James Alves. The life of a pioneer

James Alves The life of a pioneer

Sightsavers' partner, the Caribbean Council for the Blind - Eye Care Caribbean, like to recognise the contribution of individuals who have worked tirelessly to improve the lives of people who are visually impaired across the region by awarding them the James Alves Award. These awards are named after the pioneer of services for people who are visually impaired in the Caribbean, who has become a true inspiration to the region...

James Augustus Alves, was born in Berbice, British Guiana (now Guyana), on November 10, 1883. During his childhood, he attended local elementary and secondary schools, at which time he suffered an injury to his eyes when an object was thrown at him in a school yard. He subsequently lost sight in both eyes.

At the age of 19, James travelled to England where he attended the Royal Normal College. His time at the College provided him with an insight into developments for blind people that were taking place at the time. Unfortunately, he encountered difficulties in acclimatising to the English weather and suffered poor health. As a result, he was advised by his doctor to return to the warmer climate of the Caribbean.

In 1911, James Alves travelled throughout the English-speaking Caribbean seeking to convince political, business and civic leaders of the need to establish programmes of services for blind people. He subsequently decided to settle in Jamaica. Unfortunately, his stay there was short-lived as he encountered problems in his attempts to start work. However, his efforts did not go unnoticed as a Methodist Priest gave him a letter of recommendation, which he took with him when he journeyed to Trinidad the following year.

In Trinidad, James Alves met with the acting Governor, Sir Samuel Knaggs, and presented his ideas. He, in turn, was requested to forward his ideas to the Governor (who was overseas) on his return to office. In the interim, utilising his time well, he approached a Roman Catholic Bishop and an Anglican Bishop for approval and assistance in commencing work for the blind in Trinidad and Tobago. Because the ideas were novel, they were viewed with some skepticism by the public, but received encouragement from the Clergy. On the return of the Governor, Sir George Lee Hunt, James Alves met with him, and the two Bishops. At the end of the meeting, it was agreed that before any work commenced, a census of the population of those who were blind should be taken. For James Alves, this marked a turning point and provided real hope.

In a feat showing initiative and determination, the indefatigable James Alves travelled throughout the island, through towns and villages, by horse-drawn carts and by train, collecting data about people who were blind. Throughout his journeys, he was accompanied by a young man who acted as his guide and provided whatever assistance he needed. At the end of the survey, he had found 533 blind people including 11 children.

Armed with the results of the survey, and with letters of support from the Royal Normal College, Academy of Music for the Blind and Lady Frances Campbell (an advocate of training for the blind in the UK), James Alves once again approached the authorities. They were so impressed with his findings that the Colonial Secretary requested the Governing Council give support to a scheme for the education and training of persons who were blind.

In 1913 the Council approved a motion for the establishment of a scheme for the instruction of blind people in Trinidad and Tobago. The Council also approved the "princely" grant of $100.00 per year for such work, and a Special Committee was appointed to oversee the process.

On April 28, 1914, the Committee met and took a decision to rent premises at # 43, Edward Street, Port-of-Spain, for the establishment of what was to be known as the "Institute for the Blind". Further, the Committee agreed to the appointment of Mrs. Lucinda Williams as Matron, with effect from May. At that meeting, James Alves presented a list (with the personal data) of twenty-four persons who were blind and who resided in the Port-of-Spain area, (including twelve who resided at the House of Refuge - a Poor House in the town), as the beneficiaries of the first programme. The meeting later took the decision to commence preliminary work for blind people on May 18, 1914.

As a consequence, under Mr. Alves' guidance and with material support from numerous people and institutions (both locally and overseas), the Institute for the Blind opened its doors on May 18, 1914.

In 1922, James Alves married a Trinidadian, Maude Enisnore Boddie and took up residence at Woodbrook, a section of Port-of-Spain, where he spent the rest of his life with his wife Maude and daughter, Stephanie. He was well known for his involvement with the Methodist Church as an educator and pianist, and was also involved in community affairs and regarded as a man of strong will and determination to succeed. In August 1969, he succumbed to complications following surgery at the Port-of-Spain General Hospital.

For blind people in Trinidad and Tobago and the entire Caribbean, the late James Augustus Alves holds pride of place for his sterling contribution in pioneering the introduction of services for the welfare, vocational training and education of blind and visually impaired people throughout the region.

Researched by: Raphael Maule (Trinidad & Tobago)