the dowdie news gazette volume 2, issue 3

The Dowdie News Gazette

Volume 2, Issue 3 July, 2012

"Life affords no greater responsibility, no greater privilege, than the raising of the next generation." Published: 07/05/12 -C. Everett Koop-

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Hello Dowdie Family! I trust that your 2012 have been enjoyable, thus far. The first half of this year turned out fantastic, for me and I am looking forward to an even better second half! I have been super busy but I like to make time for fun stuff and love spending time with my family. I enjoyed lots of treasured moments with the family in addition to spending quality time with my young cousins going to the circus, movies, or just chatting. For the second year, I spent my Easter with Carl Dowdie and family in Maryland and Memorial Day with George Dowdie and the family in New Jersey. At both events, there were familiar faces from the prior year, some new faces that were celebrating with us for the first time and others who were sorely missed. With each Dowdie event, my vision of family unity is realized when cousins meet for the first time and in most cases, first cousins (my mother’s generation). I am now anxiously looking forward to the Jamaica family trip, where I am sure I will meet more “new” cousins whom I have had

the pleasure of speaking on the phone with and/or exchanged emails or Facebook messages. Smiles and endless laughter are some of the traits that Dowdies possess and both are always present at Dowdie affairs. Our family is unique in that we are able to unite and enjoy each other’s company, no matter what the circumstance. Anyone not smiling at a Dowdie event does not have our blood running through his or her veins. The only sadness that is visible occurs when it is time to say goodbye, until the next time. Yes indeed, my goal for bringing the family together is definitely being realized and I hope that we will create traditions that will be repeated annually.

Our Family Tree As I mentioned in the last (April issue) newsletter, there are blanks that need to be filled-in and I am hopeful that I will be able to do so in July, at the family event. The count for the Dowdie descendants on the family tree is now 899…and still growing. In May David “Bignal” Dowdie’s count increased by one, taking his count to 651. I am almost certain that the numbers will rise for the different lines, after meeting family this July, in Mountainside, St. Elizabeth where I anticipate meeting more “new” family and updating/filling-in blanks on the family tree.

Following is the breakdown of the offspring for those reflected in the above diagram:

Gifford Dowdie 2 Mary Ursula Dowdie 29 Maude Dowdie 7 Peter Vecas Dowdie 36

Sanford Dowdie 93 William Arthur "Cameron" Dowdie 55 David "Bignal" Dowdie 651 Mary Adela "Dowdie" Dowdie 15

On my journey south to Maryland (with mom and Alleena), I made a quick visit with Cousin Orgille “Roy” Scarlett, whom I haven’t seen for probably over 20 years. I have had the pleasure of speaking with him via telephone over the course of the past year, as he now spends most of his time in Jamaica. I was quite surprised and thrilled when he phoned to let me know he was in New Jersey for a short while and could not pass up the opportunity to visit. Roy is the son of Constance Smith and the grandson of Mildred Dowdie (David “Bignal” Dowdie’s first child, based on my research). During this visit, I met his wife, Paulette, daughter, Hope and son, Andrew. Due to our time constraints, we had to leave shortly after an unanticipated lunch that was most delicious, and made plans to return the following week for an extended

visit. Our second visit was equally as enjoyable as the first. Filling-in the Gaps In Volume 2, Issue 2, I shared the following baptism information for Dowdies who were baptized in St. Elizabeth:

• Louisa Dowdie: 18 Apr 1851 • David Dowdie: 18 Apr 1851

• Letitia Dowdie: 28 Nov 1856 • Sarah Dowdie: 10 Oct 1856

• Esther E. Dowdie: 02 July 1862

Please let me know if any of these names are familiar to you or if you know someone who might be able to shed some light on any of these Dowdies.




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2012 Highlights (April – June)

Easter

For the second year, I celebrated Easter in Maryland with the family and friends of Carl & Ethlyn Dowdie. My usual road trip companions, my mother, Dassy and five-year old niece, Alleena were on our way in the early afternoon and made a quick stop to visit Roy Scarlett and family. After a quick bite, we were on the NJ Turnpike heading south, by about 4:00pm, that Saturday afternoon, and arrived at our destination at approximately 8:30pm. Easter Sunday celebration has been a tradition that has been in effect for 20 plus years, in Carl & Ethlyn’s household.

Children and grown-ups enjoy this blessed occasion of family, fellowship and food. Although the occasion was enjoyable, there were a number of family members who were noticeably missing. When all the expected children arrived, they were able to color and decorate the Easter eggs that would later be hidden. The adults watched and were amused as the children, of all ages, desperately tried to find the most hidden Easter eggs. What I found most pleasurable was assisting with the operation of hiding the coveted money eggs. The big kids searched high and low and were able to find the eggs that contained cash. After all the eggs were found and the hunt was declared over, everyone went inside to dine on the delicious meal that was prepared. This year, Donnette Cooper (granddaughter of Mary Ursula (Dowdie) Cooper), from nearby Hyattsville was able to pass by to say hello to the family and Deidre (Dowdie) Charles (great granddaughter of David “Bignal” Dowdie) was able to join us again, this time with husband, Hans and children Emanuel and Isabel.

Bottom row, left to right: Deidre (Dowdie) Charles, Antonia Allen, Hans Charles, Kevin Dowdie, Antonia, Midori Dowdie, Melissa Dowdie, Sean Dowdie, Carl Dowdie and Donnette Cooper.




