Northern Ireland and the Kildare Plaque

Dear Friends

It’s been a busy few weeks since I returned from Northern Ireland. I have been researching into the rededication of the Kildare Plaque, which commemorates Irish deportees to Barbados, and I came across a song written for the commemorative event by Mario Corrigan... Here is a small part.

We’ll say goodbye to Ireland we’ll cry our tears and pray. That maybe we can somehow, make it home one day. Deported to Barbados, to the colonies as slaves. Shackled like common criminals, starved but for the grains. Bound for an Empire service, on plantations cruelly run. Working sugar and tobacco underneath the burning sun.

The more I read about this event, the more deeply I was moved that such a plaque exists - and it made me wonder whether there are others like it across Ireland. Knowing our stories are connected I am in the process of contacting organisers including His Excellency Cleviston Haynes, the first resident Ambassador of Barbados to Ireland.

Early on Monday 23rd through to Thursday 26th March, Annette and I will be returning to Northern Ireland, where I have been invited to speak at two events, and we also have an important meeting scheduled in Dublin.

1. Monday evening at 7-30, I have been invited to share with the ladies at “Friends First" in Ballynahinch.

2. Tuesday 24th at 7-30 Praying in Stormont (Transformation Ireland)

3. Wednesday 25th Kelvin, Evaline, Annette and I will be travelling to Dublin for a meeting in the Embassy at 2-30 with Ambassador Haynes.

Thank you for your prayers.

Every blessing in Jesus

Shirley

Read about the rededication here