Members of the Windrush generation joined HRH Duke and Duchess of Cambridge at London Waterloo Station today to witness the unveiling of the National Windrush Monument.
“The National Windrush Monument will be a permanent place of reflection, celebration and inspiration for Caribbean communities and the wider public, especially children.”
“It will act as a symbolic link to our past and a permanent reminder of our shared history and heritage for generations to come. I hope it will be a catalyst for other monuments across Britain commemorating the extraordinary contribution to this country by the Windrush generation.”
“I am grateful to the members of the Windrush Commemoration Committee for their boundless dedication to ensuring this monument comes to fruition, and hope the Caribbean communities who we have sought to serve, believe that we have done them justice.”
World renowned Artist/Sculptor Basil Watson who created the Monument said:
“It has been an honour to design and create this monument which pays tribute to the Windrush generation migrants as they arrived in Britain with their dreams and aspirations, courage and dignity, skills and talents.”
“They arrived with the idea of laying a foundation for their families and their future, and a hope of contributing to a society that they expected would welcome them in return.”
“From this seemingly auspicious beginning despite many challenges, they spread their culture across Britain influencing many aspects of the society.”
“My parents, along with a great many others, took the long arduous voyage from the Caribbean with very little or nothing other than their aspirations, their courage and a promise of opportunity for advancement. This monument tells that story of hope, determination, a strong belief in selves and a vison for the future”
Andrew Haines, Network Rail Chief Executive, said:
“We are deeply honoured to be able to host this wonderful monument at London Waterloo station - a place that has a very proud and rich connection to the Windrush generation. After arriving in Britain at Southampton port, thousands upon thousands of Caribbeans travelled to Waterloo before they started their new life across the country.”
“Many of course then went on to work and become part of our railway family, supporting the efforts to build new railways and connect communities.”