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Petrina Coleman’s Baby Shower In May, a carload of five of David “Bignal” Dowdie’s offspring (from grand to great-great grand) from New York (me and Sasha Pryce) and New Jersey (Dassy Herbert, Raniese Smith & S’ade Wilkins) traveled to Virginia Beach, Virginia to show our support at cousin Petrina “Pet” Coleman’s

baby shower (great-great granddaughter of David “Bignal” Dowdie. Our seven-hour journey took us over one of the world’s longest bridges – the Chesapeake Bay Bridge that spans 23 miles, from shore to shore. It was not my intent to take this route, however, we decided to use the shortest route provided by GPS. I drove five and a half hours and pulled over at the entrance of the bridge, in order for Raniese to take over the steering wheel. The bridge was not as terrifying at night as it is during the day, being that the darkness limited the distance we could see. When it was all said and done, the journey

across the bridge was bearable because of the company and conversation, in the vehicle. We were checked into our hotel rooms by 5:00am and rested until around 10:00am. Breakfast was the first order of the day and Melissa Dowdie (great granddaughter of David “Bignal” Dowdie) came from Newport News, Virginia to meet us, afterward. We arrived at the shower to give Pet the surprise of her life and she was quite thrilled to see her family; at times, she was found without words. Shateeca Gayle, Pet’s sister was also there with her baby, Zaria. It was evident that Pet felt proud to see that her family thought enough to travel such a great distance, in order to celebrate the happy occasion with her. There was plenty food, games and love in the room for Pet. After the laughter, tears and photos, we made our way to I-95 North around 5:00pm, homeward bound. I made it home around 2:30am, Sunday morning, after all my passenger drop-offs, pleased with another successful road trip! Memorial Day Weekend Memorial Day weekend was spent with George Dowdie and family in New Jersey, for the second year. The days leading up to Sunday, May 25th were rainy, however, the forecast called for a sunny Sunday, so we were less than happy when the overcast skies opened up. As I prepared the six dishes I was responsible for, I said silent prayers for a favorable afternoon. At about 1:00pm the clouds gave way to the sun and before long it became quite warm and we were blessed with perfect weather for a memorable afternoon. Like our Easter affair, there were noticeably missing faces, but this year’s affair brought new family and friends and there were only smiles and laughter throughout the afternoon and evening. As usual, the guests began arriving while I was still in the kitchen, but there was plenty appetizers for them to whet their appetite. The food was plentiful and the guests of almost 70 were not enough to consume the wide variety of dishes that was prepared. I introduced Roy Scarlett (David “Bignal” Dowdie’s great grandson) to George, and he (Roy) was happy to converse with George and shared memories of times that he spent with Uncle J.C., many years ago. Also celebrating with us for the very first time at George’s residence were Cherron Dowdie, her children Patrick Murphy & Patrice Murphy and Dionne Reid-Hayles and her son Jordan Hayles. Sasha brought her Ludo board and the cousins had a great time, with the game, which was a great pastime in their younger days.

Group photo from top left: Michael Dubose, ?, Patrick Murp hy, Lisa Green, Dassy Herbert, Antonia Allen, Christopher Cardoza, Keron Dowdie, Paulette Scarlett, Desmond Dowdie, Raul Dowdie, Cherron Dowdie, Patrice Murphy, Dionne Reid-Hayles, Joy Fearon, Theresa Bishop, Rosalee Samuels, Jada Cardoza, Christine Dowdie, Stacy Dowdie, Roy Scarlett, Audrylin Lee, Natalie Chance, Sasha Pryce, Michele Black, Jasmine Fearon, Shaniece Silvera, Damien Fearson, Allison Cardoza and Jordan Hayles.




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2013 Family Reunion As mentioned in the previous issue, our next Dowdie Family Reunion will be in July 2013. I was able to research the 2012/2013, school calendar for Canada, Jamaica, UK and the US, and I believe that July should work for all who are interested. Most of the 2011 reunion attendees agreed that the long weekend worked perfectly, so please mark your calendar for Wednesday, July 24th (arrivals) through Sunday, July 28th (check out). Feel free to come early and/or stay late and make it your summer holiday. Hotel Our host hotel for the 2013 Family Reunion is The HYATT house™ Fort Lauderdale Airport & Cruise Port Hotel and it is located just south of the Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood International Airport, the Port Everglades Cruise Port and the Broward County Convention Center. The hotel is situated minutes from breathtaking beaches, pristine golf courses and a large variety of shops and restaurants on the nearby Las Olas Boulevard and Hollywood Boulevard. The SunLife Stadium (Dolphins/Marlins) and the Hard Rock Café and Casino are also just a short drive away. This Fort Lauderdale suites hotel offers complimentary shuttle service to and from the Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood International Airport. Hyatt House Fort Lauderdale Airport 90 SW 18th Avenue Dania Beach, Florida 33004

Room Type Single Double Triple Quad Studio King $99 $99 $109 $119 Studio Double $99 $99 $109 $119

Some of the features of this All-Suite Hotel include the following: • Complementary full breakfast • Fully equipped kitchen with a refrigerator, ice maker, microwave, dishwasher, stove, small appliances and utensils • Complimentary Wi-Fi • Free parking

http://fortlauderdaleairportsouth.house.hyatt.com/hyatt/hotels-fortlauderdaleairportsouth-house/index.jsp?null

Money Matters Reunion Registration & Fees: We are trying to be as creative as possible and looking for ways to contain costs while making it a fun and exciting event. As everyone knows, there are costs associated with putting together such an event…from event meals, to t-shirts (logo, design, printing, etc.), transportation costs, etc. With that in mind, $TART $AVING! We are in the process of working out the costs for all the events and will have the registration and costs published out to you shortly. Don’t let that stop you. If you $TART $AVING and making your payments early, it will be a lot easier for you financially and reduces the stress for all of us in the long run. The schedule and activities will be similar to those in 2011. At the present moment, it is safe to expect the fee will be around $200 per adult, based on last year’s fee. The registration form will be included with the next newsletter (expect September 1st, or thereabout).

How You Can Help? Mark your calendar, plan your time off, and share the news with family members who may be interested! As with the first reunion, we will share details with you when they are available. If you have any comments, questions or suggestions, please feel free to share them. For those interested in joining the Reunion Committee, please send your request to [email protected]. Don’t forget to indicate your area of interest.




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2012 Jamaica Travel Plans We are all set and ready to go to Jamaica for a week filled with fun in the tropical sun. At present, a group of approximately 20 will be traveling from Florida, New Jersey and New York, to enjoy some good times in Jamaica. As previously mentioned, the main Family Affair this year will be held on Sunday, July 22nd at 2:00pm, in Mountainside, St. Elizabeth, where we will enjoy an afternoon of fellowship with family and friends, eat good food and have lots of fun. I hope to see you there!

For those who are interested in partaking in what is becoming a Jamaica Family Dowdie Reunion, please confirm your attendance, so that we will be able to plan accordingly. Also, a small (or large if you can afford it) donation will be appreciated, as it will help to offset our costs.

We have booked our rooms at the Iberostar Rose Hall Beach http://www.iberostar.com/EN/Montego-Bay-hotels/Iberostar-Rose-Hall-Beach.html, where we will enjoy an all-inclusive experience, including several exciting activities such as snorkeling and kayaking and a fabulous program of evening entertainment and shows.

