Jean Agatha Forde was born on the 22^nd September 1942 at Triopaths in St. Andrew, Barbados.

War was raging in Europe and the Pacific, but they were not affected by this. She grew up in a safe and hardworking environment. Very little food was imported into the island, and what was would not have reached her family. Her family ate what was produced in the area.

A few shops in the area supplied the residents of Triopath, Boarded Hall, Cane Garden, Fruitful Hill, Bruce Vale, Haggatts and the surrounding areas with the few necessities that were not grown in the area.

There was Fosters Shop in Triopath and “Struggle Buggy” shop at the junction of Cane Garden and Boarded Hall.

Jean attended St. Saviours school until she was about 14 years old. The Head master was Mr. Gay. Secondary education was only for those who could afford it.

It was not until 1962 that free education for all children up to the age of 17 was introduced. Before that it was introduced in a limited number of secondary schools.

Everyone worked on the various plantations in the area or Haggatts and Bruce Vale factories. Most families had a piece of land and grew food crops or kept a few animals for milk, meat or eggs.

Some of these plantations were Seniors, Parks, Mellows, Spring Vale, Bruce Vale and Mount All.

Another source of income was the making of baskets. These were “Dung Baskets”, used by the plantation for carrying the animal manure into the fields, or baskets to take to the shop for the weeks groceries.

Jean was taught by her family how to make these baskets at an early age, who in turn had learned it from their parents.

Today Jean still makes small bread baskets and mats at her home in Fruitful Hill. Unfortunately that skill has not been passed on.

She recounts that Hurricane Janet did not cause any damage in the area but the residents in Bissecs, Spa Hill and the higher areas were not so fortunate.

Spa Hill was also referred to as Spawgee Hill. This is a derogatory name for the poor whites who settled there after completing their indenture.

Tar Sands was mined in the area between Triopaths and Hillaby and was used for patching the roads. Jean remembers an accident when the side of quarry collapsed and a man lost his life. She says he was a Mr. Niles.

Tar Sands quarry is different from the Manjack mine which was located to the South and West of Spring Vale Plantation.

Jean’s family attended St. Saviours Church and she was confirmed there in 1955, before the arrival of Hurricane Janet. The Priest, Reverend Malcolm Maxwell lived in the Vicarage with his wife and family. Michael Bruce St. John Maxwell, Reverend Maxwell’s son, is the current Bishop of Barbados.

The church and house are now demolished.

Jean has five children. Ronald Jordan, Adrian Forde, Rommel Forde, Winston Forde and a daughter, Sandra Jordan who lives in the USA.

Adrian is a member of parliament and minister of the environment. Winston died some time ago. Jean lives with Ronald in the family home at Fruitful Hill.

Jean Agatha Forde, despite being born in an underprivileged area, is a fine example of a Bajan who through hard work and dedication makes a positive influence on those around her.