Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by this author are their own and do not represent the official position of the Barbados Today.
by Vincent “Boo” Nurse
Ian Gittens, formerly of Belmont Road and Pine Gardens, St Michael is a name that would perhaps be unique if one looks at the roll call of Barbadians who emigrated to the UK from the island during the 1960s and 1970s.
Almost without exception, fellow countrymen had chosen to settle in the largely urban areas around London, Birmingham, Reading and Leicester, to name a few, in the belief and expectation that they would meet a familiar face. However, this route did not appeal to the ambitious student of the Modern High School.
As if by divine intervention, he found himself planted in the rural areas of Scotland far from home and not a fellow Bajan in sight. But he was not daunted, nor was he downcast in the near arctic conditions that sometimes can be found north of Hadrian’s wall.
Ian had visited Scotland on holiday in 1974 and, having fallen in love with the country and probably one of its citizens, returned in 1977 to take permanent residence. He is now part of the furniture and, as one would say in Scottish parlance, ‘one of the clan without his kilt.’
The young Gittens was known in Barbados in business circles, and when he arrived in Scotland, he was determined to rejoin that sector.
Ian said: “When I returned to Scotland there was great activity in the commercial and investment field, particularly with management of Unit Trust.
This was the big thing of the day, and opportunities seemed limitless if you operated in this field. Having thought deeply about a new career, I decided to join Hambro Life, then one of the world’s leading managers in Unit Trust.”
And I queried, were you not afraid to enter a new field in a foreign country and without the contacts necessary if one were to succeed in a highly volatile and competitive market? Ian was quick to respond.
He said: “I saw and weighed the pros and cons and I reasoned that the possible rewards far outstripped any possibilities of failure.”
Bold assessment was matched by similar action. Ian’s potential, aptitude and drive for success was soon rewarded when he was appointed Senior Manager at Allied Dunbar, another Unit Trust giant, a company he had joined on leaving Hambro Life.
Gittens was appointed Consultant by his new employers to work in the business capital of Scotland in Edinburgh, where he achieved great success before he was poached by Confederation Life of Canada to operate at a senior management level.
Ian had widely broadened his base and experience, and this gave him the confidence to paddle on his own.
He therefore set up his business in 1990 and has been in self-employment ever since.
Over the years, he built on his reputation and brokered many substantial deals for business houses in the commercial property market.
I sensed that the Modern High man was impatient to achieve greater success, to spread his wings to other areas and that he would not be satisfied to retire gracefully even at the advanced age of 74.
The malt whiskey and rural environs of the Scottish Highlands seemed a poor alternative to retirement. Ian said: “Much as I have loved my life in Scotland, I am always a Caribbean person and Bajan to boot.”
I therefore asked what ties he has to the island? Ian responded: “I have worked feverishly over many years in my limited capacity to bring Barbados to Scotland because I believed any success gained would greatly benefit my homeland.”
Emotionally, he continued: “I have co-hosted investment seminars on behalf of Barbados Investment Development Corporation, both in the Scottish main cities of Glasgow and Edinburgh in an effort to attract foreign and Scottish investment to the island.”
Gittens was also a member of the lead team invited to assist in setting up the Scottish Commonwealth Caribbean Cross Parliamentary Group, which is charged to promote trade and tourism opportunities between the region and Scotland.
Despite the many years away from the island, a passion still burns inside the proud Bajan and he holds strongly to his view about the island and its future.
An opportunity was not to be lost. How deep are these feelings, I asked, and how does he feel about the island moving to Republic status?
He did not hesitate: “Barbados has done a remarkable job since 1966 and there is no reason why we cannot or should not continue to progress as a nation state.” But is there more in his thoughts?
He continued: “One of our greatest assets is in the bellies of our people in the diaspora across all regions. This should be utilised to the fullest.
“Those of us who live overseas should always be encouraged to help with the nation’s growth and welfare in whichever way we can. There is a reservoir of untapped resources which I believe can profit the country if it is used in the right manner.”
Scotland is still written largely on the sleeves of Ian, and he says Barbados will always be his home.
He is happy to have contributed in some small way to the progress of the island and he concluded by saying: “Although I am a lone soldier over here, I will continue to beat our drum and fly our flag in the better interest of my brothers and sisters in Barbados.”
Ian is married to Patricia with whom he has a daughter, Charmaine. Hal and Stuart are his sons from an earlier marriage.
Vincent “Boo” Nurse is a Barbadian living in London who is a retired land Revenue Manager, Pensions and Investment Adviser. He is passionate about the development of his island home and disapora.
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