Daily excursions will be planned to various parts of the island and I have secured a fully air-conditioned 21-passenger bus for our excursions to various parts of the island.

For those who would like to be included in the fun, please call 917-226-1069, email ([email protected]) or send me a message on Facebook, with questions or for additional information.

Scheduled Activities:

Sunday, July 22nd: Family BBQ in Mountainside, St. Elizabeth This event will serve as a family reunion of sorts. Our very large (Dowdie) family will attract a crowd that will include relatives from various Dowdie branches. Relatives who have not seen each other for years will reunite and those, whom have never met, will create bonds as we celebrate our heritage in our forefather’s district. Tuesday, July 24th: Day trip to Negril s

After breakfast, we will travel from Montego Bay to Negril and enjoy an afternoon on the seven miles of beautiful white sand beach. The seven-mile beach is so long it is in two different parishes, Westmoreland and Hanover. Westmoreland is the westernmost parish in Jamaica, located on the south side of the island.

Thursday, July 26th: Day trip to Ocho Rios After breakfast at Iberostar, the group will travel to Ocho Rios, where some will attempt to climb the famed Dunn’s River Falls. The falls empty into the Caribbean Sea. It is one of the very few waterfalls in the world that actually fall directly into the sea. The waterfalls are staggered and span some 180 metres (600 feet). Ocho Rios (Spanish for "Eight Rivers") is a town in the parish of Saint Ann on the north coast of Jamaica.

Saturday, July 28th: Family BBQ (Niagara, St. James) This event will be a retirement celebration, for Dassy (Dowdie) Herbert as she is now a woman of leisure and free from punching the clock. Dassy migrated to America in 1980 and first worked as an aid at a nursing home for two years and from there went to a pharmaceutical company (the manufacturers of Centrum) for 29 years. Dassy retired from Pfizer; however, in 1983 it was Lederle Laboratories. Over the years the company experienced a few mergers, the last of which was with Pfizer. The day she looked forward to finally arrived, and at approximately 10:30 am on Friday, May 4th, my mother called and said, “I’m free!” The final documents were signed and she was able to bid her co-workers, some for more than two decades, a fond farewell. Years before her retirement, mom mentioned that she wanted to celebrate in the place she once called home and where her parents are laid to rest. This event will also serve as the group’s final celebration, before leaving the island.




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JAMAICA Land I Love In keeping with the spirit of Jamaica’s 50 years of Independence and the 2012 Summer Olympic Games, that are scheduled to take place in London from July 27th to August 12th, I thought it fitting to share some historical facts about Jamaica’s contribution to the Olympics. I have learned that Jamaicans have been making and breaking records, since 1948. During the Olympics Jamaicans drop what they are doing (or take the day off) in order to support watch the Games and cheer on their fellow countryman on the big screen. Those who are not Jamaica bound for the 50th Celebration will travel across the pond to London to be a part of what will surely be history-making moments, or stay local to celebrate with family and friends. The Jamaican Prime Ministers were featured in the previous installment of the newsletter, and now find it befitting to feature the Jamaican National Heroes. For the most part, I have been told of contributions the seven Heroes made in order Jamaica to develop socially and politically. “These heroes challenged and conquered the institutions of colonialism thereby changing the course of Jamaica's history from slavery to emancipation.” The 1962 Celebration America celebrates their Independence Day on July 4th, while Jamaica’s celebrates on August 6th. In America, our July 4th celebration normally consists of BBQs, trips to amusement parks or the beach and ends with a grand display of fireworks, while Jamaica celebrates for an extended period of time. The celebrations include, but are not limited to, festival, all-night parties, ceremonies that include dignitaries from England, festival song competitions. We wear our Flag on our clothing, footwear and in our cars, to display our Jamaican Pride. There will be countless celebrations island-wide and in various countries (America, Canada, England, etc.) and Trinidad, who will also be celebrating their 50 years of Independence (from England). I wondered what the celebration was like on that faithful day in 1962 and had to wonder no more, as I was able to locate the following article “Jamaica Celebrates – Remembering ‘62”, that was published in the August 2, 2009 issue of The Gleaner.

The national parade, flag-raising ceremony and fireworks were held at the National Stadium with the evening's events beginning at 11 p.m. More than 20,000 people gathered at the venue for the night's celebrations. At one and a half minutes to midnight, the first verse of the British anthem was played. The lights on the 60-foot pylons were put out and darkness descended upon the arena. In the hush that followed, the Union Jack, which waved over Jamaica for 307 years, was hauled down. Then 30 seconds to midnight, the lights came on again and the Jamaican flag was raised to the top of the flagpole. Then, both verses of the national anthem were played. Dignitaries At the ceremony were the governor, Sir Kenneth Lightbourne, Jamaica's first governor general, his wife, Lady Lightbourne, and Jamaica's premier, Sir Alexander Bustamante, who was later sworn in as prime minister. Also present were Princess Margaret, who was representing The Queen, and her husband, the Earl of Snowdon. There were also dignitaries from many countries such as the United States, Australia, Pakistan and the United Kingdom. This aspect of Jamaica's celebration of independence was the most significant for former Prime Minister, Edward Seaga. "There was a glorious display of fireworks that went on for quite a while. It was very emotional because I was very involved in the event. I campaigned for it (Independence). It brought me to tears," said Seaga, who was minister of development and welfare in the Jamaica Labour Party-led government. Spectacular parade The national float parade was held on August 11. More than 5,000 people participated in the giant parade with about 90 floats. The parade started in Cross Roads and went down Slipe Road, east at Torrington Brigade, around North Race Course Road, down East

Race Course Road, down East Street, and west into Harbour Street and up King Street. The parade was led by Miss City of Kingston, Mitsy Constantine. There were floats from groups like the Jamaica Youth Club Council, Jamaica Industrial Development Corporation, Alcan, Jamaica Manufacturers' Association and Esso. There were also marchers from the Jamaica Library Service, footballers, horse-riders, tennis and hockey groups, the security forces, and uniform groups like the Cadets, Scouts, Guides, Boys' Brigade and the parade of the churches with massed choirs singing. Effigies of Louise Bennett, Ranny Williams and Alexander Bustamante were also present. Jamaica's Independence was heavily publicised in nearby territories, especially in the Panama Tribune. In addition, The Gleaner Company and N.V. Phillips of London made ten 23-inch television sets available for the viewing of the celebration at Victoria Park, Kingston. Leading up to the celebrations, certain key things had to be finalised. The design of the flag was chosen through a collaborative effort by government officials. The motto, 'Out of many, one people', was chosen by Legislature in 1962. The national anthem was written by Reverend Hugh Sherlock, while the music was provided by Robert Lightbourne. The national symbols were chosen by a select committee in the Jamaica Horticultural Society. Nash said volunteers played a key role in the '62 celebrations. Without a copy of the actual figures, Nash estimates there were about 500 volunteers in each of the 12 parishes outside Kingston and St Andrew. That means there would have been approximately 6,000 volunteers in those parishes. In the Corporate Area alone, Nash said there could have been another 5,000 volunteers. As for the cost, Nash said the British government assisted Jamaica with project advisors.




