The National Caribbean Monument Charity held its official launch on 14th February 2019, VALENTINES DAY, to add a touch of romance in celebration of our people. The day was in two parts. The 1st part was a programme in the morning at the National Memorial Arboretum as per flyer below. The 2nd part was a programme in the evening hosted by the Mayor, West Midlands Combined Authority, at Summer Lane, Birmingham.

The morning's event was an open invitation to the public which was very well supported with ITV Central, BBC West Midlands and the Express & Star Newspaper recording the event, which was attended by a large number of people from various cities and towns of our nation.

The press/Media, TV and Newspapers, were invited to help us to publicise this wonderful event and the ultimate objective of installing this Monument. The evening's event was by invitation only.

Flyer Designed by TNCMC Art & Design Team Jenny Turner & Joan Gregory-Bartisch 

Reverend Eve Pitts opening the proceedings with a special prayer of recognition to many who have accomplished great things.
Standard Party
Standard Bearers marching on the TNCMC Standard carried by Anthony Walters, (RAF) followed by Fred Seabury (Army) Brereton Branch, Royal British Legion Telford left, Vincent Daniel (Army) The Kings African Rifle, right, Ronald Lisk-Carew, The Royal West African Frontier Force, The Sierra Leone Battalion, back left, Kenneth Straun, Ex-Service Personnel Reunion (EPR) back right.
Marching on the Standards
Pauline Milnes speaking on the behalf of her Army colleagues Carol and Patsy who were with her on their first visit to the National Memorial Arboretum when they noticed that Caribbean people were not positively represented.
Jenny Turner arranged roses for individuals to lay on behalf 20 British Islands and TNCMC project.
Heart Shape created by Joan Gregory-Bartosch & Jenny Turner.
The laying of the roses was generational with one elderly and one young person each placing a rose to form a heart to celebrate Valentines Day in recognition and rememberance of our people.
An Ex Submarina Veteran and a pupil from Newbury School, Birmingham, taking their turn to lay a rose.
Another Newbury School pupil looking on solemnly after laying a rose on behalf of Jamaica.
95 year old Mr Alaber Jarrett, Ex Royal Air Force World War 2 Veteran,  layed the last of 20 roses on behalf of The National Caribbean Monument Charity (TNCMC)
Standard Party salute
"They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old: Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn. At the going down of the sun and in the morning - We will remember them." One love ❤
 
Flags & Crests representing the monument. 
20 roses were laid to represent each Island flag and TNCMC.
Thanks to all Speakers, Lt Cdr Suzanne Lynch, Royal Navy, Prof Martin Levermore, MBE DL & TNCMC Patron, LCpl Sandra Patterson, Army. 
Thanks to Kay from the Kilbrid/Morris family, Lichfield, for reading a letter from her Granddad to her Grandma during the 2nd World War. The family links back to Mr Morries who came from the Caribbean to Lichfield for his service in the Royal Air Force during World War 2.
 
 Photo of Private Herbert Morris grave in Belgium with wreath laid on behalf of TNCMC.
A Poem was read by Dr Josh Johnson MBE about Herbert Morris, written by Joan Gregory-Bartosch & Jenny Turner. Dr Josh Johnson also sponsored the inclusion of Private Herbert Morris, post No 200, in the “Shot At Dawn” Memorial at the National Memorial Arboretum in 2001. 
Proud Dominicans displaying their Island flag
The launch of The National Caribbean Monument Charity (TNCMC) was outstanding. It was clear to all who attended that such a project is a worthy cause. 
Many thanks to the following:
. Royal Air Force Specialist Engagement Team, Wales & West Midlands for sponsoring TNCMC backdrop & pull-up banners.
. Tesco West Bromwich, Mr Bhupinder Sidhu, for supplying the roses.
. Stanfield Care Services Ltd, Anthony Walter & Partner for sponsoring the coach.
. Newbury School, Birmingham, care of Stanfield Care Services Ltd, for pupils and teachers who attended.
. TNCMC & Brereton Branch Telford, Royal British Legion for Standard Bearer.
. Eleanor Smith MP for sponsoring the Bugler.
. Tesco Lichfield, Gemma Davies and Co for sponsoring drinks for toast to the celebration.
. The National Memorial Arboretum for their support.
. Express & Star, ITV Central & BBC West Midlands their attendance and recording of the event. 
. BBC West Midlands Radio, Nikki Tapper & producer for broadcasting the even.
. BBC Radio Derby, Devon Daley for brocasting the event.
. Radio Manchester - refered by Gregory Griffith (EPR) for broadcasting the event.
BBC West Midlands video:
Central TV video:
The wonderfull crowed, turned up on the day to witness history in the making, and yes, the weather was great with beautifull sunshine.
Evening Launch at Mayor of West Midlands Office
  
Left to right Mayor of West Midlands Andy Street, 95 year old WW2 Veteran Mr Albert Jarrett & Chair,TNCMC, Donald Campbell. 
Mayor Andy Street making aquaintenance with Mr Albert Jarrett
Lt Col Tim Petranski being made welcome by host Helen Taylor, West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA).
TNCMC Presentation on behalf of Trustees
Left to right WO Bali Flora, Sqn Ldr Amier Khan, Sgt Shiv Chand & WO Ashok obsorbing the presentation.
Left:Dr Beverly Lindsay OD Vice Lord Lieutenant of the West Midlands & Mrs Barbara Campbell, wife of Chair,TNCMC.
Many thanks to Dr Lindsay who very kindly sponsored the nicely decorated TMCMC cake
Cutting of the cake.
Guest of honour RAF Veteran 95 years young , as he likes to be known, Mr Albert Jarrett was given the opportunity of cuttting the cake. 
Members of TNCMC
Lord Mayor of Bristol conversing with Lt Cdr Suzanne Lynch & Warrant Officer Ashok.
Army Veteran Vincient Daniel & RAF Reservist Sgt Shiv Chand sharing the wonders of technology.
Caribbean canope delight refreshments provided by caterer Elizebeth, GOD Catering.
 
Many thanks to Mayor Andy Street, Meera Sonecha & Helen Taylor, WMCA, for very kindly hosting the evening launch.  It was indeed a fantastic gesturne of support to TNCMC on their part. The event was a tremendous success especially regarding raising awarness to the public.
 
Now, the hard work of raising £500,000 begins. We need all the help from everyone, to deliver this memorable project from its design, creation, installation and maintenance of the Monument. Our deadline is 2021.
 
Please make a donation via our Justgiving page by following this link: 
 
Press Release by West Midlands Combine Authority Media Office and credit to Alistair Harris for his committment in producing this release. Please this link to read the article:

Blog Ronald Lisk-Carew & Donald Campbell

Photos by various individuals