By Daviot Kelly, Gleaner Writer 
A jovial conversation ensues between (from left) president and CEO of Victoria Mutual Building Society, Karl Wright, chairman of the Jamaica Society (Leeds), Travis Johnson, Thyra Heaven, and Ambassador Derrick Heaven.
RETURNING TO the island of one's birth is the perfect idea for retirement. For members of the Jamaica Society (Leeds) in the United Kingdom, last week was the time for them to scout and find the spots for their dream homes.
The trip for the Society members, led by their president Travis Johnson, was organised by the staff of Victoria Mutual Building Society. VMBS took the group around the island showing them spots in St. Mary, Manchester, Kingston and St. Elizabeth. Executives of VMBS had met the group last year when they toured sections of the United Kingdom to reach out to Jamaicans living abroad.
So, a luncheon to commemorate this historic visit was fittingly held at Devon House's Grog Shoppe, which just drips of old English charm. The staff catered for the jovial group, still basking in the whirlwind four-day tour of the different parts of the island. They reminisced about the Jamaica they remembered and marvelled at the changes. More than a few kept asking "The trains stop running?" and "What happen to the tram cars?" It is said that you never stop learning and the returnees certainly caught up on the latest.
The most heralded of the returnees was Markus Mitchell. Mitch, as he is known, returned to the island for the first time in 60 years! He had joined the Royal Air Force in 1944, served in the army in various posts and later became a freelance writer, painter and decorator. Mitch hails from Manchester and is probably even more eager than anyone to return to build his dream home. (Amazing how after 60 years, a man could look so at home as Mitch did).
The founding members of the Jamaica Society (Leeds) created the organisation in 1977 to build and contribute to the city of Leeds, which Jamaicans had made their home from as early as 1947. The society has recently launched a book entitled, A Journey Through Our History, written by Melody Walker. It records the history of the Jamaican people in Leeds, their stories and experiences and the social impact of the Society. Copies of the book were signed by Mr. Johnson and presented to different individuals including president and CEO of VMBS, Karl Wright.