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Seaga was also unable to give actual figures. However, he said Britain also gave Jamaica a parting gift, having been its sovereign for more than 300 years. "Britain converted some existing loans to grants and signed over the lands at Up Park Camp to the Government of Jamaica. It was not intended to be a substantial value; it was more a token and symbolic," Seaga told The Sunday Gleaner. A time of happiness At that time, Needham said, it was a time of happiness for the people.

"I think there was a lot of hope in those days. It was the beginning of progress in terms of education and marked deterioration in others like criminality," Needham said. Since that time, a few things have changed. After the flag-raising ceremony in 1962, there was a much smaller celebration for the anniversary of Independence in 1963. But in 1964, a structured Jamaica Festival began, where there was a parade, as well as a showcase of arts. In 1997, when Emancipation Day was introduced as a national holiday on August 1, celebrations started from July 31 and ended on Independence Day, August 6. As time progressed, Jamaica Festival was separated from the Jamaica Festival of the Art.

What will you do to commemorate the day when Jamaica was granted independence?

A Brief History of Jamaica in the Olympics

Jamaica’s a very rich history includes our participation in the Olympics, since 1948, when Jamaica first competed at the Summer Olympics in London, England. On the left, is the flag of Jamaica that was flown at the 1948 Olympics.

Usain Bolt is recognized worldwide for his record-‐breaking speed and has broken every record for the events he has participated in. As a Jamaican, it makes me proud to know that we are able to perform on and capture the

attention of the world on such a grand stage. Before Usain, there were numerous Jamaican’s who made and broke records. When I watch the Summer Olympic Games on television a sense of pride overcomes me when I see the famous black, gold and green flag being waved.

Over the past six decades Jamaica has produced dozens of world class sprinters including Olympic and World Champion Usain Bolt, world record holder in the 100m for men at 9.58s, and 200m for men at 19.19s. Other noteworthy Jamaican sprinters include Arthur Wint – the first Jamaican Olympic Gold Medalist, Donald Quarrie – Olympic Champion and former 200m world record holder, Merlene Ottey, Delloreen Ennis-London, Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce – the current World and Olympic 100m Champion, Kerron Stewart, Aleen Bailey, Juliet Cuthbert, Veronica Campbell-Brown, Sherone Simpson, Brigitte Foster-Hylton, Yohan Blake, Herb McKenley, George Rhoden--Olympic Gold Medalist, Deon Hemmings – Olympic Gold Medalist as well as former 100m world record holder and 2x 100m Olympic finalist and Gold medal winner in the men's 2008 Olympic 4x100m Asafa Powell.

Jamaica has also produced several world-class amateur and professional boxers including Trevor Berbick and Mike

McCallum. First generation Jamaican athletes have continued to make a significant impact on the sport internationally, especially in the United Kingdom where the list of top British boxers born in Jamaica or of Jamaican parents includes Lloyd Honeyghan, Chris Eubank, Audley Harrison, David Haye, Lennox Lewis and Frank Bruno. Association football and horse racing are other popular sports in Jamaica. The national football team qualified for the 1998 FIFA World Cup.

The Jamaica national bobsled team was once a serious contender in the Winter Olympics, beating many well-established teams. Chess and Basketball are widely played in Jamaica, which are supported by the Jamaica Chess Federation (JCF), and the Jamaica Basketball Federation (JBF). Netball is also very popular on the island, with the Jamaica national netball team called The Sunshine Girls consistently ranking in the top five in the world.

The Jamaica national rugby league team is made up of players who play in Jamaica and UK-players from professional and semiprofessional teams in the UK. Their first international was a 37–22 loss to the United States national rugby league team in November 2009. Rugby league in Jamaica is growing with universities and high schools taking up the sport. The JRLA Championship is the main rugby league competition in the country. The Hurricanes Rugby League are a professional rugby league team who are hoping to compete in either the USA Rugby League or the AMNRL by 2013 during that time they will be training young players aged 14–19 who will be part of the Hurricanes RL Academy in the hope of developing into full time professional players.

According to ESPN, the highest paid Jamaican professional athlete in 2011 was Justin Masterson, starting pitcher for the Cleveland Indians.

There are also countless Jamaicans who participate in the Olympics on behalf of other countries.




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NATIONAL HEROES OF JAMAICA The Order of National Hero is an honour awarded by the government of Jamaica. It is a part of the Jamaican honours system that has been in place since 1969.

The highest of the five Jamaican Orders of the Societies of Honour, the Order of National Hero is given only to Jamaican citizens for "services of the most distinguished nature" to the nation. It can be awarded either posthumously or on occasion of the recipient's retirement from active public life. Recipients are permitted to wear the insignia of the Order, and they are given the style "Right Excellent". They are also traditionally honored with a tomb or monument in National Heroes Park, as well as a plaque or shield displayed in some prominent national place, such as the Institute of Jamaica.

The Order of National Hero was created by the "National Honours and Awards Act", which was passed by Parliament in 1969. This act also designated Paul Bogle, George William Gordon, and Marcus Garvey as the first three recipients of the honour.

