and without seeking reward," he said. | 
