The Waterbury Democrat., 1945-04-28
(By Staff Reporter)

We've been wondering for some
time how the 300 JamaicanS, re-
Gently recruited to work in local
war production factories, were en-
joying their stay in Waterbury and
what their reaction might be to the
American way Of life"
An interview was arranged at the
Chase Metal Works where Justine
Young, a former employe OF the
Royal Navy, and Glen Powell. King
ston shoemaker, have been work.
ing from $50 a. m. to 2:30 p. m.
since their arrival from the British
West Indies almost three months
ago.
The men bowed graciously when
introduced by Chase superin-
tendent. Neither appeared dis
turbed or nervous when 1t was
learned an interview was re-
quested.
1--WE shall be very glad to answer
any questions" Young replied quick
ly in a low voice marked with a
crisp English accent.
What do you think of American, "
we asked.
The question pierced their calm.
Powell cast a sharp glance at Young
indicating he was expecting him to
answer. Young thought for a min
ute, moving about restlessly in his
chair. When the thought came, he
said animatedly:
Enjoyed Winter
"Oh, we've enjoyed the winter
weather very much. One is much
more energetic in cooler climate. F"
Powell appeared relieved when he
heard his friends statement. That's
right" he burst in evusively. cts
much, much better for work. And,
of course, 1t was the first time
we've seen snow"
But what do you really think of
America and our way of living"
W. asked again, sensing that our
visitors had not found the haven
OF happiness which they antici-
pated.
Some time elapsed before Powell
again answered. "Our employers
and associates at the plant here
have been most kind. But He
stopped abruptly, struggling his
shoulders hopelessly.
you've been homesick?"
NO" he answered CURLY. AL
though we are looking forward to
our return to Jamaica when we are
no longer needed.
"You like American people?"
Those we've met at the plant
and at the barracks have been very
friendly" he said. "Other than
work, we rarely go anywhere. You
Sc we're pretty well isolated down
there in Southington. We never GO
anywhere-except to church and to
the drug store for soap. OF course
you are aware that colored people
are not permitted to go everywhere
here in American"
Then you were not aware when
you left Jamaica that colored peo-
pie do not enjoy the full privilege:
Of white people in American"
It seemed the food gates hac
opened. "No-never," Young replied
shaking his head vehemently
Never" broke in Powell.
Young waved his friend aside
speaking rapidly.
"You see in Jamaica colored peo'
pie are barristers, doctors, teachers
and they hold high offices in thu
government. There is no distinction
at all. Down there it's a man:
brains that counts"
eyes" repeated Powell. "Dowr
there it's only a mains brains tina
counts. If he's got brains ne car
go anywhere and he's accepted any
where"
you can understand why w
were amazed to hear that proprie
tors of places of amusement believe
that colored patronage will spoi
their trade"
| Disillusioned
Powell explained that the shocl
had been accumulated by the fac
that he had served as a michro
phone worker evenings at dine-and
dance places frequented by Ameri
cans in pre-war years, and hat
never discerned that the visitor
harbored prejudices since the.
mixed freely with the patrons, thu
majority Of whom were colored q
half-castes. Less than two per cen
Of Jamaica's population OF 1.3O0,O0'
p ople are white, the remainde