This honour was awarded to the following seven Heroes:

In 1914, he started the United Negro Improvement Association (UNIA). The UNIA encourages self-government for black people worldwide, self-help, economic projects, protest against racial discrimination and cultural activities. In 1916, he went to United States where he preached his doctrine of freedom to the oppressed blacks. He visited thirty-eight (38) states in one year and in a few months there were more than thirty branches of the UNIA across the United States. Other branches existed in Africa and the West Indies. By 1921 Garvey was the leader of the largest black organization in history, which at its highest had 6 to 11 million. At this time there were 859 branches of the UNIA in over 30 countries. Between 1922 to 1927 Garvey's life had taken a turn. In 1922 he ran into financial difficulties and was charged with fraud. He denied the charges but was found guilty and fined $1000 and sentenced to five years in jail. He appealed the verdict in 1925 but it was dismissed. He was imprisoned in Atlanta where he spent nearly three years and then deported to Jamaica. During that time his wife, Amy Jacques, worked for him in his absence. Back in Jamaica, he continued to hold public meetings and other cultural activities in Edelweiss Park. But changes did not come easily and so he left in 1935 to England. In England, he remained active until January 1940 when he suffered a stroke. After suffering a second stroke he died in June 1940. He was embalmed and buried in Kendal Green Cemetery, London. In 1964 his body was exhumed, brought home, and reburied in the National Heroes Park. Marcus Mosiah Garvey, Jamaica's first National Hero, has been recognized as the first black man to awaken the dignity of the black race in Jamaica, North America and Africa.

Marcus Mosiah Garvey Marcus Garvey was born in St. Ann's Bay on August 17, 1887. He is said to have been a descendant of the Maroons. He was the last of eleven children. In his youth, Garvey migrated to Kingston where he worked at the Government Printing Office. He resigned this job in 1910 to publish a small paper called "The Watchman". This was regarded as the turning point in his career.

In 1865 the economic situation had gotten worst. There were increases in unemployment and taxes but a reduction in wages. Gordon had appointed Bogle the leader of the group he had chosen to take their complaints to the Governor. Bogle, with the support of his brother Moses, was holding private meetings without Gordon's knowledge. Bogle and Moses along with 200 men, marched to Morant Bay to watch a trial at the Court. A man shouted out to the Court and the police tried to arrest him. Bogle and his men saved the man from the police and they escaped. The following day in Stony Gut, they heard that a warrant was out for 28 of them. They tried to arrest Paul Bogle but his followers fought them off. On Wednesday, October 11, Bogle and about 300 men marched into Morant Bay and raided the police station and took some old guns. They then marched to the Court House where the Custos was having a meeting. They killed the Custos, Baron von Ketelhodt and fifteen vestrymen and set 51 prisoners free. The parish was put under Martial Law on October 13, and General Forbes-Jackson dispatched from Kingston with orders to crush the rebellion. The soldiers killed hundreds of innocent people were beaten, shot and hanged. Stony Gut was burnt out. Bogle and his man however had already fled to bushes. They were hunted throughout the day by the Maroons and the soldiers as a $400 reward was out for Bogle. He was held by the Portland Maroons the same say that George Williams Gordon was hanged. His trial was short. He was found guilty and sentence to death. He was hanged from the burn Court House with his brother Moses on October 24, 1865.

Paul Bogle It was believed that Paul Bogle was born free about 1822. He was a firm political adherent of George William Gordon. It was Gordon who made him a Deacon. He lived in Stony Gut and had another house in Spring Garden. Bogle was not a poor man, he also had 500 acres at Dunrobin.




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Alexander Bustamante born William Alexander Clark, in After primary school at Cacoon under Alexander James, grandfather of P.J. Patterson, as Clerk. In 1905 he traveled across Latin America and the Mediterranean. It is at this point that his trade union involvement began. When he returned to Jamaica in 1934 he had a new name "Alejandro Bustamante". This, however, was changed by deed poll to Alexander Bustamante in 1944. Between 1934 and 1938, Sir Alexander Bustamante swamped the press with letters denouncing the social conditions and demanding a better deal for poor and under-privileged persons. In 1937, Bustamante became treasurer of the Jamaica Workers and Tradesmen's Union, led by future legislator, Allan George St. Claver Coombs. In 1938, there were stages of unrest in Kingston, angry workers began to follow Bustamante through various strikes. On May 24, Bustamante was refused permission to stage any meeting in Kingston. Later that afternoon, he and Sir Williams Grant were arrested and charged with inciting people to unlawful assembly. They were sent to jail without bail and a state of emergency was declared by the Governor. In September 8, 1940 he entered detention camp and spent the next 17 months there. On his release he resumed full control of his Union and continued to organize labour. On July 8, 1943 Bustamante launched the Jamaica Labour Party at a meeting at the Ward Theatre in Kingston. Sir Hugh foot, Governor, in 1949 put forward proposals, which meant slight advance in self-rule. Bustamante accepted the proposal. By 1953, he was named Chief Minister. Shortly after adult suffrage was passed in May 1944, he took the JLP to the general election and won 22 seats of the 32. Sir Alexander Bustamante became the first Prime Minister of Jamaica in 1962. He retired active politics in 1967 and died on August 6, 1977 at age 93.

Sir Alexander Bustamante, K.B., O.N.H., Ll.D (Hon.) Blenheim, Hanover on February 24, 1884 to Robert Clarke, a Irish-descended book-keeper, and his wife Mary Wilson, a small farmer. Poverty ruled out any significant amount of schooling for the young man and he started working at an early age.

George William Gordon was a large landowner, shop-keeper, produce dealer, preacher, politician, social worker and philanthropist. Gordon started out as an Anglican but changed to Baptist. He was baptized to the Baptist Society by Rev. J.M. Phillippo, founder of Jamaica's first Free Village. Gordon later became a leader of the Native Baptist Movement and began building several churches at his own expense, ordained Ministers and was an active evangelist. In 1843, age 23 he was elected to the House of Assembly for St. Thomas. Gordon's public life began about 1844. He entered politics as an advocate for the poverty-stricken Negro peasants. In 1865, the economic condition in Jamaica had gotten worst. Gordon, spoke openly on behalf of the poor Negroes and with bitter criticism of Lieutenant Governor Edward Eyre. During this period of oppression for the Negroes, Paul Bogle was very active in revolting against the system of government. On October 11, Paul Bogle with about 300 men marched in Morant Bay, where the Town Council was in session. There they raided a police station for arms and the Court House was set on fire. They killed the Custos, Baron von Ketelhodt and fifteen vestrymen. It was from this incident that a warrant was done for Gordon's arrest. Gordon having heard that a summons was out for his arrest took himself in to Governor Eyre. On October 21, 1865, he was sentenced to death. On October 27, 1960, the Jamaican Parliament named the building in this building where the Parliament Meeting will be kept in his honour. It was named the George William Gordon House often called "Gordon House". After independence was given the nation's highest honor, Order of National Hero.

