THE West Indian Families and Friends Association (Wiffa) started in 1985 with a small number of members. Over the years the Association has changed and grown. Below, Mr Tony Sandiford, one of its founding members, looks back at Wiffa and how much it has changed since 1985.

THE West Indian Families and Friends Association (now referred to as Wiffa) has its genesis in the fact that a group of people saw a need especially in the South West area of London to set up a social organisation drawing on the diverse cultures of Caribbean people.

London has always been portrayed as a busy and impersonal place to live and work. It was of no great surprise that the early immigrant population had set up their own individual islands and school Associations, however there was no such place for those who did not belong to one of those institutions or so it appeared. What it did show that there was a lack of inter-island Social and Cultural Interaction.

The founders of this Association set out to redress the balance and took some inspiration from the unsuccessful bid to unite the West Indian people by way of a ‘West Indies Federation’ which had been formed but sadly abandoned 25 years previously.

It was generally felt that unity and fellowship among Caribbean groups could be encouraged by way of sharing common ideas, examining common needs and promoting social, cultural and educational activities which would be beneficial to all. This Association could set a high standard which could serve as a benchmark for others to follow.

There was a realisation amongst the founders that the issue of becoming one people, promoting goodwill and unity was still a burning ambition for some of our political leaders in the West Indies. The then Prime Minster of Barbados, Tom Adams, was at the forefront of this movement.

It was of some significance to the group that during the early planning stage that Tom Adams died suddenly in Barbados in March 1985. His untimely death provided the impetus to put our plans into reality - a fitting tribute to his memory!

In early May 1985, Tony Broome, Tony Sandiford, Neville Blackett, Philip Roach, Ervine Scantlebury, Darcy Farley, Winston Hunte, Sylvester Best and Joe Headley came together and formalise plans for officially launching the Association. The name West Indian Families and Friends was chosen, since it reflected that feeling of an embrace intended. A self-elected committee was formed to carry out the duties for the first year.

It was agreed that the mission statement should highlight Caribbean issues and the Association would be opened to anyone regardless of their origin.