Batch of '84 reunites

Chester Francis-Jackson, Contributor

As reunions go, this has been in the making for many years. You see, Batch '84 graduated from the University of the West Indies School of Nursing (UWISON) in Mona in 1983. As the years rolled by, there were a few false starts and hopeful encounters but none that could be considered a reunion.

After years of talking about it and even some attempts at planning it, there was the 27th-year reunion! Batch'84 was never one to conform, and in the memories of batches of student nurses who have passed through the corridors of the UWSION, Batch '84 still remains the one that could not easily be 'tamed'. So, instead of a 25th-year reunion, theirs had to be unique, hence the 27th-year reunion. It was a memorable event!

The weekend started with a rousing meet and greet, held at the home of Cheryl Spence in North Fort Lauderdale. This was the night of squeals and squawks, peals of delight and shouts of joy. Laughter and tears mingled into one and rolled down a few cheeks at the joy that could not be contained as the sisterhood of Batch '84 greeted each other. There were genuine exclamations as the 'batchies' caught first sight of each other after 27 years of not seeing each other. One expected a few "a you dat?" But no such moment came. The reconnection was instantaneous for the most part, proving magical, as it evolved!

The memories were made even dearer when out rolled the candy cane uniform, saved lovingly by the thoughtful mother of batchmate extraordinaire, Devan Oates. Of course, no one dared try it on since most people had put on a few pounds too many! But truth be told, there were a number of batchmates who, had they tried, could have fitted into their old uniforms!

Of course, a reunion of this order would not be complete without a Jamaican fare, and with former collegemates flying in from all over the world to Florida, such a fare was a requirement.

And so, patties were flown in from Jamaica, curried goat, barbecued chicken, jerked chicken, sweet potato pudding, among many other succulent dishes, and, of course, J. Wray & Nephew for those who wanted a splash of 'sumting' in their punch.

Main event

The main event was the following night, at the Jacaranda Country Club in Plantation, Florida. The opening remarks came from mistress of ceremony, Yvonne Walters, who continued to delight throughout the evening. Opening prayers were by Dahlia Stanbury, followed by a heartfelt welcome by M. Sonia Salmon-Spencer. The group was then serenaded by Sharon Griffiths-Lingo who, after a walk down memory lane by Sonia MacLeod-Wisdom and a peek into the future by Devan Oates, led the entire audience in the 'anthem' of Batch '84, He Ain't Heavy, He's My Brother.

Off-key or no, everyone held her own note, some rocked, some swayed, there were tears in some eyes, but sing they all did!

Guest speaker, the Rev Dr Conrad Spencer, who is from the United States Virgin Islands and is pastor at Faith Moravian Church, gave a stirring speech as the entire audience was held captive by his kind and witty remarks. He is married to batchie Sonia Salmon-Spencer, who captured his heart when they met while both were on campus.

He saluted all the nurses, and though he is still trying to learn how so few of them have grey hairs, the prevailing sentiment among the batch was that he was very fortunate to have met one of their own.

In attendance were elegant and gracious tutors who received awards presented by Cherise Francis-Windle. They included Leonie Spence, Olive MacLean and Eleanor Purrier.

Velma Ebanks lauded

Doreen Ferron-Boothe accepted a cheque for US$1,000 from the batch for UWISON. But the night belonged to Velma Ebanks, who was applauded by all for overcoming personal adversities to be present that night.

There were others present who just would not let personal tragedies and family challenges prevent them from reuniting with their sisters. They travelled from far and wide to attend. Claudette Coward and her family who, after missing their flights from Canada, refused to miss the reunion. Her wonderful husband, instead, led the family, who was easily persuaded, on a road trip in the family's minivan all the way from Mississauga, Canada, to Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

Dawn Borderwell, fondly called 'Bounty' who, when her new job refused to give her the time off, decided instead that life is way too short, more jobs will come but another 27 years may not!

Sunday morning saw the batch and their families and friends gathering for a non-denominational service of thanks, then it was off to the Spences Fort Lauderdale residence for more lyming and get-together. In an age of Twitter and Facebook, the consensus was, nothing beats physical presence!

It was a magical weekend as it was such joy to behold the spouses and the offspring of the batchmates. It made for some real teary moments. What fine young men and women this group produced! The youngest of the lot, four-year-old Victoria Windle, was just delighted to find all theses good brothers and sisters!

In the end, the motto still echoes through the decades - '75-strong can't be wrong'. The call has been made for all batchmates to reunite in three years when the 30th year will be celebrated, and the talk is aboard a cruise ship.

Contribution from Cherise Francis-Windle, Florida