George William Gordon

The Rt. Excellent George William Gordon was born near Mavis Bank, in 1820 to a Joseph Gordon, a Scottish Planter, and a slave woman. George William Gordon saw that his son had special characteristic and from an early age decided to take an interest in his education. George went to live with his godfather, James Daly, in Black River and there completed his education. Gordon was mostly self-educated.




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At age six his father died, leaving the family with limited resources. His mother then moved to Belmont, St. Catherine. Manley was a brilliant scholar. He was also an athlete, a soldier in World War I and a lawyer. In September 1938, he founded the Peoples National Party (PNP) and was elected President until his retirement 31 years later. As Chief Minister and later Premier, he moved the country rapidly towards internal self-government in July 1959 and independence, August 1962. Illness forced Manley to retire from politics in 1969. He died on September 2, 1969 at the age of 76. Norman Washington Manley was declared a National Hero, and his dedication to the people can be seen with the memorial on the site of his grave at National Heroes Park Kingston, Saint John, Jamaica. There are statues of him at North Parade, Palisadoes International Airport. The Jamaican five dollar coin bears his insignia.

Norman Manley Norman Manley was born at Roxborough, Manchester on July 4, 1893 to Thomas Albert Samuel Manley, a planter and producer, and Margaret Ann Shearer, a small pen-keeper from Blenheim, Hanover. Manley was one of four children. He had two sisters, Vera and Muriel, and one Brother Roy, who was killed in the first World War.

Samuel Sharpe had special responsibilities. One of his responsibilities was to take the jobbing slaves, those hired out to others, to work. While carrying out his daily duties he was disgruntled with the way slaves were treated, himself included. He wanted to be free.

He devised a plan of passive resistance in order to force the hands of the planters. Sharpe and his congregation decided that as of Christmas day, 1831, they would cease to work as slaves. Sam Sharpe was the main instigator of the Slave Rebellion, which began on Kensington Estate in St. James. It was this rebellion that lead to the abolition of slavery. Sam Sharpe was executed as a result in the Montego Bay market place (Parade) on 23 May 1832. He was buried in the sands of the Montego Bay Harbour. His remains were exhumed and reburied beneath the pulpit at Burchell Baptist Church.

Sam Sharpe was declared a National Hero in 1975.

Samuel Sharpe Samuel Sharp or Daddy Sharpe as he was affectionately called, saw the injustices of slavery and was appalled by it. Born in 1801 in Montego Bay, Samuel Sharpe grew up as a house slave. He was educated by his master who was also named Samuel Sharpe. His master treated him very well. Samuel was literate and was allowed certain amount of freedom. He became the master's right-‐hand man.

As the leader of the main group of the Windward Maroons, her military genius was unparalleled. Maroon strategies included the use of camouflage, using bush wrapped around their bodies to blend in with the environment. In addition, Asante retentions were utilized in developing communications systems based on the cadences of drums and abengs (horns), which were unintelligible to the enemy. Also, the adherence to their spiritual beliefs presumably involved and invoked supernatural forces. Bolstered by tales of their ferocity, this provided an element of psychological warfare, which struck terror in the hearts of others. Nanny, in particular, was believed to be an obeah woman who used her powers to exercise considerable control over her followers. . She struck terror in the hearts of the whites to the extent that news of her death was joyously received as a slave, Cuffee, was handsomely rewarded when he declared that he had killed her. This allegation was entirely false as Nanny outlived the First Maroon War, and subsequently received 500 acres of land from the British for herself and her people. Nanny's spirituality is evidenced by her faith in her Creator God, Nyankypon (Yankypon), and her capacity to receive messages from him has contributed to the Nanny legend. A case in point involves Nanny's prayer to Nyankypon when she and her followers were cut off from their main source of food and facing extinction. Nyankypon appeared to Nanny in a vision and suggested that she plant the pumpkin seeds she had in her pocket. Nanny was then able to feed her troops and reflect on her strategies as the seeds produced a bumper crop of pumpkins almost overnight. Although Nanny has become the source of many legends, her spirit lives on as she is revered by all present-day Maroons. To the eastern Maroons in particular, she has been a constant source of pride and a living presence for the past two centuries. The Maroons exist as a clan and, in keeping with the Akan concept of lineage and the matrilineal society Nanny is regarded as the primordial ancestor of present-day Maroons. In 1977, she was proclaimed a Jamaican National Hero, being the only woman thus honored.

Nanny of the Maroons It is not certain whether Nanny was born in Jamaica or in Africa. Nanny was of Ashante origin and was the sister of Cudjoe, the leader of the Trelawny Town Maroons and Quao. Nanny was not a slave. She was married but had no children. Nanny, or Granny Nanny as she was affectionately called, was a brilliant military strategist. She was equally adept at being a shrewd military tactician and the spiritual leader of the Windward Maroons, providing the group with military and religious stability. She unified the Maroon alliance and directed an effective resistance movement against the British. Like her predecessors, Queen Nzinga of Angola and Yaa Asantewa of Ghana, she established a formidable resistance against a technologically superior force.




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JAMAICAN COAT OF ARMS

Considered as a legacy from the British with slight modifications, the Jamaican Coat of Arms was granted to Jamaica in 1661 under Royal Warrant. The original was designed by William Sancroft, then Archbishop of Canterbury.

The motto of the seal has been a matter of discussion for years since inception. The original motto, INDVS VTERQVE SERVIET VNI is the Latin translation for "The two Indians will serve as one", or rather "Both Indies will serve Together", in reference to the collective servitude of the Taino and Arawak Indians to the colonizers. The motto was later replaced with the English motto "Out of Many, One People", as tribute to the unity of the different cultural minorities inhabiting the nation. Perhaps as coincidence, the motto has the same meaning with the motto of the United States; E Pluribus Unum.

The Jamaican coat of arms has seen quite a number of changes, but only three are officially recorded. These changes occurred in 1906, 1957 and 1962.

