Wednesday, October 04, 2006

Afro-Asian West Indian Nurses Association 1960

Afro-Asian West Indian Nurses Association circa 1960

This organisation for nurses was probably the first “black section” of any trade union.

Established in the late 1950’s this organisation was not a trade union but a “social welfare” organisation promoted by Claudia Jones at the West Indian Gazette. Which had been “very helpful”

To be a member of the A.A.W.I.N.A. you had also to be a member of the Confederation of Health Service Employees (COHSE).

The organisation had played a key role in recruiting “coloured nurses” in London hospitals.

The Secretary was Mr Sealy and the Regional Organiser was Mr McNeelance