The following is a tribute to a a great Barbadian compliments of Hal Austin
Athelston Winston Best.
It is impossible to speak or write about the British schooling system and its engagement with the post-war Black presence these last 50 years without calling the name, Winston Best, over and over again. Without doubt, Winston stands in the vanguard of the black working class movement in education and schooling as both an educator and an activist.
Winston (pictured right) was born on 15 August 1930 in Sugar Hill, St Joseph, Barbados, the first of six children of Luther and Lillian Best. Luther was a road builder and Lillian a market trader. Winston was big brother to Eulene, Gloria, Moriah, Lloyd and Owen. Gloria in Canada, Moriah in Brooklyn, Owen in Atlanta, Lloyd in Barbados and Eulene in Ipswich, East Anglia. Winston and later Lloyd came to England, Lloyd returning to Barbados after almost 40 years.
Sometimes, galaxies implode forever, never to be seen again and, because no hubblescope is there to record it, it goes unnoticed to the human eye, while angels shed a tear.
“This was the noblest Roman of them all. All the rest of the conspirators acted out of jealousy of great Caesar. Only he acted from honesty and for the general good. His life was gentle, and the elements mixed so well in him that Nature might stand up and say to all the world, “This was a man.”
I remain certain that many readers of the blog will pass this soldier in the bulwark by, without even a care for the stolid foundation that he worked tirelessly to create.
For we stand on shoulders of the Giants like Best.
Would that the present ilk replete with passing shadows could have one iota of the commitment like these men, would that there could be more Bests and Ralph Jemmotts and tireless warriors, true educators who lay down their lives for the greater good.
That is wishful thinking and so too does this light go out and few will notice its absence and fewer care.
Rest in Peace as each of us will, regardless of station and pomp, soon will
Yes PODRYR they don’t make them like this any more.
May he rest in peace.
Winston was an outstanding Barbadian and a giant in education. His contribution to London education policy generally, and to young black Londoners in particular will never be forgotten.
I have known an admired him for years.
May he rest in peace.
Rest in peace, Winston, you fought your sickness with dignity. Like Hal, I have known and admired him for years for he was also part of my family.
The contribution of Caribbean citizens , such as Winston Best in the Diaspora, must never be forgotten. I extend profound sympathies to his family.
Rest -In-Peace , Winston,and sympathies to the family. Remembered him well, having born a few yards from his family home.
I do hope that Winston has left us a book chronicling his life experiences ,especially in those early days in the UK.