National symbols

National Bird — Red-billed Streamertail (aka Doctor Bird) (a Hummingbird, Trochilus polytmus)

The Red-billed Streamertail (Trochilus polytmus), also known as the Doctor Bird, is indigenous to Jamaica, where it is the most abundant and widespread member of the hummingbird family. While most authorities now consider it a separate species, some (e.g. AOU) continue to consider it conspecific with the Black-billed Streamertail. The Red-billed Streamertail is the national bird of Jamaica. The bird is featured in Ian Fleming's James Bond short story, For Your Eyes Only. The first line of the book reads, "The most beautiful bird in Jamaica, and some say the most beautiful bird in the world, is the streamer-tail or doctor humming-bird."

National Flower – Lignum vitae (Guiacum officinale)

Lignum vitae is a trade wood, also called guayacan or guaiacum, and in parts of Europe known as pockenholz, from trees of the genus Guaiacum. This wood was once very important for applications requiring a material with its extraordinary combination of strength, toughness and density. It is also the Jamaican national flower. "Lignum vitae" is Latin for "wood of life", and derives from its medicinal uses; lignum vitae resin has been used to treat a variety of medical conditions from coughs to arthritis, and chips of the wood can also be used to brew a tea. Other names for lignum vitae include palo santo (Spanish for "holy wood") and greenheart; lignum vitae is also one of the numerous hard, dense woods referred to as ironwood.

National Tree — Blue Mahoe (Hibiscus talipariti elatum)

The Talipariti elatum tree is quite attractive with its straight trunk, broad green leaves and hibiscus-like flowers. It grows quite rapidly, often attaining 20 metres (66 ft) or more in height. The attractive flower changes color as it matures, going from bright yellow to orange red and finally to crimson. The name Mahoe is derived from a Carib word. The ‘blue’ refers to blue-green streaks in the polished wood, giving it a distinctive appearance.

Arms of Jamaica

Between 1875 - 1906 From 1906 to April 8, 1957 Between April 8, 1957 - July 13, 1962 From July 13 to August 6, 1962




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National Fruit — Ackee (Blighia sapida)

The ackee, also known as the Zakari el trufi, y chocorras el albatros, akee apple or akee (Blighia sapida) is a member of the Sapindaceae (soapberry family), native to tropical West Africa in Cameroon, Gabon, São Tomé and Príncipe, Benin, Burkina Faso, Côte d'Ivoire, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Mali, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone and Togo. The scientific name honours Captain William Bligh who took the fruit from Jamaica to the Royal Botanic Gardens in Kew, England in 1793 and introduced it to science. The common name is derived from the West African Akye fufo. The term ackee originated from the Akan language.

The fruit was imported to Jamaica from West Africa (probably on a slave ship) before 1778. Since then it has become a major feature of various Caribbean cuisines, and is also cultivated in tropical and subtropical areas elsewhere around the world. National Motto — "Out of Many, One People."

Jamaica Independence Festival

The festival was initiated in 1962 by then Minister of Community Development (and later Prime Minister) Edward Seaga, to showcase literary, fine, and performing artists, and to celebrate "things Jamaican". The festival was considered integral to national development as a way of giving Jamaicans a sense of who they are, and what their history and culture is all about. The festival was scheduled for the first Monday in August, to coincide with the holiday to celebrate both independence and emancipation. The festival includes agricultural exhibitions, and street parades, climaxing in a grand gala at Kingston's National Stadium. Supporting events take place all over the island. A formal organizing group, the Jamaica Festival Commission was established by an act of parliament in 1968, which became the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission (JCDC) by another parliamentary act in 1980. Today, the administrative structure includes a large volunteer-base with a JCDC officer appointed to oversee activities in each parish. The festival now includes the Miss Jamaica Festival Queen Contest, a national Mento band competition, and a Gospelsong competition. One of the highlights of the festival is the Popular Song Competition (before 1990 known as the Independence Festival Song Competition), which first took place in 1966, and has been won by artists such as The Maytals, Desmond Dekker, Freddie McKay, and Eric Donaldson. The Popular Song Competition has taken place since 1966, with the winners as follows:

• 1966 - The Maytals with "Bam Bam" • 1967 - The Jamaicans with "Ba Ba Boom" • 1968 - Desmond Dekker & The Aces with "Music

Like Dirt" • 1969 - The Maytals with "Sweet and Dandy" • 1970 - Hopeton Lewis with "Boom Shaka Laka" • 1971 - Eric Donaldson with "Cherry Oh Baby" • 1972 - Toots & the Maytals with "Pomps and

Pride" • 1973 - Morvin Brooks with "Jump In The Line" • 1974 - Tinga Stewart with "Play de Music" • 1975 - Roman Stewart with "Hooray Festival" • 1976 - Freddie McKay with "Dance This Ya

Festival" • 1977 - Eric Donaldson with "Sweet Jamaica" • 1978 - Eric Donaldson with "Land of my Birth" • 1979 - The Astronauts with "Born Jamaican" • 1980 - Stanley & The Turbines with "Come Sing

With Me" • 1981 - Tinga Stewart with "Nuh Wey Nuh Betta

Dan Yard"

• 1982 - The Astronauts with "Mek Wi Jam" • 1983 - Ras Karbi with "Jamaica I'll Never Leave

You" • 1984 - Eric Donaldson with "Proud to be

Jamaican" • 1985 - Roy Rayon with "Love Fever" • 1986 - Stanley & The Turbines with "Dem a fe

Squirm" • 1987 - Roy Rayon with "Give Thanks and Praise" • 1988 - Singer Jay with "Jamaica Land We Love" • 1989 - Michael Forbes with "Stop and Go" • 1990 - Robbie Forbes with "Island Festival" • 1991 - Roy Rayon with "Come Rock" • 1992 - Heather Grant with "Mek wi Put Things

Right" • 1993 - Eric Donaldson with "Big It Up" • 1994 - Stanley & The Astronauts with "Dem a

Pollute" • 1995 - Eric Donaldson with "Join de Line" • 1996 - Zac Henrry & Donald White with "Meck

We Go Spree"

• 1997 - Eric Donaldson with "Peace and Love" • 1998 - Neville Martin with "Jamaica Whoa" • 1999 - Cheryl Clarke with "Born Inna JA" • 2000 - Stanley Beckford with "Fi Wi Island A

Boom" • 2001 - Roy Richards with "Lift Up Jamaica" • 2002 - Devon Black with "Progress" • 2003 - Stefan Penincilin with "Jamaican Tour

Guide" • 2004 - Stefan Penincilin with "Ole Time Jamaica" • 2005 - Khalil N Pure with "Poverty" • 2006 - Omar Reid with "Remember the Days" • 2007 - Neville 'Gunty' Winters with "Woman A

Di Beauty" • 2008 - Roy Rayon with "Rise and Shine" • 2009 - Winston Hussey with "Take Back Jamaica" • 2010 - Kharuso with "My Jamaica" • 2011 - Everton David Pessoa with "Oh if We"

Sources cited: http://www.nlj.gov.jm/ www.yardflex.com http://en.wikipedia.org/




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April – June Dowdie Family News and Updates

2012 Dowdie Arrivals

Dowdie Newlyweds

On April 15, 2012, RYAN & RACHELLE (MCKENZIE) WIGGAN became man and wife, in Riverside, CA. Rachelle is the daughter of Homer & Leonarda (Dowdie) McKenzie and granddaughter of Leonard Dowdie.

