Dear Sir,

I wrote an article published in The Royal Gazette on October 16, 2023 titled “A Black millionaire against all odds”. In that article, I described the events surrounding the dismissal of William “Willie” Paynter from the Spurling’s Meat Market in St George’s.

Just to refresh the memory of those who read it and to give a brief synopsis for those who have not, I have included a portion:

“In the election of 1953, Dr Gordon was scheduled to run as a candidate for Devonshire where the merchants knew he would be defeated. A shrewd group, which included Henry Dowling, William Paynter and other supporters had a well-guarded plan. Dr Gordon would run in St George’s. Five minutes before the closing of nominations, Dr Gordon handed his papers over to William Paynter who raced over with the documents giving the merchants no time to nominate anyone else. Dr Gordon was seconded by William Paynter. Dr Gordon won the seat but this enraged the business community of St George’s. Mr Paynter, who had been employed as a butcher at Spurling’s Meat Market for 13 years, was quickly and unceremoniously fired in an act of retaliation.”

Although I knew personally of the devastating effect this dismissal had on Mr. Paynter and his family, I felt it prudent not to include the details in my previous writing.

In response to the article, I received a photograph of the Spurling family and an apology from Graham Maule, one of their descendants.

Mr Maule has given me permission to publish the following:

“The Spurling’s Meat Market in St George’s was run by my ancestors. I cannot say that I am surprised about what happened to Mr Paynter, but on behalf of my family, I apologise.”

I appreciate Mr Maule’s courage and willingness to offer this apology when so many others have shirked away. Many of the younger generations of these families feel that they were not a part of what caused great pain within the Black community, and they confidently believe this exonerates them.

Mr Maule, I applaud your honesty and courage.

CECILLE SNAITH-SIMMONS

Sandys