On May 6, 2012, LOY & KERSHA (CLARKE) CLAYTON became man and wife, in Jamaica. Kersha is the daughter of Joanne Dowdie and granddaughter of Lewis Dowdie.

On June 30, 2012, BRYAN & MONIKA (VINES) DOWDIE became man and wife, in Washington, DC. Bryan is the son of Carl & Ethlyn (Harding) Dowdie and grandson of Leonard Dowdie.




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Congrats 2012 Dowdie Graduates

Other Dowdie News

Kerri-Ann McKenzie Residency Program in Pediatrics UWI, Mona Campus, Jamaica

Gayon Chambers-Lyn Masters of Art in Library & Information Studies UWI, Mona Campus, Jamaica

Darwin Adrian Dowdie Bachelor of Science Southern Polytechnic State University Marietta, Georgia

Diamond S’ade Wilkins Associate in Science Bergen Community College Paramus, New Jersey

Patrice Murphy Dacula High School Dacula, Georgia

Jadin Cushnie Future’s Best Nursery Academy Fort Lee, New Jersey

Nickeisha Tamika Watson Social Service Worker–Gerontology Seneca College Toronto, Ontario

Jayden Ethan Roache, Age 6, participated in his first "Piano Recital" in May 2012. Jayden is the son of Rohan and Christina Roache. Jayden is the great grandson of Muriel (Dowdie) Roache and great great grandson of David “Bignal” Dowdie.

Dassy (Dowdie) Herbert has done what I may never be able to do in this country, retire. After working the second shift for 29 years at Pfizer (formerly Lederle Laboratories), Dassy punched the clock one final time on the morning of May 4th. Dassy is the daughter of Stanley P. Dowdie and granddaughter of David “Bignal” Dowdie.




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I hope you enjoy reading this issue of The Dowdie News Gazette. I appreciate your continued feedback. I can only report what I am informed of and no one is ever intentionally ignored. My aim is t o keep the entire family network connected, through the newsletters! Please continue to let me know your thoughts, suggestions or comments about the newsletters. Help me to help us stay connected, by updating me on your (and your family’s) achievements and also by sharing stories that you may have regarding your branch of the Dowdie Family. If you have any old photographs or newspaper clippings, please send them to [email protected] or to the attention of: Antonia Allen, 234-18 137th Avenue, Rosedale, NY 11422.

Volume 2, Issue 2 corrections: Vevean Dowdie’s telephone number was listed incorrectly, in the Family Updates “Tragedy in the Family”. The correct telephone number is 876-‐588-‐5142

July – August Dowdie Birthdays

July

August

September

Judy Dowdie 01 Dorothy Samuels 02 Pansy Watson 01 Tanisha Dowdie 01 Ashley Seaton 05 Velma Dowdie 01 Rosalee Samuels 01 Gareth McCallum 06 Chynna Legister 02 Chanice Sewell 02 O.George Dowdie 08 Leonie Dowdie 07 Carlie Donaldson 02 Kamal Wedderburn 09 Jaison Williams-Silvera 08 Sherika Allison 02 Bryan Dowdie 10 Kevin Dowdie 08 Leonarda McKenzie 03 Rianne Malcolm 10 Deborah Lindo 09 Rachelle McKenzie 03 Sara Legister 12 Asannia Dowdie 10 Evon Phillips 05 Dilys Brooks 13 Josiah Mercy Sawyers 10 Lauren Dowdie 05 Najah Dowdie 15 Jetaun Wilson 11 Brandon Legister 06 Maxine Smith 16 Janelle McCallum 13 Jenni Allen 09 Darwin Dowdie 18 Nasya Bailey 14 Sean Dowdie 10 Justin Richards 18 O'Dwayne Irving 15 Pauline Sawyers 10 Yvonne Watson-Sewell 18 Daniel Dowdie 15 Coleen Dowdie 11 Jantae Dowdie 21 Diane Dowdie-White 15 Joy Marie Fearon 13 Ashleigh Sawyers 23 Aston Kirlew 18 Raniese Smith 14 Jadin Cushnie 27 Raveen Phillips 20 Shanice Young 14 C.J. Dowdie 31 Alphonso Rock 20 Damiel Dowdie 16 Kurt Chambers 22 Nickhail Dowdie 17 Marie Dowdie 22 Elaine Flash 18 Andrew Scarlett 24 Asheka Mathew-Ekuku 19 Stacy-Renée Battick 27 Mahnya Roache 19 Elizabeth Briggs 27 Ryan Christie 19 Devonte Dowdie 28 Rukia Sawyers 20 Dorothy Samuels 21 Terry Bent 21 Zach Dowdie 23 Hugh Smith 23 Andrew Dowdie (UK) 23

Tashna Smith 24 Kelsea Green 27 Esther Fearon 27 Ryan Dowdie 27 Patrice Murphy 30 Brian Legister 31

Please let me know the date of your birthday or any missing family member’s

and I will add it to the list.

Dowdie Wedding Anniversaries July

Rohan & Christina Roache - July 22, 2005

August Delano "Dicky" & Saundria Dowdie – August 29, 2006

Andrew & Antonia Williams – August 26, 2000

Sean & Heather Sawyers - August 15, 2009

September

the dowdie news gazette volume 2, issue 3

Documents

hello dowdie family

dowdie event

new family

mary adela dowdie dowdie

sanford dowdie

maude dowdie

george dowdie

gifford dowdie